Annual tuition starts at $4,100/year for two half-days per week. We want to work with every family – if you wish to join our community, we are fully committed to making it happen.
Flexible Payment Options:
Paid in full (all at once with 5% discount)
Biannually (two payments with 3% discount)
10 monthly installments
Financial support/assistance available
Multi-Session & Sibling Discounts: Our pricing table offers generous multi-session discounts that apply to individual children or can be shared among siblings. Discounts start at 7.3% off for 4 sessions and increase the more sessions you book.
Our pricing model uniquely allows you to participate and pay only for sessions that work for your child and family!
Most families elect to pay their fees on a ten-month schedule, July-April. Our base payment for 2 sessions a week is $410/month, $4,100 annually, on the ten-month payment plan.
Our multi-session and sibling discounts scale up, with a 7.3% discount applied for 4 sessions (whether for an individual child or siblings) up to a 14.6% discount applied when a family enrolls multiple children in 16 total sessions
Additional discounts of 3% for bi-annual tuition payment and 5% for annual tuition payment are also available.
Monthly Tuition
Dandelion Tuition Calculator
Choose how many sessions each child joins each week. Your community discount grows with every session your family adds.
Your family
Add each child enrolling, then choose how many sessions per week they’ll attend. One session is one half-day meeting.
Most members enroll in 2–6 sessions per week. The more weekly sessions your family books, the larger your community discount.
An estimate based on $220 per weekly session. We welcome ESA+ funds — final tuition is confirmed at enrollment.
What Tuition Includes
Collective tuition fees allow us to provide consistent scheduling and high-quality programs with certified content, and access to our Montessori and curated materials library for Montessori and special educators.
What’s included in tuition
consistent scheduling and high-quality programs with certified content, Montessori, and special educators
access to our Montessori and curated materials library
hands-on and project-based learning supplies and tools
snacks available at every session
a meeting space that is designed for accessible self-directed learning
family field trips (may have additional costs)
events (may have additional costs)
community service days
as well as parent and family support programs
What’s not included
Our students pack their own lunches and families provide their own transportation. There may be additional charges for select field trips and events.
How Dandelion Compares To Other Options
Families in the Triangle have options — full-time private school, local co-ops and classes, or homeschooling entirely on your own. Every path is valid. Here's how Dandelion compares, and why so many families find it offers the best of every world.
Private Montessori K‑8
$25,000+ / year
Dandelion Learning
From $4,100 / year
High-quality education at a significantly lower price per hour than local Montessori and private K‑8 schools — with support for your family that doesn't end when the school day does.
Best of every world
Dandelion Learning
A family-centered, well-established homeschool community
From $4,100 / year
Minimum annual investment
Certified, experienced educators — always available
Drop-off classes for growing independence
Robust calendar: programs, events, field trips & service opportunities
Well-equipped community meeting place
Connection with like-minded families
Ties to great community programs & resources
Flexible participation — your homeschool stays yours
Private K‑8 School
Montessori & full-time private schools
$25,000+ / year
Typical annual tuition at local Montessori schools
Full-time certified instruction
Significantly higher price per hour
Limited community & family support beyond the school day
No homeschool flexibility
Triangle Co‑ops & Classes
A great addition — not a foundation
Varies by program
Many Dandelion families enjoy these too
Science fairs, spelling bees, park meet-ups, field trips & dances
Intermittent classes taught by homeschooling parents, not certified educators
Through the North Carolina ESA+ program, your child can receive either $9,000 or $17,000 annually, depending on their specific diagnosis. These amounts would at a minimum cover annual tutoring costs for up to and including 4 meetings a week.
Our multi-session and sibling discounts scale up,with a 7.3% discount applied for 4 sessions (whether for an individual child or siblings) up to a 14.6% discount applied when a family enrolls multiple children in 16 total sessions.
While K-8 educational expenses are generally not tax deductible, state and federal policies are rapidly changing and NC tax credits do apply in some situations. We recommend consulting with a Certified Public Accountant for family-specific guidance.
To begin enrollment, please schedule a phone call, sign up for an Open Schoolhouse, or register your child for an upcoming Day Camp Day. After you’ve physically visited the Schoolhouse, enrollment can be completed quickly. Please see our Enrollment pages for a complete list of steps.
