Admissions

Tuition and Financial Aid

You place a high value on your child’s education. We respect that. We are committed to making the Brimmer experience as affordable as possible, providing clear information about tuition costs and offering financial assistance to as many qualified students as possible. Any student who is enrolled or applying for admission is eligible to apply for financial aid. This process is separate from the admissions process, and financial aid and admissions decisions are made independently from one another. A Brimmer education is more affordable than you think. Please contact our Admissions Office at 617-738-8695 or email admissions@brimmer.org for any questions regarding our independent schools tuition and financial aid.

Tuition & Financial Aid Procedures

To apply for financial aid, both new and returning families must go to the School & Student Service website and complete the online Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS). Brimmer's SSS Code is 1852.

List of 2 items.

  • Completed Financial Aid Applications Include:

    • Completed PFS by January 29, 2021 from all parents (including spouses, if remarried).
    • Supporting documents by February 12, 2021.
    • A signed federal tax return (1040) with all supporting schedules from the current year (2020).
    • Copies of current year’s (2020) W-2s from all working parents.
    • IRS Form 1099 if self-employed.
    Once all required forms are received, Brimmer's Financial Aid Committee begins a thorough review of the information provided by the family. While the School strives to be as equitable as possible to all applicants, we cannot guarantee that every applicant’s needs will be met. 

  • Tuition Payment Plan

    The School offers a payment plan through Smart Tuition enabling parents to pay in a variety of installments. Enrolled families will receive two statements (one in June, one in December), and the first payment is due July 1, 2020. Tuition Refund Insurance (.90% of annual tuition) is required for all new families and for families making monthly payments.

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Tuition (2020 - 2021)

Lower School
PK & K $34,000
Grades 1 - 3 $38,900
Grades 4 & 5 $43,800
Middle School
Grades 6 - 8 $52,000
Upper School
Grades 9 - 12 $53,500

Extra Fees (2020 - 2021)

PK - Grade 5
$250 (includes field trips, books, and materials).

Grades 6 - 8
$500 (includes camp fees and materials)

Grades 9 - 12
$500 (includes camp fees and materials)

There are separate fees for: PA dues, Tuition Refund Insurance, travel trips, International Student Orientation, and some elective courses and programs. 

International Student Fee for students requiring an F-1 visa: $2,000

Tuition and Financial Aid FAQ

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • Who qualifies for financial aid?

    Our aid recipient families are spread across the three divisions of the School and represent a range of income brackets. In addition to income, personal/family assets are taken into consideration in the calculation of awards. We believe that every family has an obligation to contribute towards their child’s education and expect that this commitment (regardless of level) is reflected in the application. Financial aid awards vary from 10% to 95% of tuition. For more information about average awards and percentages of students receiving aid, please consult the aid profile section of this webpage.

  • What kind of financial aid is provided?

    Financial aid grants at Brimmer are 100% need-based. We do not offer merit awards/scholarships. Families must complete an application (PFS) and provide supporting tax documents each year their children are enrolled at the School.

  • How are awards calculated?

    Based on the information families provide on the Parent Financial Statement (PFS), SSS generates an estimated amount that families can contribute towards educational expenses. The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is used as a starting point for discussions and allows the Financial Aid Committee to be fair and objective in its decision-making. We frequently make our own adjustments to the calculation as necessary.

  • Do aid awards cover tuition only?

    Yes, financial aid awards are directed towards tuition only. However, depending upon grade and aid level, additional funds are granted for books, iPads, orientation programs, and trips. This amount varies by student.

  • Can families apply for financial aid before their taxes are completed?

    Yes, families can complete and submit an application (PFS) at any time after October 1. If an application is completed before taxes are filed, families should do their best to estimate the values in required fields. Numbers can be changed later, once documentation is received.

  • If a family receives aid one year, are they guaranteed aid in subsequent years?

    Families can expect to receive aid throughout the years their child is in school unless there is a change in their financial situation. The percentage of award is subject to change, however, and is based upon several factors including income fluctuation and tuition increases among others. 

  • If a family does not receive aid when their child/children enroll/s at Brimmer, can they apply in subsequent years?

    Any family can apply for financial aid, regardless of whether assistance was provided at their year of entry. With that said, aid cannot be guaranteed, and parents should plan ahead of time for annual tuition increases as well as tuition levels of future grades/divisions within the School. If a family is having difficulty paying tuition or is experiencing hardship, they should be in touch with the Financial Aid and/or Business Office to discuss their situation.

  • If a family has multiple children applying, do they need to submit more than one application?

    No, each family need only to complete one application regardless of the number of children applying to the School. While we value family connections at Brimmer, siblings are not guaranteed financial aid at any grade level.

  • How should single parents or separated/divorced couples complete the application?

    We believe that each parent (regardless of level of contribution) has a financial obligation toward the education of their child/children. To that end, we require each parent to complete a PFS. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing this from happening, please be in touch with the Financial Aid Office. We do consider the ability of stepparents to contribute in our calculations, though recognize that they have a greater financial obligation to their biological children when applicable. It is important to note that all information received by the Financial Aid Office is held in the strictest of confidence and the information of one parent is never shared with the other.

Aid Awarded (2020-2021)

Percent of Student Body Receiving Aid
Lower School 27%
Middle School 21%
Upper School 42%
All School 31%

Average Award
Lower School $20,657
Middle School $40,320
Upper School $40,222
Overall Average $34,114
  • School and Student Services
    The SSS works in collaboration with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Please note that the Helpline for School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) is 800-344-8328. 

    SSS Contact Information:
    SSS
    P.O. Box 449
    Randolph, MA 02368
     
    For overnight mail, use this address:
    SSS
    Application Processing Center
    437 Turnpike Street
    Canton, MA 02021

    Learn more about the SSS fee waiver system.
As an inclusive community, Brimmer welcomes students who will increase the diversity of our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under state or federal law, in the administration of our educational policies, admissions practices, financial aid decisions, and athletic and other school-administered programs. 

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Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-566-7462