Affording Menlo

We know that students with different life experiences enrich the Menlo learning community for everyone. Our generous financial aid program makes Menlo accessible and affordable.

Access and Affordability

Menlo’s tuition, which is $55,900 for the 2022-2023 school year, includes most school expenses. For example, daily transportation on any of our four Menlo bus routes, the shuttle to and from the Menlo Park CalTrain station, lunch, field trips, class retreats, and many other incidental costs are all included in tuition.

Each year Menlo admits many students regardless of their families’ ability to pay the cost of a Menlo education. In fact, more than 18.5% of our current students receive financial aid. We have a $7.3 million financial aid budget and are able to meet 100% of each admitted student’s demonstrated financial need. 

As a school that places a great value on inclusivity, Menlo wants every student to have access to the same opportunities. In addition to helping with tuition expenses, Menlo financial aid helps with all additional school-related costs such as books, athletic team or club trips, global trips, a laptop, athletic gear, etc.

Menlo’s financial aid awards are strictly need-based (no merit or athletic scholarships) and can range from a few thousand dollars to the full cost of tuition. These awards do not need to be repaid.

How does Menlo determine a family’s financial need? 

Like many area independent schools, we use the School and Student Services (SSS) platform as a starting reference point. To apply for aid (see details below), families use this secure online tool to complete the Parent Financial Statement (PFS), which provides Menlo an estimated family contribution based on income, assets, family size, debts, and liabilities. We consider this recommendation and make adjustments as merited. (Please see the case studies below for more details.)

We believe that funding an independent school education should be a high priority for all Menlo families. In our experience, parents are more invested in their student’s education if they contribute to the cost of tuition. Some of our financial aid families will contribute as little as $50 per month as a result of our generous financial aid budget. These families will pay almost nothing for school-related costs such as a laptop, tutoring, school supplies, books, athletic gear, transportation, school trips, college-application expenses, etc.

Menlo is committed to providing aid during the student’s entire time at the School. Families must reapply for financial aid each year, and adjustments to an award can occur due to a change in a family’s financial situation. If a family’s financial circumstances don’t change, the award will increase to cover the rising cost of tuition each year.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

• Go to the School and Student Services (SSS) and click on “Complete your PFS” in the upper right-hand corner. 
• Families in the applicant pool must complete and submit the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) and upload a copy of your 2020 & 2021 federal tax returns, all schedules, and W-2 forms to SSS by January 12, 2023. 
• Both new and returning families must upload completed 2022 federal income tax forms to SSS by March 1, 2023.
• If you need assistance, contact Rose Garza in our Financial Aid Office at rgarza@menloschool.org or 650.330.2001 ext. 2602. 

Financial Aid Case Studies

Menlo’s financial aid award recipients represent a broad range of income levels. We realize that each family has a unique financial situation, and we are eager to work with families who can’t afford our tuition. The following case studies help demonstrate that families of various sizes and from a wide range of financial circumstances receive aid from Menlo. Each of these cases represents a currently enrolled family.