Affording SAA
While searching for the right educational program for your child, we understand that financing an independent school education is a significant investment. At Science & Arts Academy, we do not want the cost of tuition standing in the way of considering our program for your gifted learner.
We are committed to enrolling a socio-economically diverse community, and we offer a need-based scholarship program to help make SAA a viable option. We believe that diversity, in its many dimensions, enriches the experience of our students, families, and faculty, and enhances our entire community of learners.
We are committed to enrolling a socio-economically diverse community, and we offer a need-based scholarship program to help make SAA a viable option. We believe that diversity, in its many dimensions, enriches the experience of our students, families, and faculty, and enhances our entire community of learners.
Affording Independent School Education
In this video, Mindy Hildebrandt, Director of Enrollment Management, provides answers to common questions about paying for independent schools and discusses different options that may help make independent school more affordable.
In this video, Mindy Hildebrandt, Director of Enrollment Management, provides answers to common questions about paying for independent schools and discusses different options that may help make independent school more affordable.
Scholarships
We encourage families with concerns about their ability to afford an SAA education to apply for a need-based scholarship. Currently, 35% of SAA families receive need-based scholarship funds, totaling approximately $1.1 million in aid.
Scholarships are awarded yearly on the basis of demonstrated financial need, and are independent of admissions decisions. For those families awarded a need-based scholarship, the published tuition would be adjusted accordingly based upon the amount of the award. No repayment is required for need-based scholarships, and families need to apply annually.
Learn more about the need-based scholarship program »
We encourage families with concerns about their ability to afford an SAA education to apply for a need-based scholarship. Currently, 35% of SAA families receive need-based scholarship funds, totaling approximately $1.1 million in aid.
Scholarships are awarded yearly on the basis of demonstrated financial need, and are independent of admissions decisions. For those families awarded a need-based scholarship, the published tuition would be adjusted accordingly based upon the amount of the award. No repayment is required for need-based scholarships, and families need to apply annually.
Learn more about the need-based scholarship program »
Empower Illinois

Additional financial support for qualifying families may also be available through the Empower Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship program. Empower Illinois provides scholarships for thousands of Illinois students to attend private K-12 schools, regardless of their ability to pay. Get more details about this scholarship opportunity, including qualification criteria and application information here.
An investment in an SAA education is an investment in a high-quality, differentiated learning experience, and one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. If you have any questions about how to make the Science & Arts Academy experience a reality for your family, please contact our Business Manager, Jim Radermacher.
An investment in an SAA education is an investment in a high-quality, differentiated learning experience, and one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. If you have any questions about how to make the Science & Arts Academy experience a reality for your family, please contact our Business Manager, Jim Radermacher.