The True Cost of an Exceptional Education

3/3/2026

Bridging the Gap Between Tuition and the True Cost of a Transformative Boarding School Education

At many independent boarding schools, tuition does not fully cover the cost of educating each student. Our school is no exception — and that is by design. As a nonprofit institution, we are not driven by profit margins. We are driven by mission.

For the current academic year, tuition is $69,500 per student. However, the true cost of providing the full educational experience is $88,979 per student. That means that for every student enrolled, the School invests nearly $19,500 beyond tuition revenue to ensure an exceptional and transformational experience.

Why the Gap?

An immersive, residential school experience is far more than classroom instruction. The cost reflects the depth and breadth of what students receive each day:

Small class sizes and individualized academic support
Competitive athletics and arts programs
24/7 residential life and supervision
College counseling and leadership development
Campus maintenance across extensive facilities and grounds
Health, wellness, and safety services
Technology infrastructure and innovation

Operating a vibrant boarding school community requires faculty who teach, coach, mentor, and live alongside students. It requires safe and beautiful facilities that operate year-round. It requires programs that prepare young women not only for college, but for lives of purpose and leadership.

How Is the Difference Covered?

The gap between tuition and the true cost of education is made possible through:

Annual giving from alumnae, parents, and friends
Endowment income
Strategic financial stewardship
Philanthropic partnerships

This model reflects our commitment to accessibility and excellence. If tuition alone were to cover the full operating cost, the price of attendance would be significantly higher, limiting access for many deserving students. Instead, we rely on a community that believes deeply in our mission.

An Investment in Mission

Choosing to operate this way is a deliberate expression of who we are. Chatham Hall's goal is not profit — it is impact. Every gift made to the School directly supports the educational experience of each student. Every dollar bridges the gap between tuition and the true cost of delivering an extraordinary boarding school education. The result is a community where students thrive academically, grow in confidence, build lifelong relationships, and leave prepared to lead.

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