Tuition and Affordability
Canterbury families choose to make an investment in their child’s education to set them on a future path of success. Tuition at Canterbury is tiered by grade level and is all inclusive. This means there aren’t additional charges or fees for items like technology, books, individual computers, outdoor education, field trips, or yearbooks. We believe it is important to provide a comprehensive cost for our families that covers all aspects of the full Canterbury experience.
Canterbury has always been committed to offering a quality education in a community reflecting a diverse group of ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Our dedication to offering financial assistance ensures a wide range of students have access to Canterbury. More information about financial assistance and the Indexed Tuition program can be found below.
2025-26 Tuition
Cubs - PreK Half Day (8 a.m. - 1p.m.): $9,800
Cubs - PreK Full Day (8 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.): $13,000
Kindergarten*: $20,700
Grades 1-4*: $22,700
Grades 5-8*: $24,200
*Please see below for information regarding Indexed Tuition.
Payment Options
Families can choose to pay for tuition in one lump sum, twice yearly, or monthly during the school year. After an initial $56 set-up fee per family, there are no additional fees or penalties to pay monthly.
2025-26 Extended Day Options and Fees
Extended Day is offered daily from 3:10 - 6 p.m. for Cubs-8th grade. Costs below are annual costs and paid based on the tuition payment plan selected by the family as indicated above. Families who are eligible for a reduced tuition rate through Indexed Tuition are also eligible for a reduced Extended Day fee.
Five days per week: $2,700
Three days per week: $1,750
Financial Assistance
Canterbury School recognizes that each family that chooses to invest in their child’s education does so by making financial sacrifices. For some families, tuition poses a different challenge than others and therefore, Canterbury has multiple ways that families can find support for tuition based on their circumstances.
Indexed Tuition
Indexed Tuition is a customized tuition rate based on a family’s unique financial circumstances, and is available to families with students from Grades K-8. There are many factors that are taken into consideration for qualifying families. Canterbury uses an objective third party to evaluate such factors as income, family size, number of children attending schools that charge tuition, and assets/liabilities that are not reflected in household income to give an estimate of what a family can contribute. All financial information provided remains confidential.
While no student receives full tuition assistance, Canterbury remains committed to providing financial help to families of qualified students who otherwise could not attend. The Indexed Tuition decision is based on the recommendation of of the third party application along with school policies and funds available.
Though decisions about admission and Indexed Tuition are made at the same time, the two processes are separate. If you are interested in Indexed Tuition, it is important to start the process early in order to meet all required deadlines.
To apply for Indexed Tuition, please complete the Clarity application. For additional information about the application, please refer to the Clarity Family Application Guide.
State of North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship
Canterbury School accepts the Opportunity Scholarship, which is a program created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013. Scholarships are awarded based on a family’s household income and can be used towards the required tuition to attend an independent school. In 2023, the state of North Carolina approved changes to the program to remove the income cap for applicants. All families choosing to attend an eligible independent school may apply, however scholarship amounts are still based on income. Applications are available online through the state of North Carolina and should be completed during the month of February for priority consideration.
The Opportunity Scholarship can help to make an independent school education more affordable, but Canterbury recognizes that some families might require further financial assistance. Therefore, families who are awarded the Opportunity Scholarship may also apply for Indexed Tuition.
Armfield Scholarship (rising 6th grade)
The Armfield Scholarship is a merit scholarship for high-achieving students of color entering middle school who meet specific need-based criteria. The scholarship is awarded to two rising 6th graders each year and covers 95% of tuition for three years. To find out more and to apply, please visit the Armfield Scholarship page.