Tuition
A Watershed education is an investment in…
A child who loves coming to school every day, a young person developing a strong sense of self, and a graduate prepared to take on the world's greatest challenges.
2025 - 2026 COMPREHENSIVE tuition
Middle School (6th - 8th Grade): $36,400
High School (9th - 12th Grade): $38,550
What is Comprehensive Tuition?
Comprehensive tuition includes all academic and advisory programs at Watershed School, course books and other materials, all experiential programs and expenses, costs of all domestic and/or international trips (including airfare), course transportation and vehicle costs, developing and maintaining exceptional staff (including training in experiential learning and fieldwork), personalized college counseling, and providing ongoing on and off campus opportunities and events throughout the school year.
Not Included:
Personal school supplies (i.e. notebooks, binders, writing implements etc.)
Some materials for specific courses like art, science courses
Personal supplies for orientation trips like backpack, sleeping bag, water bottle, etc,.
Personal laptop
AFFORDING A WATERSHED EDUCATION
Many families need assistance in order to make it possible to invest in a Watershed education. While we expect all families to contribute to the cost of our program, roughly 20-25% of Watershed families benefit from Tuition Assistance to help bridge the gap. If financial concerns are a barrier to your application, we encourage you to apply for Tuition Assistance.
TUITION PAYMENT PLAN OPTION
Watershed is glad to be able to offer our families and convenient monthly payment plan. Families opting into this program are asked to sign up through the SMART tuition payment plan system.
how to apply for tuition assistance
STEP 1: smartaid ApplicatioN
Watershed School utilizes the SmartAid application system.
Click on this LINK to begin the process. Detailed instructions and frequently asked questions may be viewed or downloaded through the 'Tuition Assistance Instructions' provided below.
Please note that it may take up to 2 weeks for your application and supporting tax documents to be processed. We suggest beginning the process well in advance of the school's deadline.
STEP 2: tuition assistance Committee Review
Each application will be reviewed by the Tuition Assistance Committee, which grants aid on the basis of demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. The Committee must balance the family’s ability to pay tuition against standards that ensure equitable distribution of awards. Award decisions are based on the SMARTAID assessment and factors such as income, assets, extenuating circumstances and a demonstrated commitment to a Watershed School education.
other forms of financial assistance
Colorado's 529 plan
CollegeInvest can be used to pay for secondary school tuition. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows families to use 529 plans to pay up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary for private, public, or religious elementary and secondary school tuition.
However, any use of 529 plan funds for expenses other than qualified higher education is considered a non-qualified withdrawal and may be subject to penalties.
Educational Loans
Sallie Mae – the nation’s leading provider of private student loans – offers loans to families pursuing financial aid options. Please visit the Sallie Mae K-12 Family Education Loan website to learn more about Sallie Mae educational loans. The Watershed School code is 607491.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact: Tracy Halgren, Director of Operations
Email: tracy.halgren@watershedschool.org
