More PA Schools Adopt Philanthropy-Centered Model

Oct 15, 2019, 4:36 PM

(From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) In response to rising costs and high tuition, a growing number of Pennsylvania independent schools are embracing tuition “resets,” an approach aimed at lightening the financial load for prospective and current families. The Ellis School, a private all-girls program in Pittsburgh, is the latest school to announce plans to adjust its pricing, and other schools have also experienced a recent boost in philanthropic support aimed at reducing tuition.

The Kiski School just this month announced a tuition reset of 21%, which was supported by recently completed $35 million capital campaign and fundraising for endowed and operational scholarship support. Likewise, at Shady Side Academy, a $5.2 million gift is slated to help fund seven full scholarships each year in perpetuity for students whose financial aid need equals or exceeds 80% of current projected tuition costs to qualify.

Scott D. Fech, head of school at the Winchester Thurston School, said that Pittsburgh-area independent schools share tuition pricing with one another and follow broader trends in 3- to 5-year windows. That stability allows families to plan accordingly and ensures the schools’ health into the future.