Independent schools increasingly face the affordability squeeze: families want their children to have the benefits of an exceptional and holistic education, but they are often stretched to the edge of their budgets. EMA’s 2025 Special Report, An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability, highlights the financial realities of today’s applicant families. On average, parents reported varying levels of willingness and ability to pay, with wide variation by income, school type, and geography. The study also reveals that even so-called “full-pay” families often rely on layered sources of support, from relatives to loans. This session will dive into key affordability findings, unpack implications for tuition strategy, and consider how schools can communicate accessibility more effectively. Participants will hear from the report authors, engage in compelling discussion, and leave with actionable insights to inform conversations about affordability with their school’s leadership team and board. 

This session is the second in a two part series. Participants may attend one or both sessions.