Tuition at the Academy of the Sacred Heart is an exceptional investment in your child’s future. The greatest two gifts a parent can give their child is an outstanding education embedded with character and leadership, and the gift of their faith in God.
Our creative approach to education goes beyond instruction to enrich the life of the intellect and the spirit, to inspire genuine caring for others, to help each student develop keen judgment, and the ability to express oneself. These characteristics, combined with thorough academic preparation, will stand a student in good stead to tackle the challenges of high school, college, and life.
For some families, the cost of full tuition can stretch resources beyond the limit of their annual budget. The Academy is committed to working with families to provide an unparalleled education regardless of a family’s financial circumstances.
In the spirit of the Sacred Heart commitment to building community and removing barriers, we have implemented an innovative new tuition model – the Affordable Customized Tuition Program (ACT). The ACT Program is designed to increase access to a high-quality Sacred Heart education for academically qualified students who can strengthen our community and advance the mission of the School. In a competitive independent school market, we want to be the top choice for your family!
We believe that students and families who are seeking a Sacred Heart education and are ready to make the most of the Academy experience should not see tuition as a barrier. The ACT Program makes this possible!
Choosing the perfect fit for your child’s education is a very personal decision and we understand that many factors, including tuition, contribute to your final decision. In keeping with our commitment to the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education, the ACT Program individualizes each family’s rate of tuition so that a Sacred Heart education is within reach. As we move through the ACT Program to determine your family’s contribution, please know that fairness and confidentiality are at the heart of this process. The ultimate goal is to enrich our Sacred Heart community and touch the hearts and minds of more students at the Academy of the Sacred Heart.
2024–2025 Tuition & Course Fees
Primary School (3PK, PK & K)
- Little Acorns (3PK) Half-Day 5 Day Program: $7,110
- Fees: $225
- Total: $7,335
- Pre-Primary (PK) Half-Day Program: $7,750
- Fees: $225
- Total: $7,975
- Primary (K) Full-Day Program: $15,210
- Fees: $425
- Total: $15,635
Lower School (1st—4th)
- First Class: $15,210
- Fees: $425
- Total: $15,635
- Second Class: $15,210
- Fees: $425
- Total: $15,635
- Third Class: $15,210
- Fees: $425
- Total: $15,635
- Fourth Class: $15,210
- Fees: $495
- Total: $15,705
Middle School (5th—8th)
- Fifth Class: $15,210
- Fees: $655
- Total: $15,865
- Sixth Class: $15,210
- Fees: $655
- Total: $15,865
- Seventh Class: $15,210
- Fees: $755
- Total: $15,965
- Eighth Class: $15,210
- Fees: $875
- Total: $16,085
Application Fee: $100
Course Fees are non-refundable comprehensive fees which help to offset the cost of books, instructional materials, Sacred Heart Network dues, field trips, and technology costs for the school year. In Middle School the fees also help cover retreats and laptops. First Communion fees are handled separately for 2nd grade.
Click here for information on Early Arrival, Late Dismissal, and Stay & Play.
Gift the Gap
While full tuition at the Academy of the Sacred Heart funds a major portion of the cost to educate, it does not fully cover the cost of education. The Academy relies on the generosity of alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, and friends of the Academy to supplement the “gap.” Earnings from the Annual Fund, the Academy Classic Golf Tournament, Country Fair, and Chemin de Fer Dinner Auction make a significant impact to the cost of education. Parents who wish to “Gift the Gap” may be eligible for a tax deduction. Please contact the Advancement Office for more information.
Application Process
The Academy of the Sacred Heart uses FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment to help us evaluate requests for aid.
Apply for Affordable Customized Tuition
If you would like more information about the company, feel free to visit their web site at factsmgt.com. FACTS works with nearly 5,000 educational institutions and over a million families each year, helping them achieve their goals. They have been in business since 1986 and specialize in working with schools like the Academy. You can contact FACTS via phone at 1-866-441-4637 or email at info@factsmgt.com.
Please be aware that:
- Advance written request to be considered for aid is not required.
- Tax documentation is required and is sent directly to FACTS.
- It is an easy online application process.
- There is a low application fee.
Application Deadline for Current Families
In-order to be notified of the results of your application before the January 31st enrollment renewal date and to ensure that you receive the maximum aid for which you qualify, the application deadline is December 15 for current families. This includes the submission of your most current tax returns and W-2 forms. While late applications are accepted, any aid granted will be dependent on the availability of remaining funds.
Families new to the Academy will receive information about beginning the tuition assistance process upon acceptance of their child. The December 15th deadline does not apply to families applying to the Academy for Admission and for their first submission to FACTS. For further information, please call the Business Office at 636-946-4517.
More application information
We are grateful that earnings from our Endowment and Scholarship funds allow us to offer need-based tuition assistance to families who qualify. Because the Academy operates within a tuition assistance budget, funds are allocated in the order in which applications are completed and all requested documentation is submitted. Application files are reviewed only after a student is accepted.
All information submitted is treated confidentially and is used solely to arrive at a fair determination of financial need. Need is defined as the difference between the tuition cost of attending the Academy and a family’s calculated ability to pay. Aid does not apply to any additional expenses.
Tuition assistance awards are made on the assumption that the family is allocating the maximum amount of resources to the educational costs of their children, after meeting necessary expenses. The Academy expects the funding of educational costs to be the top priority in the use of discretionary income.
If a family’s circumstances change after submitting their tuition assistance application, contact the Business Office to submit new information. Do not submit an additional application form. Our Tuition Assistance Review Committee will consider the new information and adjustments will be made based on revised need and our remaining aid resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Affordable Customized Tuition Program (ACT)?
Affordable Customized Tuition, or the ACT Program, is a flexible tuition model designed to remove barriers for families seeking a Sacred Heart education at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Just as a Sacred Heart education is tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, The ACT Program tailors tuition to meet the individual needs of each family’s budget. The ACT Program is a commitment to the Goals and Criteria and allows us, in partnership with our families, to build a school learning environment that reflects our entire community in the greater St. Charles/St. Louis area.
Who qualifies for the ACT Program?
If you are applying for admission now or are currently enrolled at the Academy in Primary – 8th Class, you can participate in the ACT Program. The Academy offers the ACT Program to families from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office if you would like personalized guidance before inquiring about the ACT Program.
If I apply for the ACT Program, will it impact my child’s application for admission?
No. The Academy of the Sacred Heart admit students based on academic merit, test scores, and personal qualities.
How do I find out what our ACT will be?
The Academy uses a fair and confidential process. We consider many factors as we determine each family’s tuition responsibility, including the number of dependents and children in tuition-charging schools (excluding graduate school), income, assets and other outstanding financial responsibilities. We will begin with the recommendation of FACTS, which is based on the information provided by each family during the ACT Program application process. We will review the recommendation and all other information provided by the family to determine a sustainable rate of tuition that prioritizes tuition as a financial commitment but does not exceed your budget.
Is it possible to appeal the ACT Program decision?
Yes. We consider all relevant information to determine a fair and workable individualized tuition amount. However, sometimes there is more to the story. Once you receive your individualized tuition, you have 14 days to appeal the decision. Please communicate with the Business Manager (bshuckmann@ash1818.org) to explain your appeal and attach any information that will help the committee to better understand your situation.
Do I need to re-apply for the ACT Program each year?
Yes. We ask families to complete the ACT Program application each year. Changes in things such as income, family status, and the number of children attending private institutions may result in increases or decreases in the rate of tuition. Each application is reviewed annually.
Are there payment plans available?
Yes. We offer standard payment plans:
- A one-time payment.
- A four-time payment.
- A ten-month payment (requires a low monthly fee).
- A customized payment plan – to meet your financial situation.
