In our educational philosophy and teaching methods, we recognize that gifted children are wonderfully made, are diverse and complex, and are on a unique developmental cycle. Therefore, we nurture and educate them in a way that unlocks their special qualities.
Steppingstone School for Gifted Education’s mission is to provide an outstanding gifted and talented education, nurturing the intellectual and emotional development of gifted children.
We Understand the Unique Needs of the Gifted Child
We employ an individualized and self-initiated mastery learning system that allows the student to find and pursue their passions. It is combined with a low teacher-student ratio. Our educational approach encourages and sustains a love of learning which results in high rates of lifelong academic success.
Moreover, our attention to the intellectual and emotional development of the whole child combines to create a joyful learning experience. We provide a peer group of other gifted students of similar interests and abilities which are unlikely to be found in a general ability classroom. All aspects of the school’s organization and programs are designed to accommodate and build upon the characteristics of the gifted learner.
Families seeking educational alternatives for their gifted children are confronted with a series of challenging decisions. Understanding the philosophy and method of the school is the first step. The affordability of the school is a critical part of the decision-making process. This investment may require difficult changes in the family’s budget. But our families attest that their temporary monetary sacrifices have been more than rewarded.
We employ an individualized and self-initiated mastery learning system that allows the student to find and pursue their passions. It is combined with a low teacher-student ratio. Our educational approach encourages and sustains a love of learning which results in high rates of lifelong academic success.
Moreover, our attention to the intellectual and emotional development of the whole child combines to create a joyful learning experience.
We provide a peer group of other gifted students of similar interests and abilities which are unlikely to be found in a general ability classroom. All aspects of the school’s organization and programs are designed to accommodate and build upon the characteristics of the gifted learner.
Families seeking educational alternatives for their gifted children are confronted with a series of challenging decisions. Understanding the philosophy and method of the school is the first step. The affordability of the school is a critical part of the decision-making process. This investment may require difficult changes in the family’s budget. But our families attest that their temporary monetary sacrifices have been more than rewarded.
They have found that the appropriate educational approach for their gifted child has afforded these wonderful children an intellectually richer outlook and a happier and more secure future.
Steppingstone strives to enroll families from varying economic situations. We have worked hard to make sure our tuition level expresses our commitment to a diverse student body, an important element of the school’s environment.
2023-24 Tuition and Fees
Annual Tuition, Full-Time
$20,100
Annual Tuition, Part-Time (only for K)
$16,000*
*Tuition must be paid in-full prior to attendance.
(All fees are subject to change without notice)
If you are interested in financial aid, you may find more information and options on our financial aid section.
Other Expenses
- Your personal art supplies have a one-time expense of $50.00 – $75.00 for new students. Returning students need only replace items and add to the basic supplies as skills and needs dictate. A list will be supplied with orientation materials.
- Hot lunches and milk may be purchased for the year. A set menu will be supplied with orientation materials.
- Extended Day Programs may be arranged from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Details and prices will be supplied with orientation materials.
Financial Aid
FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition)
The Steppingstone financial aid program enables the school to enroll qualified 6, 7 and 8th grade students only, whose families cannot pay full tuition fees. Our goal is to enroll a diverse and exciting student body whose interaction is crucial in achieving the Steppingstone mission. Financial aid is awarded in the form of a grant that does not require repayment. Families who feel they may qualify are encouraged to apply for aid.
Having more than one child attending Steppingstone or other tuition-charging schools is a significant factor in determining need. Financial aid decisions are made independently of other school functions and do not adversely affect a student’s chances for admission or continuation at Steppingstone.
Financial aid is awarded based on need. Needs assessments are performed by a third party through FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition). For more information click on the links below, call 877-326-FAST (3278), or go to www.ismfast.com. All financial information provided is held in strictest confidence by all involved parties.
Tuition Loan Programs
The Tuition Loan Program web links listed below should serve as a resource to help you identify other types of financing options that may be available to you. This is not an exhaustive list of companies or agencies. We encourage you to contact these or other companies and agencies to check on current fees and rates and to assess whether their services would be reasonable financing alternatives for you. The list is neither an endorsement nor representation of sponsorship of these loan programs.
SLM Financial Education Loan Information https://www.salliemae.com
Your Tuition Solution https://www.yourtuitionsolution.com
Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program for Seventh Graders
The Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars application for seventh graders is now available to download, fill out, and send. Academically talented seventh graders who have some financial need and who are leaders in the making should be the targets.
Young Scholars receive funding to participate in academic summer programs, extracurricular lessons, distance-learning courses, and other enrichment opportunities. Throughout their time in the program, Scholars work closely with an educational adviser who helps them plan an academic and talent development path to prepare them to enter top universities.
Most Young Scholars receive a college scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.
Seventh graders who value academic excellence, determination, leadership, and public service are encouraged to apply. The application is long and should be started immediately. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need – typically, a family income below $60,000. In assessing financial need, the Foundation considers factors such as family income and assets, the number of siblings in college, exceptional family medical expenses, and geographic differences in the cost of living.
More information and an application can be found at https://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/young-scholars-program/. The deadline for applications is April 27.
Steppingstone gratefully acknowledges the Michigan Alliance for Gifted Children (MAGC) for the above information.