Tuition at Eastern Christian School 

You want the best education possible for your child, but you also want the curriculum, culture, and tuition to be a good fit for your family. You understand that a private Christian school can uniquely prepare your child for more than just college and career — it will also prepare their heart and mind for life’s challenges and celebrations.

Affording a private education can be intimidating, but not impossible. At Eastern Christian School, we make every effort to increase accessibility through Variable Tuition, which is made possible thanks to generous donors, fundraising, and scholarships. 

We have been developing confident students who are prepared for lives of Christian discipleship and service since our founding in 1892. Eastern Christian School students are known, valued, and celebrated as they pursue excellence in everything they do, including after graduation. How do we do it?

  • Our Christ-centered curriculum continuously builds on its foundation and fundamentals as students move from preschool through kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school.
  • EC high school students benefit from a rigorous academic program that includes 40+ advanced and dual enrollment courses, and personalized college and career counseling. 
  • Enrichment opportunities inside and outside the classroom allow students to explore interests in visual arts, music, theater, and more. 
  • Competitive athletics across 30+ sports teams encourage students to practice sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-discipline.
  • With counselors on staff and a low student-to-teacher ratio, we’re intentional about getting to know our students and how to best meet their needs. 
  • We emphasize community here by building relationships through service work, field trips, team sports, and annual events, such as Homecoming and Winter Carnival.

To learn more about our programs and how your child can flourish here, download our free Parent Information Packet.

Affording an Eastern Christian Education 

Variable Tuition is a means of helping as many families as possible in northern New Jersey and surrounding areas afford an Eastern Christian School education. We know one of your biggest priorities is giving your child the best education possible, and the Variable Tuition system we use provides a clear, impartial, and transparent process for determining a family’s financial aid eligibility.

After completing the Variable Tuition application process, we’ll be able to determine your family’s actual tuition costs. Many families are (pleasantly!) surprised to find out that an Eastern Christian School education really is affordable for them, after all. (Families must submit an application for enrollment before applying for Variable Tuition.)

$2 million awarded annually to 40% of Eastern Christian families

“We feel so blessed to be part of a Christ-centered learning community. We can’t count the number of times we reflect on how EC reinforces positive values for our daughter. We truly feel the home, church and school are connected. She comes home each day and shares her “EC adventures” with us and her little brother. He’s so excited to start this year. At EC we feel confident leaving our most precious gifts with teachers, staff, and volunteers who care about all aspects of their development. 

We also really appreciate the PTO and striving to foster community amongst the parents.”

The Effs Family

How much does Eastern Christian cost?

As you consider Eastern Christian School, we welcome your questions about Variable Tuition, scholarships, payment plans, or whatever else comes to mind. Our admissions team is here to help guide you through this process so that you can determine which learning environment is best for your child(ren).

Tuition 2024-2025

Preschool
Classes2-Day
(PK3)
3-Day
(PK3, PK4)
Half Day$2,875$4,310
Full Day$5,220$7,830
Classes4-Day
(PK4)
5-Day
(PK3, PK4, TK)
Half Day$5,745$7,180
Full Day$10,440$13,050

K3 3- Year-old Class | PK4 4-Year-Old Class | TK Transitional Kindergarten

For information about Eastern Christian’s preschool program, please visit our preschool page

Kindergarten – 12th Grade
Grade LevelVariable Tuition
Kindergarten
(3 Full + 2 half Days)
$5,740 – $10,440
Kindergarten
(4 Full Days + 1 Half Day)
$6,460 – $11,745
Kindergarten – Grade 3
(5 Full Days)
$7,180 – $13,050
Grades 4-8$8,090 – $14,700
Grades 9-12$10,010 – $18,200

Included in Tuition

  • Textbooks and instructional materials*
  • Field trips*
  • Mental health resources and support
  • Class fees*
  • Student admission to all on-campus concerts and most regular season athletic events*
  • Maker Space and media center access 
  • 1:1 device (starting in 2nd grade)*
  • Class activity (example: social events and local service opportunities)
  • Academic advising and college counseling 
  • College application assistance

*Minimal exclusions apply

Additional Fees

  • Capital Improvement Fee Eastern Christian School assesses a $1,000 Capital Improvement Fee to all new families with students entering grades 6-12.
  • Parking Fee Eastern Christian high school student drivers pay $50 per car.
  • Activity Fees Grades 6-12 pay $300 per sport and grades 9-12 pay $300 per theater season and for robotics club. The maximum family charge is $1,000.
  • Technology Fees Grades K-12 pay a technology fee of $200 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Eastern Christian determine if a family is eligible for variable tuition?

Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through 12th grade student may apply for Variable Tuition. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and family size. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at Eastern Christian School.

It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to Blackbaud Financial Aid Management, a third-party agency. Blackbaud evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and then makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify from the school’s financial office.

Is there a cap on available funds?

Eastern Christian School has a generous budget of approximately $2M in Variable Tuition funds and strives to help as many families as possible with those resources. Families who need help affording Eastern Christian should apply for Variable Tuition as soon as possible.

Is Variable Tuition available for students in all grades?

Variable Tuition is available for families with students in kindergarten through grade 12. The availability of assistance varies based on the entering grade level, space in a grade, number of applicants, and budgeted funds.

Could applying for Variable Tuition diminish the chances of my child being accepted to Eastern Christian School?

No, an application for Variable Tuition does not affect the admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the admission process as early as possible.

Do I need to apply to Eastern Christian School to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?

Yes. New families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for admission. Eastern Christian School is a continuous enrollment school; current families must submit a Variable Tuition application each year if they would like to be considered for a financial award that year.

Upon completion of my application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?

Families will typically hear from our financial office within two weeks of providing all the required information to our confidential third-party service.

What is the cost to apply for Variable Tuition?

The cost for most families is $45.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?

Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?

Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

Does Eastern Christian School offer any other forms of tuition assistance?

Other forms of accepted tuition assistance include TRIP: Tuition Reduction Incentive Program, Your Tuition Solution (financing option), and the Tri-County Scholarship. If you are a current recipient of a Tri-County scholarship, please note that you must reapply annually in order to be considered for a renewal. These applications are also due by the first week in February.

Many of our families come from churches that support Eastern Christian directly, both with their prayers and their financial support. If you need additional assistance in affording your tuition investment, please contact your church to inquire whether they might be able to assist you.

Schedule A Tour

If you’re looking for a private PK-12 school in Bergen or Passaic Counties, we hope you’ll come visit Eastern Christian School and see firsthand how our Christian education model can benefit your child(ren) and family.