Financial Aid

Thank you for your interest in Little Star’s financial aid program. We strive to ensure that all families have access to our early learning programs, and each year our board of directors and staff work hard to raise funds to make tuition more affordable for families in low and middle income ranges.

Little Star provides financial aid in two ways — through our in-house program, which provides direct awards and tuition deferrals/payment plans, and by serving families receiving state subsidies through the Working Connections Childcare Program (WCCC) administered by the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). In WCCC, families receive tuition assistance directly from the state, and Little Star covers the remaining cost of tuition through our financial aid fund.

To apply in 2025, please read and follow the steps listed in this document. As a general guideline, if your family makes less than $105,000 per year (for a family of four with 2 children attending Little Star) you may qualify for an award or tuition deferral plan. We’ve increased this number from last year’s $85,000 to better support middle income families and help mitigate the ever increasing cost of living in the Methow Valley. We recognize that income alone does not necessarily give a full picture of a family’s financial situation – If your income is above that level and you feel that you are in need of assistance, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Executive Director (brad@littlestarschool.org, or 509-996-2801). 

Financial aid awards typically range from 5% to 95% of annual tuition, and are offered as direct awards, tuition deferrals, or a mixture of both. Our tuition deferral program was created in 2019 to help shift some of the cost of tuition into future years, when your child has access to free K-12 education. People experiencing temporary financial hardships or at the upper end of the income eligibility level may be offered a deferral instead of a direct award (or a deferral/award combination).

For questions and more information, please contact us at at 509-996-2801 or brad@littlestarschool.org. If you need in-person assistance with the application process, don’t have access to a computer, or need other family support services, you can connect with our partner organization Room One at 509-997-2050.

Financial aid applications are due in March 28, 2025 for the 2025-26 school year, and awards are issued in April. Applications received mid-school year are subject to availability of funds.

“Little Star allows my husband and I to go to work worry-free, knowing that our child is in the care of loving and experienced educators.” -Little Star Financial Aid Recipient

“Little Star allows my husband and I to go to work worry-free, knowing that our child is in the care of loving and experienced educators.” -Little Star Financial Aid Recipient