higher on skill-based assessments than peer schools. Smaller class size and individualized attention makes this happen!
ANY INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION IS SMART, BUT WITH KEITH'S OUTCOMES IT'S A NO-BRAINER
An investment in a Keith education pays dividends that no other private school can match.
Making a Keith School Education Affordable
On Average
90% of our graduates get into their college/university of choice!
In fact, Keith’s reputation for graduating well-rounded individuals have the high-profile universities seeking US out.
WHAT ABOUT DIRECT ROI?
Keith graduates the highest student-college scholarship ratio in the region.
In 2023, our 9 graduates earned more than $2 million in scholarship offers; how can we help your scholar earn their share?
A Keith Country Day School private education is an investment that pays dividends for a lifetime.
At the same time, assistance with tuition and financial aid are available. Our Keith family is strengthened by the diversity of backgrounds, interests, and talents of our student body. We are proud of our history of helping bring the cost of a Keith School experience within reach for families from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
A large percentage of Keith’s student body receives a merit scholarship or tuition assistance. In fact, approximately 50 percent of our students receive some sort of discount through financial aid, multiple child discounts or merit scholarships. Any family whose child has been accepted at Keith may apply for tuition assistance.
An investment in a Keith college preparatory school education pays dividends – including substantial scholarships to institutions of higher learning.
Making a Keith School Education Affordable
Keith Country Day School does everything possible to make the school affordable for our families. Merit scholarships, sibling discount programs and payment plans are available to assist families who are committed to our private school curriculum and programs.
Keith also provides financial aid to families with students in Kindergarten through 12th grades and uses FACTS Management to help us with our tuition assistance program. Each application for tuition assistance is handled with individual attention and complete confidentiality.
Click here to start your Tuition Assistance Application
If you have any questions about tuition assistance, contact:
Business Office at finance@keithschool.net or 815-399-8850, ext. 119
The Keith Difference
Keith prides itself on continuously enhancing curriculum and opportunities for our students, staff, faculty, and families. We are small by design. That’s because we recognize that personalized instruction and a family-friendly atmosphere make a difference for students of all ages.
Some of our unique differentiators include:
Average class size of 12-15 students
allows teachers to develop personal relationships and identify each student’s strengths, skills, and needs. They also provide the flexibility to offer either extra support or accelerated learning as needed and can cater to their students’ special interests or abilities.
Approximately 90 percent of our students
are accepted to their first college of choice.
Our annual merit-based scholarships
offered to our students are the best in the region; in 2023, our nine graduates were offered more than $2 million in merit-based scholarships.
A high school business course
that provides insight from community leaders and specialized information based on career goals.
Character education program
in lower school to assist our youngest Cougars to become confident and compassionate children who are effective contributors to society, successful learners, and responsible citizens.
A middle school engineering program
that ties together interdisciplinary study of math, science, and business principles.
A graphic design class
to encourage students to learn firsthand the importance of artistry and design as it relates to connecting brands to their audiences and a further understanding of arts and culture to communities and the world.
Secure facilities
for the safety of our children, staff, and families.
Updated business tools
for our parents to make tuition payments, gain real-time access to the student’s schedule, grades, etc.
A proactive college counseling program
that, while offering specific guidance for junior and senior students, takes a comprehensive, schoolwide approach to college counseling that will help students at all grade levels – even our youngest Cougars! – thrive and maximize their true potential.
More than 50 sports, clubs, and organizations
available for our students to thrive in academic competition teams, develop their confidence, and cultivate lifelong friendships.
On-site licensed clinical therapist
who works with groups as well as individuals to provide them with the support they need in this ever-changing world.
Ongoing faculty professional development
for our amazing teachers so that our students receive the newest insight, best practices, and approaches to grow
Nationally Ranked Quiz Bowl Program
which consistently promotes academic prowess as well as camaraderie among our middle and high school students.
Award-Winning Robotics Program,
the FIRST Lego League/Tech Challenge, is open to students ages 7-16 and has inspired our young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting Mentor-based programs.
#1 Ranking as a top private school by Niche
in the Rockford region. Niche is an independent agency that combines rigorous analysis with parent, student, and community reviews to highlight the best places to live and go to school. Keith ranked as follows:
#1 Private K-12 School
#1 Private High School
#1 Private K-12 College-Prep High School
#1 High School for STEM
Named in the top third K-12 private schools in the nation
Named #1 Private School in the region by Rockford Register Star’s What Rocks,
an annual event recognizing leading regional organizations voted on by the community.
Named to the 2023 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll
distinction for our students’ outcomes.
2024-25 Tuition Rates
PRE – AND JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN
(3 AND 4-YEAR-OLDS)
These are full-day, five-day per week programs.
Tuition: $9,600
KINDERGARTEN
Students must be 5 years old on or before September 1.
Tuition: $10,100
LOWER SCHOOL
Grades 1-5
Tuition: $11,100
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grades 6-8
Tuition: $12,600
UPPER SCHOOL
Grades 9-12
Tuition: $12,600
NOTE: A child who turns age 3 in the middle of a semester can begin our preschool program at the next logical point in the school year.
Scholarship and grant programs are as follows:
Hero’s Scholarship
Keith recognizes the personal and professional sacrifices our men and women in uniform give to our community and our country. With that in mind, in 2018, Keith created the Hero’s Scholarship which are annual $1,000 scholarships given to students of parents who are police officers, firemen/women, enlisted in active military, reserves or the national guard.
Hosting Grant
We welcome foreign students to Keith to provide new educational opportunities from those around the globe as well as allow our current students to gain insight, cultural appreciation and new friendships In addition to the contributions international students make to the educational experience, international student recruitment also is valuable in terms of the school continued diversification and the region’s economy. International students pay full tuition and fees, and live and play in our community while attending school. Qualified host families are provided a $2,500 scholarship and a monthly stipend to cover all expenses, but the opportunity is priceless say former host families.
Faculty Development Grant
In 1990, former Keith parents Peter and Penelope West helped start a Keith Country Day School Faculty Development Grant. The grant was designed to create an opportunity for faculty to bridge personal interests and their area of expertise for professional growth and new enthusiasm in the classroom. Since the grant’s inception, Keith faculty have participated in a variety of workshops and seminars located all over the United States and traveled abroad, allowing them to integrate their experiences into courses or curriculum.
Jane E. Lyons Community Service Scholarship
This scholarship was established in 2015 by the Board of Trustees in honor of Jane E. Lyons, a Keith alum and former teacher. Ms. Lyons was passionately committed to service learning and dedicated most of her life volunteering in many Rockford area community organizations. The Jane E. Lyons scholarship will be awarded annually each spring to three Keith eighth grade students who have engaged in exemplary community service initiatives. The scholarship award must be used for enrollment in Keith’s Upper School program. For more information, contact the Head of School.
Kaitlyn Mary Miller Merit Scholarship
Kaitlyn Mary Miller was a special girl. At Keith, she was a member of the school’s first regional championship volleyball team, an exceptional student, artist, and perhaps most importantly, she was a compassionate friend, daughter, and sister to Luke, Rachel and her twin, Kylee. She was all of that and much more. In February of 2007, Kaitlyn died in a skiing accident. She was a junior. In her loving memory, the Miller family created the Kaitlyn Mary Miller Merit Scholarship, given each year to promising high school students who excel academically and also enjoy fine arts and athletics. Click here to apply.
RYAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to the generous support of an alumni donor, Keith School is excited to offer scholarships for students that cover full tuition. The Ryan Family Scholarship program provides one merit-based scholarship covering full tuition for a new incoming student in grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 (one per grade level) each year, depending on availability. The scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic ability, involvement in extracurricular activities, and whose families share in the Keith Country Day School belief in involvement among students, faculty, and parents.
The scholarship program is administered by Keith Country Day School with financial eligibility determined by the FACTS scholarship administration program – a manager of scholarship applications for independent schools nationwide. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability or national origin. These scholarships are renewable annually through the student’s senior year, provided the student remains in good standing. Click here to learn more.
