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SDJA Affordability

Making the SDJA experience as affordable as possible

We are deeply aware of the pressure that day school tuition places upon parents and families. To help more families access an SDJA education, we provide three simple affordability programs for K-12 students. We are proud to award more than $6.8 million in tuition assistance and credits under these programs each year.

We understand that each family’s financial circumstances is unique, and we look forward to building a strong relationship with your family. The admissions office is here to help. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to (858) 704-3700 or studentservices@sdja.com.

$6.8 Million

awarded annually in tuition assistance and credits

Browse our affordability programs below

Read our tuition assistance FAQ

Tuition Assistance

For students grades K-12

Rolling Admissions: Please email admissions@sdja.com for further questions/information. Head over to our tour page to book a tour today!

Tuition assistance helps to close the gap between the cost of a SDJA education and what a family can afford to pay. Each tuition assistance application is reviewed confidentially and awards are based on each family’s demonstrated need and circumstances. Tuition assistance applications are reviewed after students are accepted to SDJA. Since tuition assistance is awarded annually, parents submit a new tuition assistance application each year.

Clarity GraphicWe use a service called Clarity to securely process tuition assistance applications. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete, is mobile-friendly, and allows you to save your progress and return at any time.

Open Door Credit

Automatic qualification for students entering kindergarten for the 2024-25 School Year.

New students to SDJA entering Kindergarten automatically receive a $7,500 tuition credit each year for three years. ECC Pre-K students currently attending SDJA entering Kindergarten automatically receive a $10,000 tuition credit each year for three years.  At the end of the three years, families are welcome to apply for tuition assistance.

Families who receive Open Door are still eligible to apply for tuition assistance. You will be placed in the single program that provides the greatest award.

Jewish Professional Credit

50% tuition credit for Jewish Communal professionals from qualifying agencies who have students enrolled in grades K-12 and 25% Jewish Professional Credit for ECC students for the 2024-25 School Year.

We deeply value our Jewish community members who give back professionally, so we offer a discount of 50% off base tuition (excluding fees) to qualifying families with students in grades K-12. The dollar equivalent discount is $13,720, $15,860, and $16,720 for lower school, middle school, and high school.

Families with at least one parent employed full-time (a minimum of 35 hours/week) by a qualifying Jewish non-profit organization, or full-time as practicing clergy (Rabbinic or Cantorial), are eligible.

To see if you qualify, please review the criteria.

View eligibility criteria

Criteria for Jewish Communal Professional Discount 

  • At least one parent or guardian must be a year-round resident and a full-time employee (working a minimum of 35 hours/week) at a Jewish non-profit organization as defined below.
  • Each agency must provide verification at the beginning and middle of the school year.
  • Full-time teachers are considered year-round employees, pending school verification.
  • Children of contract employees are not eligible.
  • If the employee resigns or is terminated, the JCP credit  will continue through the end of the semester in which the employee is terminated.
  • If a student is currently enrolled and the parent or guardian’s employment at a qualified Jewish non-profit organization begins mid-year, the student may be eligible to receive the credit the following school year.

Sample Agencies / Jewish non-profit organizations may include any of the following:

  • Jewish Federation or an affiliate agency, grantee, or partner
  • Synagogue
  • Jewish day school
  • Jewish overnight or day camp
  • National Jewish non-profit organization
  • AIPAC and Israel consulate
  • Any other not-for-profit entity approved by the Committee

Questions about tuition and affordability?

Experience our warm community, high quality education, and inspired and meaningful Jewish life. Reach out to begin a confidential conversation about tuition affordability so that your family can be a part of SDJA.

Frequently Asked Questions