Tuition

Tuition – A Valuable Investment

Thanks to generous donors, no family pays for the full cost of an EMS education. Donor dollars cover the difference between tuition investment and the actual cost education.

We work diligently with families in each division — elementary, middle or high school — to make our quality  education accessible to all. Our goal is to respect each family’s unique needs while also providing an excellent education for students, compensating employees equitably, and investing wisely in operations and facilities.
Our published tuition covers the costs for music, art, and physical education, which are considered core curriculum.

How does EMS determine a family’s tuition?

The EMS business office works one-to-one with families to determine their tuition during the admissions process. Tuition is based on a variety of factors:
  • Need. Need-based tuition assistance is available for those who qualify after completing the EMS admission application and the FACTS application. FACTS is a third-party tool that determines eligibility.
  • Several area churches provide significant support to EMS through annual budgetary gifts, and members of those congregations receive discounts for their students. Admission to EMS, however, is not based on religion or church affiliation.
  • Sibling discounts are offered to families with multiple children in the school. A tuition cap assures large families that they will pay no more than a designated amount each year.
  • Other discounts and scholarships may be available. Talk with the Admissions Office to learn more.

How does FACTS determine a family’s eligibility for need-based tuition assistance?

The confidential FACTS application gathers financial information including household income, asset values, monthly expenses (mortgage/rent, utilities, loan payments, etc.), and copies of current tax returns. You must submit a new application each year since your financial situation may change.

Will my student’s admission application be affected by applying for tuition assistance?

No. Admissions applications are evaluated separately.

Are some families awarded full tuition?

No. All families make a financial investment in their student’s education and pay some portion of tuition.

How do we find out if we are eligible for need-based tuition assistance?

Schedule a meeting through the Admissions Office with Mike Stoltzfus, director of business affairs, to discuss the likely range of your tuition investment. Mike can also advise families regarding need-based tuition assistance. We offer this individualized approach to assist families in discerning their financial situation and level of commitment in investing in an EMS experience.

Are there additional fees?

Yes. They include:
  • Student general fee of $350 per student K-12 to help cover co-curricular expenses, textbooks, technology and yearbooks. This annual fee is paid at enrollment and every year your student re-enrolls at EMS.
  • A capital improvement fee of $350 per family K-12 to help with facilities management, payable each year.
  • Incidental charges may include lunch in the Dining Hall, specialized tutoring, transportation services, after school care, drivers education, and co-curricular experiences such as some field trips, E-Term, Touring Choir, Discovery, and Senior class trip.
Full tuition does not cover the cost of an EMS experience.  The total cost of an EMS education is supplemented for all students by generous donor support.  The top range of tuition covers about three-quarters of the cost of a school year. This is why we value and appreciate our generous donors!

Tuition Rates 2023-2024

Elementary

$10,025

Middle School

$13,275

High School

$15,025

2022-2023

  • Percentage of students receiving tuition discounts - 71%
  • Percentage of students receiving need-based aid - 27%
  • Total tuition assistance awarded  - $347,000
  • Percentage of students benefiting from donor gifts - 100%

529 Savings Plans
Many people are not aware that, as of January 2018, families who contribute to a 529 tax free account may use their funds toward a beneficiary's K-12 tuition.

Details, as well as online tutorials, can be found at the Virginia529 website. We encourage you to consult with your financial adviser.

Stoltzfus-Mike

“Many people wonder if investing in a private faith-based education is accessible. We work diligently to make our quality education accessible to all. Our tuition spans a range -- and a family’s tuition varies depending on their financial circumstances. Approximately 85% of our family households receive some sort of financial assistance. Generous gifts from community donors help us keep our tuition rates reasonable. These factors make EMS approachable and an excellent value.”
Michael Stoltzfus, ‘94
Director of Business Affairs