Private-independent schools provide financial aid to ensure students from diverse economic backgrounds can access high-quality education. However, school leaders know that tuition costs are just the tip of the financial iceberg. To experience true educational equity, students and families need access to the resources and experiences that complete the independent school experience without additional costs or social stigma.
We asked school leaders what steps they take to provide support and equalize the school experience, regardless of the number on their tuition bill. Here are some recommendations:
1. Uniform and Supplies Exchange
When private-independent schools require uniforms, some create a uniform exchange program where families can donate outgrown uniforms and then “shop” for next year’s items at no cost. Such exchanges are open to all families and are promoted as a way to save on uniform costs and as a green initiative that cuts down on a family’s carbon footprint.
Similarly, a school supply exchange allows families to donate supplies, ensuring every student has what they need to start the year prepared.
Parent groups often lead the charge on such programs; other times, they are facilitated by the school. These initiatives are especially important for schools expressing a commitment to socioeconomic diversity.
2. Textbook and Technology Lending
Textbooks, laptops, and other tech tools are essential for student success but can be expensive. Many schools set up a textbook lending library where students can borrow required books instead of purchasing them. Similarly, a technology lending program that provides laptops, tablets, or graphing calculators can also help level the playing field.
Grants and Corporate Support: Some schools take advantage of donations from well-known tech companies, as well as grants from organizations like the Gates Foundation, to provide students with laptops, tablets, and even WiFi hotspots.
Schools must distribute tech items equitably and with sensitivity to avoid legal or ethical issues and ensure recipients recognize these resources as an earned part of their educational experience.
Note on Mission: If a tech donation or grant is tied to certain conditions, such as promotional rights for the company, schools must ensure those conditions do not interfere with their mission or violate any nonprofit guidelines.
3. Inclusive, Stigma-Free Meal Programs
Most educators know that what students eat and how often make a big difference in how they learn. Students who eat well-balanced meals are typically more focused, productive, and better behaved.
That's why it’s so important that meal programs are designed to include every student. A preloaded meal card lets all students buy their meals the same way, so that no one’s aid status is on display on the lunch line.
Another option is a system that lets families pre-order meals. By choosing meals ahead of time, no one is aware of anyone else’s payment status. Small changes like these can level the lunchroom playing field, letting students enjoy their meals without feeling singled out.
4. Sponsorships for Trips and Extracurricular Activities
Participation in field trips, clubs, sports teams, and overnight retreats is vital to student engagement and development. Schools can establish a general activity fund to cover the costs of these experiences for financial aid students without requiring separate applications.
Alumni and other donors often look for opportunities to support such funds, whether because they benefited from similar programs themselves or because they recognize the difference these experiences make in a student’s life.
Events fall into this category as well. From homecoming dances to school plays, when an event requires tickets or fees, schools can offset costs in a number of ways. By implementing sliding-scale pricing, or by discreetly offering free tickets for families receiving aid, schools can help ensure that financial constraints don’t prevent students from engaging in the full school experience.
5. Transportation Support
Reliable transportation can be a challenge for some FA families. Schools can support students by offering carpool matching services or subsidized bus passes. For students staying late for extracurriculars, providing rideshare credits or stipends for transportation can ensure they don’t miss out due to logistical challenges.
Leaders: Know Your Students
School leaders who manage these programs must take the time to get to know their students and families. When leaders are attuned to the unique needs of their community, they can anticipate challenges and offer more personalized support. This deeper understanding enables them to create programs that are not only effective but also empathetic, ensuring every student has access to the resources they need to succeed — whether it’s a meal, supplies, or just the knowledge that their needs are understood.
About the Author
Megan Delaney is a senior marketing copywriter at ISM. Before joining ISM, she spent 15 years as director of communications at a private-independent school in New York City, where she led led internal and external communications.
