Tuition

We believe finances shouldn't be a barrier to self-directed education. Philly ALC uses a sliding-scale model informed by the framework developed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk. Think of your contribution not as a fee for services, but as a shared investment in a community of learning.

The full cost of enrollment is $12,000 a year. Because we believe that shouldn't determine who gets to be here, we offer five contribution tiers:

• Tier 1: $12,000/year ($1,200/mo) is the full cost of tuition. This rate supports the staff, space, and programming that make this community possible.

• Tier 2: $9,600/year ($960/mo) is for families who have financial stability and can contribute generously, but for whom full tuition would be a stretch.

• Tier 3: $7,200/year ($720/mo) is for families who are comfortable but for whom a higher contribution would create real strain.

• Tier 4: $4,800/year ($480/mo) is for families who are making this work, but just barely.

• Tier 5: $2,400/year ($240/mo) is our floor. In order to retain staff and maintain our space, we're not currently able to accept contributions below this amount.

Part-time enrollment is available from one to four days a week, prorated accordingly. Use the worksheet below to find a contribution that works for your family.

There's no income verification and no approval process. When deciding on your contribution, reflect on a few things:

• After housing, food, transportation, and healthcare, what can your family sustainably contribute each month?

• How many children are you enrolling, and how many days per week?

• Does your family have access to higher income, savings, or generational wealth, or are you stretching to make this possible?

• If money is tight, can you contribute more time or skills? If time is limited, can you give more financially to support others?

A good contribution feels like a stretch, but a sustainable one. Fair to your family and fair to the community.

Money isn't the only way to participate. Families also contribute by volunteering with programming, helping with admin or outreach, and sharing skills and resources. Time and financial contributions are equally valued here.

Our ability to offer lower tiers depends on contributions from families who can give more, and on donations from individuals and organizations who believe in this work. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to support a family who couldn't otherwise afford enrollment, you can do so via PayPal.