2026/27 Tuition + Fees Schedule
Nelson Waldorf School is committed to making Waldorf education accessible to as many families as possible. Our tuition is among the most affordable of Waldorf schools in North America—often 25% to 70% lower than other Waldorf schools in Canada—because we believe deeply in the transformative power of this education and strive to keep it within reach.
A Waldorf education is a gift that lasts a lifetime, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deep love of learning. Our dedicated teachers bring subjects to life through storytelling, hands-on experiences, and a holistic approach that nurtures the whole child—head, heart, and hands. We use high-quality, natural materials and art supplies to ensure that every child can fully immerse themselves in their work, experiencing beauty and purpose in their learning.
Tuition is just one piece of what sustains our school. The remaining 60%-70% budget comes from ministry funding and the generosity of our community—through fundraising, events, and volunteer efforts that bring us together in support of our children’s education. Every family is a valued part of this community, and we offer tuition modification for those in need so that a Waldorf education can be available to as many children as possible.
Tuition amounts for the 2026-2027 school year:
| Grade | Full tuition | Monthly Payments (12 instalments – July to June) | Eligible Monthly Modified Tuition Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten to Grade 9 | $6,240 | $520 | $104-$494 |
- Sibling Discount
Individual student discount for families with more than one child in the school (applies only to Kindergarten through Grade nine). Full tuition is due for the oldest child. Second Oldest Child: 10% off. Third Oldest Child and additional siblings: 35% off.
- Childcare Tax Receipt for K-9 Grades
A portion of the school day is considered childcare (as per CRA guideline). As a result, NWS is permitted to issue tax receipts for a portion (~14%) of the school tuition fees paid for students up to the age of 16. Please contact the registrar by February 1st 2027, if you wish to receive a childcare tax receipt for the calendar year 2026.
- Tuition Modification Program
Tuition is adjusted based on financial need and is solely granted through application to the Tuition Modification Program every year. Combined family net incomes of less than 120,000 may be eligible.
Applications submitted by June 30th 2026 to receive the best possible discounts for the 2026-2027 school year.
Supply, registration, enrollment, and society membership fees are non-refundable. Only families who have accounts in good standing are eligible for tuition modification.
Access to Tuition Modification closes on Jan 31st 2027
- Registration Fee
A non-refundable payment of $250 for the registration fee to complete registration and is required for each new and returning student to register and secure a space in the class. The early-bird registration fee for returning families is reduced to $200 for all registrations received before May 1st, 2026.
- Supply and Society Membership Fee
A non-refundable $300 supply fee is due after registration in order to cover ordering for school supplies (*see footnote). All families are required to become a member of the NWS society. The Society Membership Fee is $30 per family per year and due after registration.
- New Students and Mid-year Admission
New students enrolling at NWS are subject to a one-time enrollment fee of $300 (Kindergarten to Grade 9), due after registration.
Annual tuition amounts for mid-year (January or later) admission will be prorated from the first day of the month of enrollment.
- Bus Transportation
Bus fees for students who require bus service can be provided as a monthly payment. Monthly subscription for the use of the bus service is discounted at $55/student. Monthly payments will be invoiced on Brightwheel. An occasional bus pass can also be purchased at a cost of $65 per 20 tickets at the front office.
- Method and Terms of Payment
Pay in up to 12 monthly installments with the first payment occurring on the latter of: 1) July 10th, and with the final payment occurring on June 10th, 2027 or; 2) the month of approved registration. Monthly payments will be processed as automatic debits from your bank account.
Billing Details must be provided on Brightwheel and Credit cards are also accepted with a surcharge of 2.75% to cover the payment processing costs charged to the school. Autopay is also a default requirement to ensure payments are made by the invoice due dates and late fees will not be incurred.
- Withdrawal & Refund policy
The Student Registration agreement lasts for the entire school year. Withdrawals require 1-month advance notice using the form provided on Brightwheel. Monthly payments will continue through to the end of the school year unless a refund is due under the Refunds and Withdrawal policy.
Scenario for withdrawal with tuition payments beginning in July:
Student A has withdrawn on Oct 18th and has paid 4 months of tuition on a 12 month plan but actually attended for 2 out of 10 months of the school year..
Ratio of tuition payments = # of payments / # months payment plan
Ratio of months attended = # of months in attendance / 10 months
(Annual Tuition x Ratio of tuition payments) – (Annual tuition x Ratio of months attended) = Refund
($6,240 x 0.3333) – ($6,240 x 0.2) = $2080- $1248 = $832.00 Refund
* Nelson Waldorf school emphasizes natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic art supplies to support children’s creativity and sensory development. These supplies are carefully chosen to inspire imagination and creativity while being safe for children. Here are some common supplies included in the supply fee:
- Stockmar Modeling Beeswax: Used for sculpting and modeling activities.
- Natural Beeswax Crayons: Often used for drawing and coloring.
- Lyra Colored Pencils: Known for their vibrant colors and smooth application.
- Watercolor Paints: High-quality watercolors are used for painting.
- Wool Felting Supplies: Includes wool roving and felting needles for creating felted projects.
- Knitting and Crochet Supplies: Natural fibers like wool are used for handwork projects.
- Main Lesson Books: Blank books used for drawing, painting, and writing.
- Craft Paints: Non-toxic paints for various art projects.
- Weaving Supplies: Includes natural fibers and looms for weaving activities.
2025/26 International Student Fees
Tuition: $1684 per month, charged monthly
Supply Fees: $300, one time yearly fee
Registration Fee: $250, one time yearly fee
Enrolment Fee: $300, one time fee
ADDITIONAL FEES – These fees may not apply to short-term students
Maintenance Fee: $100 per month
Administrations Fee: $400, one time yearly fee
Medical Fee: $50 per month
TRANSPORTATION FEES (Optional)
Bus Pass Punch Card (20 rides): $65 each
HOMESTAY FEES (If Applicable)
Homestay Placement Fee: $1,000, First year only; if student returns to same homestay.
Homestay Accommodation: $1,100 per month, includes room + board.
FIELD TRIPS + ACTIVITIES
Each class may include field trips or special activities related to the curriculum.
- These activities are not included in tuition.
- Costs vary depending on the activity.
- Fees will be invoiced separately as they occur.
The Nelson Waldorf School is perfect for students learning English as a secondary language.
BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN, SAFE, FRIENDLY TOWN – Nelson is a friendly town nestled between mountains with crystal clear lakes, gorgeous vistas and family-friendly parks. The town has many restaurants, cafes, shops as well as a popular theatre, two cinemas and excellent sport facilities.
SOCIAL INCLUSION – Students of all cultures and interests are welcome at Nelson Waldorf. The Code of Compassion, created by the students themselves, is brought to life in our classrooms and hallways, reflecting a school-wide dedication to upholding a climate conducive to learning.
MATH ENRICHMENT – International students will have their math and English skills assessed to ensure students are placed accordingly. Students staying the full year who show proficiency with English and math may join the math enrichment class.
RECORDER TUTORING – all students play the recorder. Any international students who can read music will be able to learn to play the recorder with minimal support.
ARTISTIC APPROACH – the classes are rich in artistic and creative activity. Learning English through artistic activities, woodwork and handwork projects makes practice fun.
Helpful Information About Nelson Waldorf School
School Supplies: Our students are given the highest quality school supplies from Mercurius/Stockmar in Germany.
The students draw with beeswax crayons and Stockmar coloured pencils, use fountain pens to write, learn calligraphy in class 6, and paint with beautiful translucent colours.
Recorders: Students in Classes 1-8 play the recorder. By Class 6 the students are playing 3 and 4 part music using the Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass Recorders. Students are given a beautiful wooden soprano recorder, which they take home with them.
Overnight Class Trips: Classes 3-8 go on one or more overnight trips each year. Most trips are for two nights. Class 3 goes to a farm, Class 4 goes to Fort Steele (a pioneer village), Class 5 attends the Waldorf Olympics, Class 6 backpacks into a wilderness cabin in the fall and takes a bike trip in the spring. Class 7 goes to a challenge course in the fall and to a rock climbing camp in the spring. Class 8 participates in a high ropes course in the fall, goes snow caving in the winter, and goes on a 5-day trip in the spring. There is an additional cost for all overnight trips.
Class Plays: Every class at the Nelson Waldorf School performs a play for the rest of the school at some time during the year. If your child is involved in a class play we will send you pictures.
ELL Tutoring
ELL (English Language Learner) tutoring will be required for students who are learning English as a second language. Tutoring is to be arranged privately, and is estimated at a cost of $35/hr, usually two hours per week. Tutoring is designed to help support students with English and integrate them into the school and community as quickly as possible. Tutoring fees are in addition to homestay and tuition fees.
Starting dates are flexible throughout the year.
The Nelson Waldorf School has a small international student home stay program which places students in classes 3-8. The program coordinator receives and reviews the international student profiles, and after consulting with the teacher(s) involved and the Pedagogical Administrator recommends a placement for the student in the most appropriate class. The coordinator also finds the home stay families and places the student in the family that is the best fit. The coordinator teaches at the school and therefore can check in with the students on a daily basis to support the student, and checks in with the home stay families on a regular basis. Any tutoring will be done by the coordinator. The program coordinator is the legal guardian of all the international students at the school.
Additional information coming soon.