Affordability
Affordability
A McLean education is an investment in your child’s education–and their future–but the reality is that our student-centered approach and small teacher-to-student ratio is not inexpensive. We aim to keep our program as affordable as possible while also ensuring we have the resources to deliver on our educational mission. We support families as best we can in their pursuit to offer a McLean education to their children.
Financial Assistance at McLean is based on need and guided by the objective analysis provided by Clarity, our Financial Assistance platform. The Clarity Application determines a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts. We believe Clarity streamlines the application for Financial Assistance.
Decisions about Financial Assistance awards are made by the School’s Financial Assistance Committee with the understanding that all families must make some contribution to their child’s McLean education.
If you are interested in Financial Assistance:
Clarity Application Due Dates
- December 1, 2025 for current McLean families
- January 28, 2026 for families applying to McLean
Please remember to return to your dashboard after you complete and submit your Clarity Application, as McLean School requires you to upload 2025 W2’s by January 31. If applicable, additional tax documentation may be requested.
All awards will be listed in Enrollment and Re-Enrollment Contracts.
If you have questions, please contact Director of Enrollment & Financial Assistance, Cathy Patterson.
FAQs
How does Clarity make it easy for me to apply for Financial Assistance?
Clarity offers a streamlined, mobile friendly application that can be completed in as short a time as 20 minutes. Additionally, Clarity removes the need to upload your 2022 W2 and 1040 by transferring them directly from the IRS. This reduces the amount of information that you will need to enter manually and makes it possible to complete the application quickly and efficiently.
What is the source of Financial Assistance funds?
Financial Assistance comes directly from the School’s operating resources and the generous contributions of McLean’s community of families and friends.
Does applying for Financial Assistance influence the Admission process?
No. Rest assured that Admission and Financial Assistance decisions are made independently from one another. We encourage families to apply for Financial Assistance while also applying for Admission and we will work with families to address any concerns about affordability.
What about confidentiality?
We recognize the private nature of all things money-related, which is why we hold applications for Financial Assistance in the strictest confidence. Only the Financial Assistance Committee members have access to the information submitted for consideration.
What does Financial Assistance cover?
Financial Assistance awards defray the cost of tuition and fees.
What if my financial situation changes?
Families must reapply for Financial Assistance each year, at which time their individual circumstances are reviewed and re-evaluated by the committee. Assuming a family’s circumstances remain unchanged, McLean will make every effort to continue support at a level roughly consistent with the prior year, understanding that tuition, including for financial assistance recipients, is likely to increase each year as educational costs rise.
If during the school year a family’s financial situation should change, the family can contact the School’s Director of Enrollment and Financial Assistance, Cathy Patterson, to explain the extenuating circumstances and request a reconsideration of their financial assistance award.