Don’t let finances discourage your family from exploring Saint Stephen’s! We strive to maintain an affordable yet appropriate tuition structure and value the financial commitment our families make to send their student(s) to Saint Stephen's.

SSES annually awards more than $2-million in need-based financial aid to qualified students as we strive to create an outstanding student body in pursuit of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Applications open on Feb. 2, 2026.

Additionally, SSES has many scholarship opportunities available to returning students. Interested applicants are encouraged to explore the various tuition assistance, scholarships, and affordability options offered. (View scholarship information for returning students here).

Three different tuition payment plans are offered – with varying timelines for payment – to provide flexibility and choice for families as they budget for the school year. Saint Stephen’s values its ability to operate as an independent school and does not accept funding from any Florida state-sponsored scholarships.

Applying for Tuition Assistance

Students requesting need-based financial assistance must first be offered admission to Saint Stephen's. Admission is determined without regard to a student's application for financial aid. Priority is given to Middle and Upper School families when awarding tuition assistance.

In order to allocate resources wisely and fairly, Saint Stephen’s utilizes Blackbaud’s Financial Aid Management online service as the standard submission format and processor for all tuition assistance applications. Blackbaud provides a financial aid analysis service, which includes a recommendation of what a family should reasonably contribute toward tuition. Saint Stephen’s uses the analysis provided to help determine tuition assistance. All information from Blackbaud is confidential. Because need is assessed annually, a Blackbaud application must be submitted each year.

The application process is self-guided, and parent guides are also available on the Blackbaud website. Customer service is available online (support@studentfinancialaid.blackbaud.school) or by calling a 24/7 helpline (800-360-8027).

To apply through Blackbaud, you will need to provide a current tax return(s), W-2, and all available documentation by logging in or creating an account at studentfinancialaid.blackbaud.school, and entering the five-digit code 12581 when selecting a school, or enter Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in the search box.

If there are special circumstances of which the school’s Tuition Assistance Committee should be aware, you may explain these circumstances in your Blackbaud application. The Saint Stephen’s Tuition Assistance Committee reviews the completed application and any related information when determining awards.