Affording a JDS Education - Jewish Day School Skip to content admissions Affording a JDS Education At JDS, it is our mission to empower students with the tools to be wise, compassionate, and capable contributors in their communities. Recent research released by the Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools indicates that day school alumni are more than twice as likely to say Jewish identity is very important to them (81%) compared to those who did not attend day school (35%). Our learners are the next generation of leadership that will carry us forward. Please contact our business office at rcoe@jds.org with questions about tuition assistance, grants, and initiatives. Samis Day School Affordability Initiative Supported by the Samis Foundation. Ensures that for families who earn less than $350,000, tuition in year will not exceed $18,000/year per K–8 child or 15% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for all children in Jewish day schools in the 2026-2027 academic year, whichever is lower. Apply here The Samis Foundation established the Day School Affordability Initiative to make tuition for Seattle-area Jewish day schools even more affordable. The initiative provides financial relief for families whose income is too high to qualify for traditional scholarships, but for whom day school tuition is still a real barrier given the many competing priorities they face. The program ensures that for families who earn less than $350,000, tuition will not exceed $18,000/year (subject to an AGI floor) per K–8 child or 15% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for all children in day schools for the 2026-2027 academic year, whichever is less. Traditional Tuition Assistance (TTA) Supported by the Samis Foundation. Need-based and determined by a family’s financial information. Apply here Traditional Tuition Assistance (TTA) is need-based and determined by a family’s financial information. TTA is awarded to families who qualify and complete the application process in a timely manner, including the submission of financial information. Financial information shared by families applying for assistance is held in strict confidence. This program is primarily targeted at families who earn less than $175,000 per year. Apply using FAST Preschool Tuition Assistance Need-based and determined by a family’s financial information. Apply here We understand that choosing a preschool program is a significant financial decision for families, and we are committed to providing an accessible education to all families that desire a strong, Jewish early childhood foundation for their children. Grant amounts are variable depending on family need as determined through the FAST tuition assistance application. Preschool tuition assistance cannot be combined with other grants, scholarships, or discounts offered by JDS. All current and future JDS families with demonstrated need are eligible to apply. Apply using FAST Shamoor (שָׁמוּר) Grant Families receive $1,500 per year, per child off tuition based on the number of years they’ve been part of the JDS community. Capped at $10,000 per child. Returning families eligible after one year of enrollment at JDS. Cannot be combined with other grants, scholarships, or discounts offered by JDS or the Samis Foundation. The Shmira (שמירה) Grant expresses our gratitude to the families who are the heart of JDS. The name “Shmira (שמירה)” symbolizes protecting and sustaining the values of our Jewish community, our education, and those who contribute to it. Families receive $1,500 per year, per child, based on the number of years they’ve been part of the JDS community. For xample, a family enrolled for three years with two children will receive $9,000 in total grant support. Grants are capped at $10,000 per child. This grant cannot be combined with other grants, scholarships, or discounts offered by JDS or the Samis Foundation. All current and future JDS families are eligible after one year of attendance. Shutaf (שֻׁתָּף) Grant Jewish communal professional discount. Full-time Jewish community professionals receive 50% off tuition at JDS; part-time professionals receive 25% off. Cannot be combined with other grants, scholarships, or discounts offered by JDS or the Samis Foundation. All new and returning JDS families with at least one parent/guardian who works for an organization with a mission of serving the Jewish community are eligible. The Shutaf ( שׁותף ) Grant, our Jewish Communal Professional Grant, honors and supports the vital work families do for our Jewish community. This program reflects our commitment to partnership in our community, ensuring that children of Jewish communal professionals have access to an exceptional Jewish education while continuing to enrich and strengthen our community. With the Shutaf ( שׁותף ) Grant, all full-time Jewish community professionals are eligible for 50% off tuition at JDS; part-time professionals receive 25% off. This grant cannot be combined with other grants, scholarships, or discounts offered by JDS or the Samis Foundation. All current and future JDS families with at least one parent/guardian who works for an organization with a mission of serving the Jewish community are eligible.