Admissions

Affording HDS

Harford Day Your Way

Harford Day School offers the preeminent educational experience for children age 3 to Grade 8 in Harford County. We want to share our wonderful tradition of inspiring bright, curious students with strong character to discover their gifts and prepare them for a future of unparalleled success. You should not have to settle when it comes to your child's education. Harford Day School’s Indexed Tuition approach makes it easier for a diversity of families to afford a high-quality, independent education for their child(ren). We know each family’s situation is unique. We aim to be responsive to your needs through a menu of options that addresses a variety of situations.

List of 3 items.

  • Merit Awards

    You have worked hard to provide early learning and enrichment opportunities for your child(ren). To recognize your commitment and your child’s potential to excel in our program, all admissions applications for new students will automatically be considered for a limited number of one-year scholarships for highly qualified applicants as demonstrated through the admissions process. Financial need is not a requirement for many of these awards. Learn more HERE.
  • Customized Payment Plans

    In addition to our traditional 1, 3 and 9 payment options, we are now offering customized plans to allow families to spread payments over 12 months.
  • Military Families

    In recognition of your service, newly admitted active-duty military families with children entering Kindergarten or Middle School (Grades 6-8) will receive a $1,000 discount.

    In addition, Harford Day School participates in Child Care Aware of America. We will work with you to take advantage of the benefits you are eligible to receive as they relate to our Little Dragons, K-Prep, and Extended Day programs.

    Your family may qualify for additional funding. Please review the Indexed Tuition application process below.

Indexed Tuition

Indexed Tuition is a flexible tuition pricing plan based on each family's specific financial situation. The confidential process starts with the completion of a secure online application using Clarity to determine your family's educational budget.
Grades Monthly Tuition Ranges
Kindergarten $704.00-$1,408.00
Lower School: Grades 1-5 $746.00-$1,492.00
Middle School: Grades 6-8 $833.00-$1,542.00
Little Dragons & K-Prep Limited availability.

Who Should Apply?

Harford Day School is a diverse school community that values the inclusion of a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Approximately 30% of our families pay less than the maximum tuition, including middle-income families and families with multiple children in tuition-charging schools. All families are encouraged to apply for Indexed Tuition if they think they may qualify. Indexed tuition is available to any qualifying, mission-appropriate student whose family values an independent education and will support the policies of Harford Day School.

How Does Indexed Tuition Work?

A family’s Indexed Tuition level is determined annually by a careful evaluation of the completed Clarity application and related financial documentation submitted each year. The Clarity program allows independent (private) schools to use a standardized methodology to objectively assess what a family can afford to pay for tuition.

Harford Day School strives to meet the demonstrated financial needs of current and prospective families. In addition to the Clarity application and tax returns for the previous two years, the School also considers lifestyle choices and spending patterns as part of the award process. In fairness to all applicants, education must be a top priority over luxury cars, vacations, and club memberships.

All Indexed tuition inquiries are kept in the strictest of confidence. This information is not shared with faculty or students. We request that families paying an Indexed Tuition maintain the same discretion.

Harford Day School does not discriminate on the basis of color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
Key Factors Determining Your Indexed Tuition Level
Total Family Income as verified with IRS forms and schedules
Net worth, including real estate, bank accounts, non-retirement investments
Debt to Equity Ratio
Number of children in the family and in tuition-charging schools
Discretionary or luxury expenditures
Extenuating circumstances (health, change in employment, other)
2024-2025 Tuition & Fees
Class Tuition Fees
Little Dragons 3 half days (8:00-12:30) $8,300 $300
Little Dragons 3 full days (8:00-3:30) $10,990 $300
Little Dragons 5 half days (8:00-12:30) $12,000 $300 
Little Dragons 5 full days (8:00-3:30) $16,500 $300
K-Prep $20,280 $400
Kindergarten $20,980 $400
Grades 1-5 $21,760 $475
Grades 6-8 $22,485 $475

Harford Day is the only PK3 to Grade 8 independent school in Harford County accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland/DC Schools) and a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).
Non-discrimination Statement
Application to Harford Day School is open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
 sexual orientation, or disability. Harford Day School does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, financial policies, financial aid programs, and other administered extra-curricular or administrative programs.

The Harford Day Mission
At Harford Day School, learning is a joyful process rooted in respectful relationships, strong traditions, and an innovative program that fosters confidence, imagination, curiosity, and engagement with the world.