Tuition &
Financial Aid
Every family here receives parish support before anyone fills out a single form. Most families find the number lower than they expected.
Catholic education, within reach
A St. Francis education costs considerably more to provide than any family is asked to pay. Our parish and the wider Quincy Catholic community cover the difference.
That means every family here receives tuition support before anyone fills out a single form. Most families who look into this find the number lower than they expected. If you're weighing whether it's possible, talk to us before you decide. That conversation is private and there's usually a path.
What a year here actually costs
For one child from a family registered and participating in a sponsoring Quincy Catholic parish:
school day
That works out to roughly $23 per school day, generally less than area child care, with a full Catholic education included.
And that's before assistance. Once need-based aid is applied, the median family at St. Francis pays about $X,XXX, and XX% of our families receive some form of assistance beyond the parish support every family gets.
Kindergarten through eighth grade
Rates depend on your family's participation in one of the four Quincy Catholic parishes that sponsor a school: Blessed Sacrament, St. Anthony, St. Francis, or St. Peter.
Registered and actively participating in a sponsoring parish
| Household | Cost to educate | Parish support | Your cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One child | $7,569 | − $3,547 | $4,022 |
| Two children | $15,138 | − $9,252 | $5,886 |
| Three or more | $22,707+ | − $16,200+ | $6,507 |
Catholic families not registered or not actively participating, and families of other faiths
| Household | Cost to educate | Parish support | Your cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One child | $7,569 | − $1,836 | $5,733 |
| Two children | $15,138 | − $5,502 | $9,636 |
| Three or more | $22,707+ | − $11,763+ | $10,944 |
Families of all faiths are welcome here, and every family listed above still receives substantial parish support. These are the listed rates, not what many families end up paying. See financial assistance below.
If your family is able to give more than the rate listed, we'd ask you to prayerfully consider it. Anything above your family cost is a tax-deductible donation that helps another child attend.
Preschool
Our preschool sits inside the same building, with the same faculty and the same faith your child will grow up in, so the move to kindergarten is a walk down a familiar hallway.
- Five days a week
- 8:10–11:00 a.m.
- Resource fee $300
- Five days a week
- 8:10 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- For children entering kindergarten the following year
- Resource fee $300
Fees and important dates
2026–2027 resource fees
The resource fee covers materials and operating costs, per student.
| Family | By May 6, 2026 | After May 6 |
|---|---|---|
| New families | $315 | $465 |
| Returning families | $300 | $450 |
Dates to know
For the 2026–2027 school year.
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Applications openFinancial assistance applications open.
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DeadlineAssistance applications close for returning families. All scholarship applications due.
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Seat depositNon-refundable resource fee due to guarantee your child's seat, based on capacity.
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AwardsAssistance award notifications sent by email.
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Current familiesClear any past-due balance in order to enroll.
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Tuition dueTuition paid in full, or a FACTS payment plan established.
Monthly payments
Most families spread tuition across the year through FACTS Tuition Management, paid by automatic bank draft or card.
Transferring mid-year? Tuition is prorated for the portion of the year your child attends.
Set up a payment plan →Card and debit payments carry a processing fee.
Financial assistance
Tuition here is already less than half the true cost to educate a child. For families who need more, the QCES Foundation awards need-based assistance every year, and many families are surprised to learn they qualify.
Assistance is determined confidentially through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, so your finances go to FACTS rather than to the school office and every application is weighed the same way. Families whose household income falls within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are especially encouraged to apply.
Returning families apply February 6 through April 10, 2026. New families may apply beginning February 6, and applications stay open as long as funds remain. Applying doesn't commit you to enrolling. It gives you real numbers to decide with.
Assistance isn't limited to spring. If you're enrolling mid-year, you can still apply.
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Complete the online FACTS applicationSelect St. Francis Solanus School. Paper applications aren't accepted.
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Upload your documentsYour most recent federal tax return and W-2s for both applicant and co-applicant.
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Pay the $40 application feeNon-refundable, submitted directly to FACTS.
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Watch your emailAward notifications go out at the end of May, and awards apply straight to your tuition account.
Full-tuition scholarships
Several scholarships awarded through the QCES Foundation cover full tuition, including awards created specifically for families new to Quincy Catholic schools.
Fr. Augustus Tolton Scholarship
Full K–8 tuition, one family per parish.
Newcomer's Scholarship
Full tuition for a student new to Quincy Catholic schools.
St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship
Full tuition and fees for up to four students.
Applications are due April 10, 2026. The Foundation also stewards many endowed scholarships awarded without a separate application, and St. Francis awards the Allison Holbrook Memorial Scholarship to its own students each year.
All scholarships & how to apply →Two more ways families save
Gene Grawe Fund
Buy gift cards for things you're buying anyway, like groceries, gas, restaurants, and home improvement, and participating merchants contribute a percentage directly to your tuition account. You spend nothing extra, and grandparents and friends can buy on your family's behalf. Many families offset several hundred dollars a year.
Illinois Education Expense Credit
Illinois residents may claim 25% of qualified K–12 education expenses over $250 (tuition, book fees, and lab fees) for a state tax credit of up to $750 per family. Ask your tax preparer when you file.
Tuition questions
Affordability conversations are private and carry no obligation. Call the school office.
(217) 222-4077How much is tuition at St. Francis Solanus School?
For 2026–2027, K–8 tuition is $4,022 for one child from a family registered and actively participating in a sponsoring Quincy Catholic parish. Two children are $5,886 and three or more are $6,507. Families not registered in a sponsoring parish, or of other faiths, pay $5,733 for one child. Preschool is $2,011 half day and $4,022 full day. These are listed rates before any financial assistance.
Is financial assistance actually available?
Yes, and every family already receives some. Tuition covers less than half the true cost to educate a student here, with parish and community giving covering the rest. Beyond that, the QCES Foundation awards need-based assistance every year, and several full-tuition scholarships are available.
What if I'm not sure we'd qualify?
Apply anyway. Need is determined confidentially by FACTS rather than by the school, and many families are surprised. Applying costs $40 and doesn't obligate you to enroll.
Do we have to be Catholic to enroll?
No. Families of every faith background are welcome. Rates differ based on parish participation, but any family may apply and enroll, and families of other faiths are eligible for assistance.
What counts as "actively participating" in a parish?
Generally being registered, attending Mass regularly, and taking part in parish life. If you aren't sure whether your family qualifies, call the school office and we'll walk through it.
When is tuition due?
The resource fee is due May 6, 2026 to secure your child's seat. Tuition must be paid in full, or a FACTS payment plan established, by June 30, 2026.
Can we pay monthly?
Yes. Most families use a FACTS payment plan and spread tuition across up to ten monthly installments by bank draft or card.
How much is that per day?
For one child from a participating parish, K–8 tuition works out to roughly $23 per school day, generally less than area child care.
What if we enroll in the middle of the year?
Tuition is prorated for the portion of the year your child attends, and you can still apply for financial assistance.
What's not included in tuition?
The resource fee, lunch, extended care, athletics fees, PMO band and choir fees, and the eighth grade Washington trip. Most have their own assistance available, so ask.
Who do we talk to about affordability?
Principal Julie Radel at (217) 222-4077 or jradel@stfrancissolanus.com. For assistance applications, the QCES Foundation at (217) 779-3157. These conversations are private and carry no obligation.
What our families say
Faith & Tradition
Our family's love for St. Francis Solanus School is deeply rooted in faith and tradition. With Joe's family having attended for generations, it is incredibly meaningful to now watch our children walk the same halls and grow in the same values-rich, faith-centered environment.
Joe & Alexis Darnell FamilyKnown at every stage
St. Francis Solanus meets the individual academic needs of all our children at every stage of development. Our older kids recognized the "St. Francis Solanus difference" during an initial school visit and were ready to start the next day! The parent-teacher partnership is collaborative and focused on helping students do their best, and the Catholic influence of the priests, deacons, DRE, and staff is focused on fostering a true and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.
Aaron & Karen Weiman FamilyTo be Jesus to others
St. Francis provides a quality Catholic experience. They learn not only how to add and subtract but to know Jesus, love Jesus, and to be Jesus to others. We are proud of our choice to have provided a faith-based education for our children and that our children have continued to choose St. Francis for their children. It is important to celebrate the privilege of a Catholic education and we have been blessed to have been supportive of continuing this legacy.
Deacon Dennis and Pat HolbrookAccountability with grace
The culture is one of partnership. Students are truly known by their teachers and staff. There is accountability paired with grace. Leadership is present and engaged.
The Friye Mamdani FamilyEnthusiasm and dedication
The teachers of St. Francis are observing and always seeking ways to improve the abilities of our students. The enthusiasm and dedication from the teachers has helped our children gain confidence and excel in multiple areas.
Brad & Makenzie Holtmeyer FamilyLessons come to life
The teachers at St. Francis bring lessons to life, creating engaging classrooms where students feel excited about learning. What stands out most is their strong training in literacy instruction, ensuring that every student grows as a confident, capable reader and communicator.
John & Lindsey Kelly FamilyWe felt the pull
We never thought we would be the family transferring our children to a new school. After being parishioners for a few years, we felt the pull to enroll our children at St Francis school. As soon as we took a tour, our girls' faces lit up and they said they wanted to start the next day.
Brad & Amanda Genenbacher FamilyLoving, caring & nurturing
Mrs. Wiewel has taught both of our girls over the last two years. She is so loving, caring and nurturing and with her help, our child was able to succeed in an academic area she was previously struggling in.
Brad & Amanda Genebacher FamilyAcademic excellence
St. Francis School offers a welcoming and nurturing environment where academic excellence is paired with strong values rooted in the Catholic tradition.
Dr. Samuel & Danielle Healy FamilyInviting family-feel
The school is small which gives it a warm, inviting family-feel. Staff and students alike begin to know everyone within the building. This brings a sense of comfort knowing our children are being well taken care of while growing in academics and in faith.
James & Tera Terwelp FamilyLet's talk it through.
Numbers on a page only tell part of the story. Come see the school, meet Mrs. Radel, and we'll help you work out what's possible for your family.