Admissions

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition & Financial Aid
An exceptional education, supported by a community that believes in it.

Choosing a School of St. Mary education is an investment in your child’s mind, character, and faith. Thanks to the generosity of our parish and the dedicated fundraising of our Parents Association, we offer this formation at a tuition well below the true cost of educating each student. For more than a century, families have found that the value of a Crusader education reaches far beyond any figure on a page.

Tuition at a Glance

The rates below reflect a single student for the 2026-2027 school year. We will post 2027-2028 rates as soon as they become available. Families with more than one child and active-duty military families receive additional savings. For all programs, multi-child rates, and the complete fee schedule, view the full schedule below.
Tuition at a Glance, 2026-2027 (one student)
Program Non-Parishioner Rate Parishioner Rate
Preschool (Prek-2 through PreK-4), part-time through full-day $5,975 to $15,335 $4,670 to $12,756
Kindergarten through Eighth Grade (one child) $12,116 $9,131

Additional Fees & Information

List of 2 items.

  • Additional Fees

    In addition to tuition, families pay the following fees.
    • New Student Application Fee: $150 per student. A one-time fee for families new to the School of St. Mary, due with the application.
    • Re-Enrollment Fee (returning families): 
      $135 per student by your re-enrollment deadline, and $250 per student after that date. Deadlines are listed on the Application Process page.
    • Comprehensive Fee: $1,100 per student for kindergarten through eighth grade, or $600 per student for preschool. Due with the enrollment contract. Comprehensive fees cover curriculum, field trips, and classroom party expenses. 
    • Eighth Grade Graduation Events Fee: $400 per student, due September 1st.
    • Extracurricular Activities: billed at registration.
    The application fee, re-enrollment fee, and comprehensive fee are non-refundable.
  • Billing Cycle

    The Parish Business Office manages tuition and fee billing through Blackbaud Tuition Management.

    The application or re-enrollment fee is due with the application or enrollment packet.

    Families can choose one of the following payment plans: 
    • One up-front payment due on July 1st
    • Two payments due on July 1st and December 1st
    • Ten monthly payments, billed on the 1st of the month, July through April
    Questions about tuition? Contact Colleen Adamick, Tuition and Fee Coordinator, at the Parish Business Office: (847) 582-2505 or cadamick@churchofstmary.org.

Financial Aid

The School of St. Mary is committed to making a Catholic education attainable. Financial aid is available to registered parishioners of the Church of St. Mary enrolling children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Blackbaud Financial Aid Management screens every application independently, and family need determines grant amounts. Our financial aid committee reviews submissions on a rolling basis, so we encourage families to apply early.

For help with the process, contact Colleen Adamick at the Parish Business Office: (847) 582-2505 or cadamick@churchofstmary.org.

Steps to Apply

List of 4 items.

  • Step 1: Log In to Tuition Management

    Log in with your Blackbaud Tuition Management credentials, or create a new account in Blackbaud Financial Aid Management.
  • Step 2: Online Application

    Complete the online application.
  • Step 3: Upload Required Documents

    Upload your required tax documents and supporting materials.
  • Step 4: Submit Your Application

    Submit your application. Our financial aid committee reviews submissions on a rolling basis and will follow up directly.

A Roman Catholic School Since 1917

To Learn, To Serve, To Lead

Primary Grade Center

900 West Everett Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 283-9800

Upper Grade Center

185 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 234-0371