Tuition is charged at an annual rate based on the anticipated number of program days in the school year. Tuition listed is for the 2024/25 school year.
| Classroom | Annual tuition (divided over 9 months equally) |
|---|---|
| Toddlers 2 days/week | $3,536 ($393) |
| Toddlers 3 days/week | $5,330 ($592) |
| Preschoolers 3 days/week | $4,914 ($546) |
| Preschoolers 5 days/week | $8,083 ($898) |
Tuition assistance
State of Minnesota tuition assistance programs
We accept payments from the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families offers Early Learning Scholarships directly to families who have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Early Learning Scholarships cover 100% of tuition and fees. Apply online here.
- If you need help with your application for an Early Learning Scholarship, and you live in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, contact Think Small.
- Families who live in another county should visit this page to find their local scholarship program administrator.
Alex P. Galle Scholarship
CDLS’s Alex P. Galle Scholarship Fund provides need-based tuition assistance for 20% – 50% of tuition cost for qualifying families. Eligibility is based on household size using the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the most recent tax year.
- Our scholarships are provided through the generosity of donors. Funds are limited, and some families that qualify may not receive assistance.
- Families who apply for a CDLS scholarship must also apply for an Early Learning Scholarship if their child qualifies.
Please get in touch with us to learn more and to apply.
Tuition payment policies
Tuition is based on enrollment schedule rather than on actual attendance. Sick days, vacation days, holidays, staff development days, and emergency closings are considered to be part of the enrollment schedule. If school is closed for more than 30 days, tuition will be refunded on a prorated basis. A 30-day paid notice is required to withdraw a child from the school for any reason.
If paying by check, payments must be attached to the bottom portion of your invoice. Payments not attached to your invoice will be returned to you, which could delay processing and result in a late fee. If you do not receive your invoice, please contact the billing specialist to obtain another copy.
Payment by check should be made payable to the University of Minnesota. Payments can be made via credit card online at pay.umn.edu.
If special circumstances occur and you cannot follow the fee payment policy or plan, please contact the billing specialist or the enrollment coordinator immediately. Please also alert the billing specialist to any discrepancies or disagreements concerning your billing statement.
We will charge a $35 handling fee for the processing of any check returned to the school due to insufficient funds. Upon receipt of the second non-sufficient funds check, all future tuition payments must be paid by cash, cashier’s check, money order, or online.