Affording Hyla

Tuition & Fees

Hyla uses a Flexible Tuition model. Flexible Tuition allows different families to pay different amounts based on their unique financial circumstances.

2026-2027 Tuition Range:

Middle School: $5,000 - $29,972
Upper School: $5,000 - $32,728

We partner with a trusted third-party service to assess each family’s full financial picture and recommend a tuition level that is fair and sustainable for that household.

If the top of Hyla’s tuition range feels out of reach, we encourage you to apply. We also encourage families who believe they may not qualify for tuition support to explore the process. Flexible Tuition is not reserved for a narrow income band — it reflects the realities of each family’s financial commitments, assets, and circumstances. Many families are surprised to learn they are eligible.

Over 52% of Hyla families participate in our Flexible Tuition program, representing a broad range of incomes and backgrounds. Our goal is to make a Hyla education possible for families who value our mission — not to make assumptions about who can or cannot afford independent school tuition.

While our Flexible Tuition budget is generous, it is not unlimited. Families must adhere to the Flexible Tuition timeline to receive full consideration. Awards are determined based on demonstrated need, available resources, number of applicants, and grade-level availability. Submission of a Flexible Tuition application does not guarantee that funds will be awarded.

Additional Fees: 

*Middle School Exploration Week trip, annual program fee-$500 per student

*Upper School Panorama, annual program fee-$500 per student

*Upper School Domestic & International Travel fee-Varies according to trip travel costs. (Families receiving flexible tuition: these travel costs are included in the total flexible tuition award with no additional billed costs)

*Poulsbo Shuttle-$500 per year

*Optional Middle School Pizza lunch on Wednesdays

Flexible Tuition Application

Deadline: The priority deadline for Flexible Tuition for new families is February 3, 2026. Please note: after February 3rd, Flexible Tuition is based on the availability of funds remaining after the initial application cycle.

Demonstrated Need: Flexible tuition is awarded to families who demonstrate need through an independent agency, called Clarity. This service is used by independent schools nation-wide to determine what portion of tuition a family can pay. Clarity sends their analysis directly to Hyla and their estimates guide our distribution process to help us make fair and objective decisions. While the school makes considerations for separated or divorced parents, financial circumstances of both natural parents and related spouses/partners, if any, will be considered, and the above information is requested of them as well.

Applications: To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. Additionally, Clarity removes the need to upload your 2024 W2 and 1040 by transferring them directly from the IRS. The Clarity submission fee is $65.  Some households will qualify to have this fee waived.

Confidentiality: Hyla's Flexible Tuition committee confidentially handles the flexible tuition review. Admissions decisions are need-blind, which means they are made independently of financial considerations; the admissions committee does not receive a list of names of those students applying for Flexible Tuition.

Merit Scholarship (Grades 9-12)

Timeline: Please email Suzanne at suzannem@hylaschool.org to notify the school that you plan to apply for the Merit Scholarship. Your completed merit scholarship application must be submitted prior to a contract being issued. For new students, please submit your merit scholarship application at the same time as your admissions application.

Please note that the priority deadline for Flexible Tuition applications is also February 3, 2026; while we accept applications after this date, Flexible Tuition is based on the availability of funds remaining after the initial application cycle.  

Purpose: The Hyla Merit Scholarship fund exists to make our upper school program more accessible to more students. It is available to new students entering grades 9-12 (including current Hyla students moving from the middle school to the upper school). Merit Scholarship applications are reviewed by the Flexible Tuition Committee, which distributes available funds based on student qualifications, family financial need, and availability of funds.

Qualifications:

• Student Merit: Hyla Merit Scholarships reflect our school values of inclusion, participation, accomplishment, sportsmanship, academic courage, self-awareness, social-emotional health, and service/activism. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate their commitment, growth, accomplishment, and/or leadership in any of the following areas: academics, athletics, activism/service, and extracurriculars.
• Family Financial Need: The application also provides a place for families to demonstrate financial need. If a family's total household income is less than $250,000 per year, please also complete an application for Flexible Tuition through Clarity by February 3, 2026 (see above). Merit scholarship awards can supplement Flexible Tuition awards.

Application: Please click here for the Merit Scholarship application, which includes a student essay and parent portion.

Tuition, Value & Our Commitment to Affordability

Education is a significant investment with immeasurable impact and dividends that last a lifetime. We understand that choosing an independent school education represents a significant joint financial commitment by the school and our families. Since our founding in 1993, Hyla has invested in making sure that the education we provide is affordable for all families with a wide range of financial circumstances.

Our tuition reflects our deep commitments to:

• Attracting and retaining exceptional teachers and providing them with professional development opportunities.
• Creating close and caring connections between students and teachers with small class sizes and a typical student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1.
• Nurturing the profound and lasting growth that happens during adolescence - neurobiological, intrapersonal, interpersonal and academic - with challenge, risk, and support.
• Working collaboratively to honor the unique identity, voice, and path of each student.