Tuition & Affordability

Tuition Deposit:
A non-refundable tuition deposit of $2,000 is required upon acceptance to reserve a place in the grade and is applied toward the total tuition. For families applying for financial aid, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $650 is required and applied toward the total tuition.

Non-Tuition Expenses:
Additional fees for books, class trips, and technology may apply. Refer to the Non-Tuition Fees and Expenses document for more information.

Optional Fees are due upon receipt of statement.

Tuition:

North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship:
Cannon School will conclude its participation in the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship following the 2025-26 school year.
As an independent school, Cannon is deeply committed to providing a learning experience shaped by our mission, values, and the needs of our students and community. Ending our participation in the program allows us to continue designing curriculum and programs that reflect who we are and prepare students for a future of purpose and possibility.

Families seeking tuition support are encouraged to explore Cannon’s need-based financial aid program, available through the Clarity Tuition platform, and to research additional resources that may meet their family’s needs. If you have questions about financial support or would like guidance during this process, please contact our Admission team at admission@cannonschool.org.

We’re here to help as you consider your family’s Journey of Growth at Cannon.

Cannon offers a variety of tuition payment options for families to choose from, as follows:

Annual Plan: Tuition minus deposit, due June 1.
 
Bi-Annual Plan: Tuition minus deposit, divided by two equal payments due June 1 and November 1.
 
Bank Draft Ten-Month Plan: Tuition minus deposit, divided by ten equal monthly payments. Drafts can be drawn on the 5th or 15th of each month June to March. No administrative fee charged for this plan.
 
Credit Card Plan: The School accepts American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA card payments for any of the payment plans listed on this sheet (the ten-month bank draft plan does not apply). Please note that a 3.5% convenience fee is added to all transactions involving a credit/debit card. VISA is for credit only, no debit cards allowed at this time.
 
Ten-Month Check Plan: Tuition minus deposit, divided by ten equal monthly payments due the 1st of each month June to March. $200 administrative fee due June 1.

Tuition Refund Plan: Cannon offers The Tuition Refund Plan as a means to insure your annual financial obligation under the terms of the accompanying Enrollment Contract.

Cannon School strives to make an independent school education available to families of various financial means.

Financial aid grants at Cannon are strictly need-based and are determined using the Clarity Tuition platform.

Please visit our Financial Aid Webpage for detailed information.

Bus Service is available, space permitting. Fees for transportation service contracts will be billed twice a year, in September and January. Fees for drop-in charges will appear on your child’s monthly statement. Any student who rides for any reason and does not have a contract (i.e., going home with a friend on the bus) will be billed the drop-in rate.

Please visit the Transportation webpage for additional details about bus service.

Visit our After School Program webpage for information on the hours and activities offered for Lower and Middle School students after the school day.

Also, Cannon's Beyond the Bell Enrichment Program offers a collection of extracurricular enrichment programs for Lower, Middle, and Upper School students. These varied offerings provide students with the opportunity to ignite their imagination, pursue their passions, and develop skills in a variety of areas including the arts, athletics, and the humanities.

At independent schools, tuition alone does not cover the full cost of providing a quality education. Cannon School relies on two fundraising programs to ensure continued excellence in the classroom and support for competitive athletics, exceptional art programs, innovative technology and meaningful service learning opportunities.

Your gifts to the Cannon Fund will help cover operating expenses not covered by tuition. These annual tax-deductible gifts directly support all educational programs at Cannon, from state-of-the-art academic resources to competitive salaries that attract the very best faculty.
 
As new parents, we ask you to become members of our Cannon Society by making a Cannon Fund gift at one of the Cannon Society levels that start at $1,500. We recognize, however, that a Cannon Society level gift may not be possible for all families, and we hope that you will support the Cannon Fund at a level that is right for you. We do ask that 100% of our current families support the Cannon Fund.
 
Beyond the Cannon Fund, Cannon School also asks families to consider supporting various Capital Campaign Projects that may include new building projects, facilities enhancements or endowments.
 
Parents are invited to support both of these fund-raising programs at the giving level that is right for their families. For more information, visit our Support Cannon webpage.