Worcester Academy Announces 2022-2023 Tuition Freeze
“From the coronavirus to increased inflation, these last two years have brought
unrivaled challenges for all of us. In an effort to support our families in these unprecedented times, Worcester Academy is freezing tuition for the upcoming school year, and in some cases, lowering it altogether.”
unrivaled challenges for all of us. In an effort to support our families in these unprecedented times, Worcester Academy is freezing tuition for the upcoming school year, and in some cases, lowering it altogether.”
Kevin Breen
Head of School
Worcester Academy
Head of School
Worcester Academy
WORCESTER, Mass. (Feb. 7, 2022) — Worcester Academy Head of School Kevin Breen today announced that Worcester Academy will freeze, and in some cases lower, tuition for the 2022-2023 school year. The move comes as independent schools across the region are increasingly under pressure to increase fees and tuition in the face of inflation.
“From the coronavirus to increased inflation, these last two years have brought unparalleled challenges for all of us,” he said. “In an effort to support our families in these unprecedented times, Worcester Academy is freezing tuition for the upcoming school year, and in some cases, lowering it altogether.”
Head of School Breen said the Academy recognizes the sacrifices that many Worcester Academy parents make to send their children to WA.
“The freeze signifies the school’s and its board of trustees’ commitment to affordability both now and in the future,” he said.
AFFORDABILITY, PARTNERSHIP ARE STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
“Although the school is dealing with increased expenses and the reality that tuition revenue does not cover the cost of operating our school, affordability is a strategic priority,” Head of School Breen said.
“The Academy believes this new pricing is consistent with its desire to strengthen our partnership with our families and with the city we call home,” he said. “Affordability will continue to be an institutional priority and will strengthen our mission to ‘Achieve the Honorable.’ ”
He noted that the Academy is proud to be an independent school committed to an economically diverse group of families, with 50 percent of the student body receiving some level of financial aid, well above the average for independent schools in Massachusetts. The decision to freeze tuition is yet another step in furthering that commitment, Head of School Breen said.
“It’s about growing minds, not tuition,” he said.
MAJOR INVESTMENTS, ACADEMY PROJECTS TO CONTINUE
Additionally, he said the tuition freeze would not delay any of the major investments Worcester Academy has planned.
“We will soon begin dramatic renovations of two great halls — The Megaron and Adams Hall — to include new dining and food service areas, the creation of a new front pavilion, and a pedestrian-friendly area known as the Beech Walk.
“This project will be the first of several as we embark on our Master Campus Plan,” he said.
Head of School Breen, who took the helm at Worcester Academy July 1, said he is fortunate to have joined Worcester Academy at such “an exciting and pivotal moment in its 188-year history.”
