Tuition and fees

Manhattan Country School is widely recognized for its unique sliding scale tuition system that supports diversity and equity.

Upper School Fifth to Eighth Grade

$59,000

Max Tuition*

Grade

$53,000

Early Childhood 4-5s and 5-6s

$57,000

Lower School  6-7s to 9-10s

*These figures apply to the 2025-2026 school year and will see an annual increase in 2026-2027.

Maximum fees are set annually by the Board of Trustees. 

MCS Sliding Scale Tuition Model

In the early years of MCS, parent and economist Franklin Roosevelt worked with founder Gus Trowbridge to create a tuition model designed to promote equity and inclusion. The sliding scale tuition ensures that each family’s tuition matches their financial resources, reflecting commitment to diversity an equity in our school community. 

Today, MCS continues to lead the way. For over 50 years, we've celebrated extraordinary economic diversity among our school community while offering a high-quality progressive education. Our graduates shine at the most competitive public and independent high schools and boarding schools throughout the region.

MCS sliding scale tuition model requires an income verification process via Clarity®

Included in the annual tuition are the following:

City- Based Education

  • Books and classroom materials

  • Daily morning snack

  • Lunch Monday through Thursday

  • Field trip transportation and expenses

  • Chromebook Program in the Upper School

  • Early drop-off coverage between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Farm-Based Education for 7-8s through 8th Grade

  • Overnight trips starting in the 7-8s year (2nd grade) until 8th grade

  • Classes in cooking, farming, nature and textiles

  • Room and Board

  • Field trip transportation and expenses

  • Three meals per day and daily snack

  • Full-time, dedicated Farm staff