How Can I Afford Private School?

Welcome to Carefree Christian Academy Admissions

At Carefree Christian Academy, we believe every child deserves access to a Christ-centered education that nurtures their academic, spiritual, and personal growth. Our admissions process is designed to be welcoming, informative, and tailored to help families like yours take the next step in their child’s educational journey.

Affordability is Our Priority

We understand the financial commitment of private education, which is why we offer scholarships and financial aid to help make this investment more manageable.

  • Significant scholarships are available!
  • Over 90% of our families receive financial assistance each year.
  • Payment plans can also be arranged to suit your family’s needs.

“On average, our students each receive an average of $7,000+ annually in ESA scholarships or $10,000+ annually in STO scholarships.”
~ Selene Nelson, Principal, CCP/CCA

pay for tuition

Here are five ways to make private school more affordable:

  1. Research Scholarships and Financial Aid: Explore need-based scholarships, merit awards, ESAs, and community grants to reduce tuition costs.
  2. Leverage Tax-Credit Programs: Arizona’s STO programs let taxpayers redirect state tax liability to fund tuition, and families can ask friends and relatives to make tax-deductible donations under their child’s name.
  3. Enroll in Tuition Assistance Programs: Use programs like RaiseRight to earn tuition credits from everyday purchases at popular retailers, potentially saving $1,000 or more annually.
  4. Plan with a 529 Savings Account: Save for private school tuition with this tax-advantaged plan that grows tax-free and covers qualifying education expenses.
  5. Create a Realistic Budget: Prioritize education costs, allocate savings, and adjust discretionary spending to make tuition manageable while maintaining financial stability.

Case Study:

  • STO Private Scholarships of $6,647
  • Corporate Scholarships of $2,800
  • $9,447 received towards tuition
  • $4,870 still owed, which is a payment of only $487 per month over 10 months!

Example Only: each family situation is different, but this is a realistic estimate based on actual student scenarios at CCA.

Student Tuition Organizations and Scholarships

This is the perfect time to begin applying for scholarships and raising donations!

scholarship money

More Scholarship and Financial Options

Thanks to the blessing of scholarships, private Christian school is more affordable than you may think! Multiple payment options including monthly payment plans are available. The scholarship and financial options below help make private Christian school a reality for most families.

Arizona’s Universal ESA scholarship is now in effect!. See link for details and to apply.

https://azed.gov/esa

We encourage families to apply to all our partner STOs (Student Tuition Organizations).

Please note – according to state laws, you may choose to apply for and accept ESA funds or STO funds but not both. You are welcome and encouraged to apply for all options prior to making your final decision. (You may then choose which awards to accept – ESAs or STOs.)

At Carefree Christian Academy we are honored to help students grow spiritually, academically, physically, and socially. We are happy to assist you with completing the scholarship applications noted above.

Ready to Donate Your AZ State Tax Dollars to CCA?

Please donate now …or choose from one of our other amazing STO partners listed above. Or… complete this super-simple form to re-route your state taxes to CCA without reducing your take-home pay! (Some restrictions apply–depends on your company’s payroll servicing company.) Email your completed form to [email protected], and in about a week ACSTO will send you a completed document to give your employer’s payroll department.

Click here for more information, or visit acsto.org.

Tuition & Affordability

We are committed to providing exceptional education while making it as accessible as possible for families.

TUITION RATES

Application Fee

$50 (non-refundable)

Admission Fee

$300

TUITION RATES FOR 2025/2026

  • Kindergarten – 1st Grade: $12,767 annually
  • Grades 6 – 12: $14,317 annually

ESA and STO scholarship funds available.

Tuition now covers all outbound field trip costs! Students may occasionally earn “fun” field trips – separate charges may apply.

$1,431.70 per month for 10 months – scholarships typically cover 50%+, reducing your out-of-pocket costs significantly.

DISCOUNTS!

$500 refer-a-student discount.
(Up to 1/2 off the cost of tuition!)

3% discount if paid in full by August 1st.

5% sibling discount for each additional child.

UNIFORMS

  • $32 CCA polo shirt
  • $20 CCA PE t-shirt
  • $65 martial arts uniform package
  • $40 – $70 blazers, sweaters, hoodies, and sweatshirts (various styles available)

LUNCHES

Students may order lunches weekly from featured local restaurants. Prices vary according to restaurant menus and student options. Current restaurant partners include:

Admissions Requirements

To complete the online application and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.  You will need to do the following:

  1. Create an account and log into account to start application process
  2. Provide at least 1 behavioral reference (from a pastor, teacher, or community leader)
  3. Upload a copy of their most recent school transcripts
  4. Upload any IEP’s, 504’s, MET’s or academic or medical accommodation documents
  5. Student will need to complete an academic assessment exam.
  6. Family will need to complete a family interview meeting with CCA’s Principal and Youth Pastor.
  7. Grade point averages below 2.5 must be reviewed by CCA’s administrative team for possible acceptance.
  8. Agree to our Statement of Faith and Position on Critical Issues, and students agree to follow our CCA Student Handbook and Behavioral Code of Conduct guidelines.

Carefree Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

CCA’s entry requirements allow us to maintain campus safety and academic quality.