Tuition & Financial Aid - The Gunston School
Source: http://www.gunston.org/admissions/tuition-financial-aid
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Tuition & Financial Aid - The Gunston School
Affording Gunston
An independent school education, with its high-level of personalization, small classes, high expectations, and focus on college preparation, is a significant investment in your child's future. The Gunston School understands that affording such an education is a concern for all families, regardless of income. Our Board of Trustees is committed to making Gunston education affordable for any motivated and talented students who meet our admissions criteria. Year after year, Gunston works to the best of its ability to meet the financial needs of each family through our generous financial aid program.
Tuition
Full tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $31,950 (includes tuition and lunch).
Additional costs include:
1) Books: approximately $400-$600
2) Bay Studies Fee: $450
Optional fees:
Bus Transportation
available from:
(MD) Annapolis, Chestertown, Easton, Grasonville, Kent Island, and Severna Park. (DE) Middletown.
Tuition Payment Plans
A 10% deposit is due with the contract. TGS offers the following interest-free payment options with
Smart Tuition
:
Option One: Interest-free monthly payments
All payments will be completed by February of the following year.
10-month plan begins in May
Tuition Protection Plan
is required.
Option Two: 60/40 Payment Plan
This plan consists of 2 payments per year.
60% of balance is due August 1
the remaining balance is due January 1
Tuition Protection Plan
is required
Option Three: Payment in full
After the deposit, the remaining balance is due August 1
The
Tuition Protection Plan
is optional
Tuition Protection Plan
The Tuition Protection Plan is a cost of 3.1% of the net tuition amount.
Tuition Protection Plan
Loan Programs
Gunston also has information on loan programs available through various sources. Contact
David Henry
, Director of Admission for details.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Gunston's financial aid awards are need-based grants, which result in reduced tuition for its recipients. Admission to Gunston is not dependent upon a family's ability to pay full tuition. Once students are admitted, the Financial Aid Committee meets to review the financial aid application and determines the amount of each grant. If a family qualifies for financial aid, award amounts will be included with a family's letter of acceptance.
Therefore, financial aid applications will need to be submitted at
https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up
no later than the dates posted for the application for admission to Gunston.
Financial aid awards are only for one academic year, so families must reapply each year. Adjustments to an award can occur because of a change in a family's financial situation. However, barring such a change, Gunston is committed to providing aid during the child's entire time at school.
Deadlines for financial aid applications:
Families
new
to Gunston:
Financial aid
applications will need to be submitted concurrently with the application for enrollment to Gunston.
If you are applying for "early decision," the financial aid form will be due by Jan 6; "regular decision" applicants will have the financial aid form due by Feb 6.
If applying for "rolling admission," the financial aid form will be due at the same time as the application for enrollment.
Financial aid notifications are sent with decision offers of enrollment.
Returning
Gunston families: Jan 5
Merit Scholarships
In addition to need-based financial aid, Gunston offers merit scholarships. These scholarships recognize exceptional students who demonstrate passion for and excellence in academics, arts, athletics, or leadership.
There are a limited number of new awards each year, and award amounts vary.
New students applying to Gunston are eligible.
Both the Merit Scholarship applications and recommendation forms have a deadline that is the same as the deadline for admission: January 6 for "Early Decision" applicants; February 6 for "Regular decision" Applicants.
If applying for "Rolling Admission," Merit Scholarship applications are due at the same time as the application for enrollment, and may be reviewed on an individual basis.
Academics
For students with exceptional academic achievement as demonstrated by grades, testing (if submitted), and teacher recommendations. Applicants must exhibit a depth and breadth of knowledge, achieve excellent grades with consistency, and exhibit a passion for learning.
Athletics
For students with a record of athletic success in sports in which Gunston teams compete, who are leaders for their teammates, and who play with integrity, grace, positive attitude and a drive to win. Applicants should have a desire and the potential to play in college and engage in the sport in and outside of their current school.
Performing & Fine Arts
For students who excel in performing, vocal, instrumental, or fine arts as demonstrated by portfolios and strong recommendations from instructor(s). Applicants must exhibit motivation and diligence in perfecting their craft, as well as the ability to take creative risks, and demonstrate curiosity and commitment to their art beyond the classroom.
Leadership
For students with a history of substantive leadership demonstrated by strong recommendations from organization leader(s). Applicants should be actively engaged in roles that influence and enrich their communities, exhibiting conviction, integrity and initiative.
Application Process
Renewal of Awards
Application Process
Select only
one
merit category for which to apply
Complete the
Merit Scholarship Application
form by January 6 for "early decision" applicants; February 6 for "regular decision" applicants; with the application for enrollment for "rolling admission" candidates.
Have the
Merit Recommendation Form
submitted by the Jan 6/Feb 6/rolling admission deadline (above), by a non-parent adult. This person should have direct experience with the applicant in the scholarship category, and should speak directly to the student’s capabilities and success in that area.
Consider applying for
need-based Financial Aid
(though this is not a requirement).
In many cases, need-based financial aid is combined with a merit scholarship.
Renewal of Awards
Grants are reviewed semi-annually (it is not necessary to apply again) based on two criteria:
1) The student continues to engage meaningfully and at a high level in their area of passion.
2) The student continues to meet community standards in other areas.
Failure in either of the above could result in loss of the award for one or multiple years.
The award criteria are measured at the end of each semester of the academic year.
Apply for a Merit Scholarship
Merit Recommendation Form
$2.2M in financial aid & merit scholarships awarded to 70% of our students.
CONTACT US:
David Henry, Director of Admission and Financial Aid at
dhenry@gunston.org
, or 410-758-0620 ext 1104.
Request Admission Information
Apply
“We love Gunston because we are confident that our son is being well prepared for college and being encouraged to explore the world around him along the way. We also love the strong sense of community with other parents and students modeled by excellent school leaders.”
– The Hallmark Family, P'24
“Our hope was that coming to Gunston would allow us to grow into who we are today. That we could make friends and be part of the community, no matter what sport we played or classes we took. Gunston makes the promise that it is a welcoming environment, and they deliver. In high school, there are so many opportunities for kids to be mean, but here, kids choose to be kind.”
- Abbey Miller ’22
Co-Valedictorian (pictured above with sister Maggie)
Affording Gunston
An independent school education, with its high-level of personalization, small classes, high expectations, and focus on college preparation, is a significant investment in your child's future. The Gunston School understands that affording such an education is a concern for all families, regardless of income. Our Board of Trustees is committed to making Gunston education affordable for any motivated and talented students who meet our admissions criteria. Year after year, Gunston works to the best of its ability to meet the financial needs of each family through our generous financial aid program.
Tuition
Full tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $31,950 (includes tuition and lunch).
Additional costs include:
1) Books: approximately $400-$600
2) Bay Studies Fee: $450
Optional fees:
Bus Transportation
available from:
(MD) Annapolis, Chestertown, Easton, Grasonville, Kent Island, and Severna Park. (DE) Middletown.
Tuition Payment Plans
A 10% deposit is due with the contract. TGS offers the following interest-free payment options with
Smart Tuition
:
Option One: Interest-free monthly payments
All payments will be completed by February of the following year.
10-month plan begins in May
Tuition Protection Plan
is required.
Option Two: 60/40 Payment Plan
This plan consists of 2 payments per year.
60% of balance is due August 1
the remaining balance is due January 1
Tuition Protection Plan
is required
Option Three: Payment in full
After the deposit, the remaining balance is due August 1
The
Tuition Protection Plan
is optional
Tuition Protection Plan
The Tuition Protection Plan is a cost of 3.1% of the net tuition amount.
Tuition Protection Plan
Loan Programs
Gunston also has information on loan programs available through various sources. Contact
David Henry
, Director of Admission for details.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Gunston's financial aid awards are need-based grants, which result in reduced tuition for its recipients. Admission to Gunston is not dependent upon a family's ability to pay full tuition. Once students are admitted, the Financial Aid Committee meets to review the financial aid application and determines the amount of each grant. If a family qualifies for financial aid, award amounts will be included with a family's letter of acceptance.
Therefore, financial aid applications will need to be submitted at
https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up
no later than the dates posted for the application for admission to Gunston.
Financial aid awards are only for one academic year, so families must reapply each year. Adjustments to an award can occur because of a change in a family's financial situation. However, barring such a change, Gunston is committed to providing aid during the child's entire time at school.
Deadlines for financial aid applications:
Families
new
to Gunston:
Financial aid
applications will need to be submitted concurrently with the application for enrollment to Gunston.
If you are applying for "early decision," the financial aid form will be due by Jan 6; "regular decision" applicants will have the financial aid form due by Feb 6.
If applying for "rolling admission," the financial aid form will be due at the same time as the application for enrollment.
Financial aid notifications are sent with decision offers of enrollment.
Returning
Gunston families: Jan 5
Merit Scholarships
In addition to need-based financial aid, Gunston offers merit scholarships. These scholarships recognize exceptional students who demonstrate passion for and excellence in academics, arts, athletics, or leadership.
There are a limited number of new awards each year, and award amounts vary.
New students applying to Gunston are eligible.
Both the Merit Scholarship applications and recommendation forms have a deadline that is the same as the deadline for admission: January 6 for "Early Decision" applicants; February 6 for "Regular decision" Applicants.
If applying for "Rolling Admission," Merit Scholarship applications are due at the same time as the application for enrollment, and may be reviewed on an individual basis.
Academics
For students with exceptional academic achievement as demonstrated by grades, testing (if submitted), and teacher recommendations. Applicants must exhibit a depth and breadth of knowledge, achieve excellent grades with consistency, and exhibit a passion for learning.
Athletics
For students with a record of athletic success in sports in which Gunston teams compete, who are leaders for their teammates, and who play with integrity, grace, positive attitude and a drive to win. Applicants should have a desire and the potential to play in college and engage in the sport in and outside of their current school.
Performing & Fine Arts
For students who excel in performing, vocal, instrumental, or fine arts as demonstrated by portfolios and strong recommendations from instructor(s). Applicants must exhibit motivation and diligence in perfecting their craft, as well as the ability to take creative risks, and demonstrate curiosity and commitment to their art beyond the classroom.
Leadership
For students with a history of substantive leadership demonstrated by strong recommendations from organization leader(s). Applicants should be actively engaged in roles that influence and enrich their communities, exhibiting conviction, integrity and initiative.
Application Process
Renewal of Awards
Application Process
Select only
one
merit category for which to apply
Complete the
Merit Scholarship Application
form by January 6 for "early decision" applicants; February 6 for "regular decision" applicants; with the application for enrollment for "rolling admission" candidates.
Have the
Merit Recommendation Form
submitted by the Jan 6/Feb 6/rolling admission deadline (above), by a non-parent adult. This person should have direct experience with the applicant in the scholarship category, and should speak directly to the student’s capabilities and success in that area.
Consider applying for
need-based Financial Aid
(though this is not a requirement).
In many cases, need-based financial aid is combined with a merit scholarship.
Renewal of Awards
Grants are reviewed semi-annually (it is not necessary to apply again) based on two criteria:
1) The student continues to engage meaningfully and at a high level in their area of passion.
2) The student continues to meet community standards in other areas.
Failure in either of the above could result in loss of the award for one or multiple years.
The award criteria are measured at the end of each semester of the academic year.
Apply for a Merit Scholarship
Merit Recommendation Form
$2.2M in financial aid & merit scholarships awarded to 70% of our students.
CONTACT US:
David Henry, Director of Admission and Financial Aid at
dhenry@gunston.org
, or 410-758-0620 ext 1104.
Request Admission Information
Apply
“We love Gunston because we are confident that our son is being well prepared for college and being encouraged to explore the world around him along the way. We also love the strong sense of community with other parents and students modeled by excellent school leaders.”
– The Hallmark Family, P'24
“Our hope was that coming to Gunston would allow us to grow into who we are today. That we could make friends and be part of the community, no matter what sport we played or classes we took. Gunston makes the promise that it is a welcoming environment, and they deliver. In high school, there are so many opportunities for kids to be mean, but here, kids choose to be kind.”
- Abbey Miller ’22
Co-Valedictorian (pictured above with sister Maggie)