ADMISSIONS
Tuition & Affordability
Willows Academy is committed to making an exceptional education accessible to as many qualified students as possible, and we believe that finances should never be a limiting factor for mission-aligned families. Thanks to the generosity of our community, most students receive scholarships to attend Willows Academy.
Priority Application Window
Applications submitted between October 23 and January 12 receive priority consideration for need-based and merit-based scholarships. Scholarship decisions are communicated in early February.
How to Apply
To be considered for need-based scholarships:
New families begin at step #1. Returning families begin at step #2.
- Submit your student’s application to Willows Academy
- Complete the application through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management
- Submit all required financial documentation for verification
How Awards Are Determined
A committee reviews each application individually, considering family income and assets, number of dependents, household expenses, and school enrollment projections and available funds. Need-based scholarship applications are reviewed each year. Families must reapply annually through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management to continue receiving assistance.
Tuition for the 2026-2027 School Year:
Grade Level
Annual Tuition
Grades 6-8
$12,775
Grades 9-12
$18,150
An additional annual comprehensive fee of $1,850 per student is also required. This fee covers textbook rentals, co-curricular activity fees, and other student-related expenses. There is an additional graduation fee of $100 for 8th grade students and $250 for 12th grade students.
6 Out of 10 Students Receive Scholarships
The following scholarships are available to families seeking a Willows education. Questions? Reach out to Sara Danielewicz, Director of Admissions, via email or by phone at (847) 493-8782.
Apply by December 6, 2025 and take the High School Placement exam at Willows to qualify. Open to new students entering 9th grade.
Awards are given in varying amounts based on the total need of applicants and the funds available.
About the Scholarships
- Applicants should write an up to one page, single-spaced, and typed essay for the scholarship(s) of their choice.
- Open to Middle School & High School Students
- Open to New & Current Students
- Students may apply to a maximum of two scholarships.
- Each merit-based scholarship is from $1,000 up to 25% tuition, depending on need.
- A committee will review all applications and award scholarships by early February.
- To qualify, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA or greater
- Essays should be emailed as a document or PDF to admissions@willowsacademy.org by January 12, 2026 for High School, and February 1st, 2026 for Middle School.
Essay Prompts
For the Flying Eagle (Sportsmanship) Scholarship:
Discuss how a player’s or team’s dedication and good sportsmanship can be more memorable and rewarding than the final score.
For the Scholar Eagle (Academic) Scholarship:
At Willows Academy, we believe that an all-girls learning environment empowers students to explore their interests, build confidence, and achieve academic excellence. Tell us about:
– The subjects or topics you’re most excited about and why they interest you.
– How you hope to grow academically while at our school.
– How you like to contribute to a learning community — through teamwork, leadership, or helping others.
For the Noble Eagle (Virtue) Scholarship:
At Willows, our four core values — Joy, Integrity, Excellence, and Generosity — guide everything we do. Choose one of these values and tell us how you hope to grow in that area while you’re at Willows Academy.
You may share examples from your past experiences that show how this value is already part of your life, and how you hope to strengthen it as a Willows student.
Willows Academy awards $100,000 annually to our first responder families (police, fire, or paramedic) as a thank-you for their service. The First Responder Scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year is up to $10,000 per family enrolled at Willows Academy for the full academic year. Families may still apply for the Future Freshman and Exemplary Achievement Scholarships in addition to the First Responder Family Scholarship.
Discounts
Our international program offers tuition assistance to domestic families who host an international student.
Available to families who have more than one student at Willows.