Tuition & Affordability, 2024-25

You will find detailed information about the cost of attendance and our aftercare program with the links below. The Tuition Bulletin is a detailed explanation of all tuition and fees at each grade level. The Extended Learning link will introduce you to our after-school care and enrichment and summer programs. The last link contains information about the Tuition Insurance program available to families.

Merit Scholarships

Heathwood Hall offers the following merit scholarships for new students: the Rainey Scholarship and the Timmerman Scholarship. See below for more details.

Eligible candidates should contact Jessie Garlinghouse in the admission office at jgarlinghouse@heathwood.org.

In addition to standard admission requirements, scholarship candidates must submit a supplemental application and schedule an interview with the scholarship committee.

Scholarship recipients will be selected by a committee composed of admission staff, administrators, and teachers.

Rainey Scholars Program

Established by Mary Rainey Belser in honor of her parents, Callie and John Rainey, this scholarship is awarded annually to new Upper School students. The goal of the scholarship is to bring a cohort of academically exceptional students with notable potential in leadership, athletics, and service to the Heathwood Hall Upper School. The Rainey family is offering this scholarship as an incentive to attract the “best and brightest” to the School.  Students selected as Rainey Scholars will receive a merit scholarship that covers fifty percent of tuition. The Rainey Scholarship is available to new students in rising 9th – 11th grades.

Admission to the program will be based on both demonstrated achievement in and potential for future development of the program’s four key characteristics: academics, athletics, service, and leadership. Those not selected as a Rainey scholar will still receive full consideration for admission to Heathwood Hall.

In keeping with the spirit of the program, no current or former Heathwood students will be eligible for the Rainey Scholars Program as we attempt to broaden the reach of the school. Only students applying for admission to the 9th – 11th grades will be considered.

Who Are Rainey Scholars?

Rainey Scholars are academically exceptional, well-rounded students who are poised to lead and inspire others. To be eligible for a Rainey Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

Academics

Candidates must have an average PSAT score in the 90th percentile or above for their current year in critical reading and math. For those candidates who have not yet taken the PSAT, Heathwood Hall will evaluate candidates' current standardized test scores.

Candidates must have a 90% or above in all core courses for the first academic semester OR an average of 93% in all core courses for the first academic semester.

Athletics

A critical component of a Rainey Scholar is the individual’s ability in and dedication to an athletic pursuit. The serious pursuit of athletics is an expectation of Rainey Scholars because it is one major avenue that fosters the drive, commitment, dedication, and success the school hopes these young people will demonstrate for the rest of their lives. Applicants must participate at a high level in at least one sport. Participation may be through a school-sponsored team or another high-level organized athletic activity outside of school.

Service

Rainey Scholar applicants must demonstrate an interest in issues and problems of the community and world with a corresponding service ethic and desire to create real, workable solutions. Students must be engaged in active volunteerism with a non-profit organization.

Leadership

Whether in the classroom or as a leader of a team, club, or activity Rainey Scholars must have the potential to serve as catalysts for other students. Their potential for leadership at Heathwood Hall could affect many aspects of school life as well as community relationships. Potential for leadership will be evaluated based on current activities and teacher recommendations.

Timmerman Scholars Program

Established in 1999 by and named in honor of William B. Timmerman, the Timmerman Scholarship is awarded annually to students in 6th grade or above with preference to underserved populations and/or a new student. Recipients embody the values and ideals that represent the very best of the Heathwood community. Bill Timmerman, the retired CEO of SCANA, is well known for his role as an agent for change and champion of diversity in South Carolina. The Timmerman Scholarship supports Heathwood’s founding mission centered on a commitment to building a school community enriched with a talented and diverse student body. Timmerman Scholars will receive a merit scholarship that covers fifty percent of tuition.

Candidates for the Timmerman Merit Scholarship Awards will be outstanding individuals with proven records of academic achievement and potential as demonstrated through performance in the classroom and on standardized tests. Timmerman Scholars are well-rounded students who actively participate in co-curricular activities.

Those not selected as a Timmerman Scholar will still receive full consideration for admission to Heathwood Hall. Additionally, families are encouraged to apply for financial assistance if needed.

Who Are Timmerman Scholars?

Timmerman Scholars are academically exceptional, well-rounded students from underserved populations who embody the values and ideals that represent the very best of the Heathwood community. Intellect and integrity are among the defining factors of a Timmerman Scholar. To be eligible for a Timmerman Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

Academics

Candidates must have an average PSAT score in the 90th percentile or above for their current year in critical reading and math. For those candidates who have not yet taken the PSAT, they can provide nationally normed standardized testing from their current school.

Candidates must have a 90% or above in all core courses for the first academic semester OR an average of 93% in all core courses for the first academic semester.

Participation in Co-Curricular Activities

Candidates must actively participate in one or more co-curricular activities. Activities may be, but do not need to be, school-sponsored.

Integrity and Character

Candidates must demonstrate strong character and integrity. These factors will be evaluated based on recommendations by teachers.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Timmerman Merit Scholarship, applicants must be a student of color new to Heathwood Hall and be in rising 6th – 11th grades.

The Edward William Chrisman Scholarship

This scholarship was given by Dr. Joanna Chrisman Suggs. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student in Middle or Upper School with preference to financial need and/or academic potential.

Katharine Heath Manning Perry Scholarship

Given by the late Paul Barringer in honor of Burwell Manning’s mother. This scholarship is awarded annually to a new Upper School student based on the following characteristics of Burwell’s mother: leader, scholar, and community volunteer.

Ryan F Waldron Scholarship Award

Established by the late Dr. Bob Waldron and his wife Sandra to honor Bob’s son, Ryan, a member of the class of 1993. This scholarship is awarded every four years to a current member of the rising freshman class. Preference is given to students with financial need and academic merit.

Tuition Assistance

Heathwood Hall’s commitment to inclusion has been an essential element in the School’s educational philosophy and culture since its founding in 1951. Heathwood remains committed to a school community enriched with students from a variety of economic, cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Participation from a wide range of families is critical to the health of the School.

Heathwood offers need-based Tuition Assistance to students beginning in kindergarten. Families are encouraged to request information about tuition assistance if they have concerns about their ability to afford full tuition. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition and fees and support the community to the extent they are able, the school does not always expect tuition levels will be the same.

Heathwood offers a wide range of tuition assistance. The School encourages families to request information about tuition assistance if they have concerns about their ability to afford full tuition. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition and fees and support the community to the extent they are able, the school does not always expect tuition levels will be the same.

To help us objectively assess how much a family can contribute to their educational expenses, Heathwood Hall uses School and Student Services (SSS) by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) as a trusted third-party. We use the SSS figures as the baseline for our tuition assistance determinations, taking into consideration the School’s policies, class capacity, and the resources available for returning students as well as applicant families.

Applying For Tuition Assistance

Instructions are outlined below and further detail can be found in our PDF Guide on How to Apply for Tuition Assistance. For additional assistance, contact Jessie Garlinghouse, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, jgarlinghouse@heathwood.org.

Admission Applicants and Current Heathwood Families:

Go to the School and Solutions Services Website. Your completed information will be sent directly to the School.

You only have to complete one Parent Financial Statement (PFS) even if you have several children applying to our school. If you are applying for assistance for the first time, click on the “Create an New Account” button. You’ll be asked to enter your name and email address and to select a password. If you applied last year, enter your login and password from last year in the section called “Returning Families.” If you have forgotten your login information, click on “forgot your password.”

Download the PFS Online Workbook and refer to on-screen help for guidance along the way. You can log out of the PFS Online at any time - - then return later to complete your PFS. Heathwood Hall’s school code is 3793.

Submit your PFS online and upload a copy of your most recent tax returns to your electronic file.

For questions regarding the PFS form, call (800) 344-8328 (Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST & Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST).

Notification of Tuition Assistance Awards

The Tuition Assistance Committee will begin making awards in late January, once tuition has been set for the upcoming academic year. Awards will be made in the order in which they were received. Families will be notified by letter.

FAQs

What is tuition assistance?

Heathwood Hall offers tuition assistance in the form of a tuition grant. The award is applied toward the tuition for the upcoming school year and does not need to be repaid.

Will I qualify for tuition assistance?

Any family may apply for tuition assistance. Ability to pay is determined by combined salaries, business cash flow, and assets, while factoring in the number of children in fee-paying schools and any unusual expenses.

Is Tuition Assistance available to families in the Early Childhood program?

Tuition Assistance becomes available to students once they enter kindergarten. Heathwood strives to keep the Early Childhood tuition competitive with local daycares, despite the high operational costs associated with lower teacher-to-student ratios and additional supplies. Families are welcome to apply for scholarships or grants from outside agencies towards tuition when applicable.

Does tuition assistance cover other school expenses?

Financial assistance is applied only to tuition. However, for those families receiving over fifty percent tuition assistance, the Committee reserves the right to waive the technology fee, offer reduced rates in our extended care programs, and award assistance towards the lunch fee.

What is the policy regarding separated, divorced, or single parents?

Heathwood Hall considers the income and assets of any adult who plays a significant role in a student’s life. All adults (mothers, fathers, step-parents, etc) are required to submit all forms to SSS.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Yes. Because a family’s financial circumstances can change from year to year, the committee requires all current recipients to reapply each year. If a family’s circumstances do not change significantly, they can expect their award to remain about the same from year to year.

Will my application for tuition assistance affect my child's chances for admission?

No. Students are admitted based on individual merit, not the ability to pay.

Who are the members of the Tuition Assistance Committee?

The Tuition Assistance Committee includes the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Assistant Head for Enrollment and School Advancement.