Admissions

Invest in Your Child | Tuition

An Investment in Your Child's Future

We know that the decision to enroll your child in an independent school is a major financial commitment for every family and represents a serious investment in your child’s future. Holy Comforter tuition includes classroom supplies, books, activities, in-school technology, and all on-campus special events (like class parties).  Holy Comforter School is proud to offer a generous and equitable financial assistance program and various payment plans that make a HCES education as accessible as possible for all of our families.
"Where we moved from, the school system was much different. We were nervous when we moved about where to send our Kindergartener and our 2nd grader. Everything we heard about HCES was word of mouth from current and past families. I can honestly say, I have loved every single thing about this school. The boys are happy and safe, not to mention learning things I could have never imagined at their ages. HCES is the best! You have to see it to believe it!" 

Tuition

2024-2025
Grade Monthly (12 month payment plan - does not include Summer Camp) Extended Day programs (does not include summers) Extended Day Program per month
Grades 1 - 8
8am - 3pm
$1,250.00 Alpha - 7:30am
Omega 3 - 6pm
$40.00
$190.00
Kindergarten
5 Days
8am - 3pm
$1,136.00 Alpha - 7:30am
Omega 3 - 6pm
$40.00
$190.00
PK 3 & PK 4
Half-Day - 5 Days
8am-12pm
$695.00 Alpha - 7:30am $40.00
PK 3 & PK 4 Full Day-5
Days 8am - 3pm
$930.00 Alpha - 7:30am
Omega 3 - 6pm
$40.00
$190.00
PK 3 Half-Day
3 Days
8am - 12pm
$486.00 Alpha - 7:30am $40.00
PK 3 Full-Day
3 Days
8am - 3pm
$651.00 Alpha - 7:30am
Omega 3 - 6pm
$40.00
$190.00


**There is a 10% discount on the enrolled 3rd child's tuition per family per year and a 15% discount on the enrolled 4th child's tuition per family per year.

Please inquire about tuition assistance and financial aid options. See below for more information.

529 Savings Plan

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 expanded the use of 529 college savings accounts to include K-12 private schools. Please contact your tax professional to see how this may impact you.

Tuition Assistance

Holy Comforter Episcopal School offers tuition assistance to families based on demonstrated need. No scholarships for academics, athletics, or the arts are given. We do not participate in any state or federal scholarship programs. Students must be accepted and committed to the school before a tuition award will be made. The application for assistance is online with TADS (Tuition Assistance Database Services). Click here for additional information about the TADS program.

Financial Aid Information

List of 1 items.

  • TADS Letter

    January 18, 2024 

    Dear Parents, 
    Holy Comforter Episcopal School has contracted with TADS (Tuition Aid Data Service) to conduct financial need assessments for the 2024/2025 academic year. 
    If you would like to apply for tuition assistance for the 2024/2025 academic year, go to: https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal. The school's partner code is 200768. 
    The application process is confidential, and all applications are evaluated using identical criteria by TADS. Holy Comforter requires every family to reapply each year. TADS charges a $60 nonrefundable fee to access their website and provide their analysis and recommendations. 
    Tuition assistance awards are based on the financial need of a family, as demonstrated through the analysis by TADS. The calculated result from TADS will indicate what each family should be able to contribute for tuition. This figure does not guarantee the amount of tuition assistance that Holy Comforter may offer; it merely gives the Tuition Assistance Committee a guide to use when determining how much, if any, assistance will be offered to any given family. No student may receive full tuition assistance. Tuition assistance funds at Holy Comforter are limited and our goal is to provide to as many families as possible. 
    Applications must be submitted with supporting documentation to TADS by February 29, 2024 for the 2024/2025 School Year. Applicants who have submitted a complete application by the deadline, along with all requested supporting documentation may expect a response regarding any potential tuition assistance award during the beginning of April. Before tuition assistance is awarded, the HCES Enrollment Verification Form must be submitted. If you have any questions about open enrollment, please contact the Admissions Office. 
    The Tuition Assistance Committee will not review incomplete applications. It has become increasingly important to be timely in our process due to larger numbers of applicants for assistance and higher numbers of families on wait lists for admission. Those assistance applications that are submitted after the deadline will be considered, but funds may be limited. 
    If you have any questions during the application process, you may reach TADS at 1-800- 344-8328, Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 7:00PM. TADS is also available to live chat on their website and email at sssandtadsfa@communitybrands.com. Please do not hesitate to contact our Business Office if you have questions regarding this process. 

    Sincerely, 
      
    Peter M. Klekamp                             
    President/Head of School  

    Lorie Frederick
    Director of Finance  
  • TADS Financial Statement Workbook
    This workbook walks you through the TADS Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) as part of the application for Financial Aid for the 2024-25 Academic Year.

Extended Day Information

At Holy Comforter Episcopal School, we offer quality care and a safe environment for our students that extends beyond the traditional school hours, beginning at 7:30 am (Alpha) and ending at 6:00 pm (Omega). The program is divided according to grade levels and implements an innovative curriculum with optional enrichment activities that strives to meet the needs of the students served. The younger children participate in activities such as arts & crafts, circle time activities, creative play, centers, and outdoor play. The schedules for the older students include homework rooms, outdoor activities, art, and indoor games. The program contracts with outside businesses/individuals to provide additional enrichment opportunities (at an additional cost), such as:

  • Robotics
  • Music Lessons
  • Athletic Clinics for various grades
  • Art
  • Cheerleading
  • Science
  • Technology
Click here for information on our Extended Day program

Extended Day Times & Fees

List of 3 items.

  • Pre School (PK3 & PK4)

    • Alpha is available from 7:30 until 8:05 for $40/month per student for Half Day or Full Day students. Alpha is also available for occasional use for $4.00 per student per day.
    • Aftercare/Omega is available from 2:45 – 6:00 for Full Day students at the rate of  $190/month per student. Omega is also available for occasional use for $35 per family per day.
  • Lower School (K-5)

    • Alpha is available from 7:30 until 8:05 for $40/month per student. Alpha is also available for occasional use for $4.00 per student per day.
    • Omega is available from 2:45 – 6:00 for $190/month per student. Omega is also available for occasional use for $35 per family per day.
  • Middle School (6-8)

    • Alpha is available from 7:30 until 8:05 for $40/month per student. Alpha is also available for occasional use for $4.00 per student per day.
    • Omega is available from 3:05 – 6:00 for $190/month per student. Omega is also available for occasional use for $35 per family per day.

FAQ

List of 19 frequently asked questions.

  • What is different about an "Episcopal" School?

    As an independent Episcopal School, we are able to blend challenging academics in a warm, nurturing environment supported by basic Christian values and teachings. While our Christian beliefs are the underpinning of everything we do, differences are welcomed and respected.
  • Do we have to attend an Episcopal church for our child to be admitted?

    No. Holy Comforter Episcopal School welcomes children of all religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds. In fact, our teachers come from various Christian denominations!

    The Episcopal Church encourages respect for the other person’s beliefs. As an Episcopal School, we actively seek faculty and students of diverse backgrounds and traditions in the belief that they bring something to be valued and respected, and because we seek to be broadly inclusive of the community we serve. As an Episcopal School, we look for the values that unite people rather than those that divide, and do not allow factionalism to undermine the life of the whole.
  • How old does my child have to be to attend?

    Children applying in PK3 or PK4 must be 3 or 4 before September 1st in the year of enrollment. Children applying for Kindergarten must be 5 before September 1st.
  • What are the hours of your program?

    PK3 offers a three day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) and a five day program and offers an academic half-day option. PK4 is a five-day program which also offers an academic half-day option. The school day begins at 8:05 and half-day children may be picked-up by parents at 11:45am (before lunch). PK students who stay for the full day, may be picked up starting at 2:45pm) and have the option to stay for the EXTENDED DAY(Omega) program  until 6pm.

    There is also an optional EARLY DROP OFF (Alpha) beginning at 7:30am. Kindergarten is a full academic day (8:05 – 2:45pm) with Before School (Alpha) and After School (Omega) extensions optional.
  • Are your teachers certified?

    All HCES teachers are fully qualified in their fields and over half have advanced degrees!
  • Do you provide meals?

    Yes! In January of 2020, we completed construction of The Commons - a Performing Arts Center and Cafe. FLIK dining is providing delicious, freshly prepared meals to our school community. You can find out more about the meals by looking under School Life on our website and clicking the link for FLIK menus. Children may eat a hot meal or bring their lunch. All students bring a snack and water bottle daily. The EXTENDED DAY program provides a light snack to children who stay after 3:00pm.
  • Is there financial aid?

    Yes, HCES offers need-based financial assistance to families who apply for, qualify, and merit financial assistance. No scholarships for academics, athletics, or the arts are given and we do not participate in any state or federal programs
  • What about VPK, McKay or Opportunity Scholarships?

    With VPK, the state of Florida reimburses child care providers of 4yr old children for a few hours daily, reducing the cost to families. We do not accept money from any state or federal program and believe that our programs far exceed the requirements mandated by the state.
  • What curriculum do you use?

    Our PK program adapts the Land of the Letter People, a comprehensive, thematically organized kindergarten program for use in our PK classes. This curriculum successfully immerses children in reading and writing and focuses on phonemic awareness and phonics, but integrates science, math and social studies with active, hands-on learning.

    See our Curriculum Guide for more detailed information.
  • What "extras" will my child receive?

    In addition to their classroom instruction, beginning at PK 3 our students also receive weekly Specialist Instruction in Art, Music, Spanish, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in the Lower School STEM Lab beginning in PK 4) and Physical Education (twice a week). The Media Specialist also works with all students helping to instill a love of reading and stories and an understanding of modern research and intellectual property.

    All children participate in a Chapel Service three days a week, taking their turn to lead Chapel on Fridays. Separate services are held by age for Middle School, Older Elementary (2nd - 5th) and PK – 1st grade. PK 3 students have “little chapel” in their room on Monday and Wednesday mornings, but join their older friends on Fridays for the student-led services.
  • Do the children get recess?

    In our preschool, because this is a developmentally appropriate program, children have time for unstructured play both inside and outside every day. The early childhood playgrounds have been specially designed for young children and have shade structures. Children who stay in the LUNCH BUNCH or EXTENDED DAY will have additional outside playtime, weather permitting, as a part of each program. Older students have 20 – 30 minutes of outdoor playtime on developmentally appropriate playgrounds during the school day and additional time if they stay for the Afterschool program (Omega).
  • What about testing?

    We do not routinely test preschool children, however we have a guidance counselor on staff who specializes in our youngest students if some testing is needed. Standardized testing begins in the 3rd grade. We use the ERB which is normed nationally to both public and independent school populations.
  • Is the campus secure?

    We take the safety of the children entrusted to us very seriously. In addition to a highly trained security officer on campus, there are procedures in place for emergencies and all entrance doors are secured by card access control.
  • Are parents welcome?

    Yes! There are many opportunities for parents to be involved, both in the classroom and the school. Parents who volunteer or chaperone are required to take the Safeguarding God’s Children class online.
  • Do all students wear uniforms?

    The uniform is mandatory for all HCES students except PK 3. There are many uniform options available through Lands End, Buckhead and locally at GWillies. The Parent Association also runs a Uniform Exchange which provides gently used uniforms for an even exchange or any piece for $1.
  • Is my child ready?

    Readiness for school varies by age. As a part of the application process, we will spend time with your child through Play Days or Shadow Days and check for basic readiness.
  • Where do the students attend High School?

    Our Middle School Guidance staff works closely with 8th grade parents and students to review choices for High School enrollment. Traditionally, HCES grads have chosen both public and independent High Schools. College matriculation data is available.
  • Will the teachers talk to me?

    Parents are partners with the school and are included in their child’s education. Through scheduled formal conferences, informal communications via email or phone, class newsletters, and class webpages, parents stay “in touch” with their child’s teachers.
  • My child is special!

    We agree! “Holy Comforter School believes that each child is a unique creation of God...” is in our Mission Statement and we live it each day. Our teachers specialize in accepting children where they are and encouraging and challenging each child to achieve their potential through Differentiated Instruction, utilizing cutting edge technology and time tested teaching methods.
Perhaps what I am most thankful to HCES for is giving me the opportunity to enjoy these years with my children.  Having such complete confidence in HCES, I do not worry about my children's future. For, I know they will enter high school with faith in God, a sound education, wonderful friends for life, and fond memories of their primary school experience.