Tuition & Affordability

Dawson follows established best practices from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and applies its own guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency in awarding tuition assistance. 

We take a comprehensive view of each family's financial situation, including income (taxable and non-taxable), assets, number of dependents, and the number of children in tuition-based schools. 

The FACTS application helps us assess a family's ability to contribute toward tuition. 

We take a holistic approach, considering income, assets, and overall financial commitments. This may include certain discretionary expenses to help ensure assistance is directed to families with demonstrated need. 

Tuition does not include expenses such as uniforms, after-school care, or enrichment classes. Families receiving tuition assistance may also receive a prorated reduction for after-care and Middle School overnight field studies, aligned with their tuition assistance award. 

If your current tax return is not yet filed, we will use the most recent available return, as many schools do. To be considered for priority review, families must submit a filed or estimated 2025 tax return by the stated deadline.

Please note that tuition assistance decisions may be impacted if required materials are not submitted on time, and all awards are subject to final verification once tax documents are filed. 

No. All tuition assistance funds distributed by The Alexander Dawson School are provided as grants and, thus, are not repaid.

Families must submit a new tuition assistance application, tax return, and all pertinent schedules and forms each year. Families are responsible for annual tuition increases as dictated by The Alexander Dawson School’s Board of Trustees.

We consider each family's full financial picture, including educational expenses for other children. We encourage families to seek assistance from all applicable schools as part of this process. 

If a student's parents/caregivers are separated, divorced, or never married, Dawson requires that each parent/caregiver complete a tuition assistance application.

In instances where one parent/caregiver is the sole provider and receives no other financial support, it is expected that a third party provide written documentation to that fact.

Please note: Parents/caregivers can be assured that all financial information received from one parent/caregiver will not be shared with the other.

We value the role of caregivers, especially for young children or family members in need. When all children are school-aged, we may consider a parent or caregiver's potential to contribute to household income as part of the review. 

Reasonable savings for retirement and college are recognized. At the same time, overall asset levels are considered when determining eligibility for assistance. 

No. All tuition assistance awards are based on a family's demonstrated financial need.

Yes. The Alexander Dawson School offers the G.B. Henderson Scholarship for prospective students applying for enrollment in grades 5-6. This award covers up to 75-90 percent of tuition. 

Learn more about the G.B. Henderson Scholarship.

A family with a parent who is active duty military or retired after career service is eligible for a 10 percent discount without regard to tuition assistance need.

Other Scholarships:

Folds of Honor Children's Fund

The Donald B. Ozmun Scholarship for Personal Excellence is available to rising 5th and 6th grade students who are children of Souther Nevada police, fire, or EMT professionals. The scholarship covers 80% of tuition for up to four years and includes up to $500 annually for uniforms. 

Applicants must complete the standard admissions process and submit a 300-500 word essay on personal and academic excellence. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview with the Ozmun Scholarship Committee. 

Middle School overnight field studies are not included; however, families who qualify for tuition assistance may receive a prorated reduction toward these costs.

We encourage motivated, mission-aligned students to apply. Please contact the Admissions Team with any questions.