Private school scholarships: price should not close the door

Sometimes a family discovers Da Vinci Private School, visits the Micro-Campus, takes an interest in our teaching approach and starts to picture their child here. Then comes a question, sometimes asked aloud, sometimes kept to themselves: can we really afford this?

Very often, the family gives up before even talking to us. I find that a shame. Not every child is meant to join our school, but a question of money should not close a door before we have had the chance to talk.

At Da Vinci Private School, we offer scholarships. They rest on a simple belief: a child’s potential should not be limited by their parents’ financial resources.

Why does a private school offer scholarships?

A school could look only at the financial means of the families who apply. That would be simpler, but it is not the vision we stand for. We want to give a chance to children who want to learn, who can thrive in our environment and who have something to contribute to it. Merit, hard work and equal opportunity have their place in that ambition.

For a child, joining Da Vinci Private School means entering an environment that widens their horizons and lets them develop their potential: French-English bilingualism, an international outlook, and learning in a human-sized class. Together, these shape a distinctive educational path.

The benefit does not stop with the child who receives a scholarship. A curious, engaged or highly motivated child stimulates classmates. Children from different backgrounds and horizons learn from one another, and this variety of profiles enriches discussion and brings our educational project to life.

For this reason, we open a limited number of scholarship places each year. They allow new children to join us while preserving the balance of the group and the level of support that is part of our approach.

Who are the scholarships for?

The families and children concerned come from very different backgrounds. A request may be motivated by a child’s abilities and potential, by a financial situation that makes tuition fees out of reach, or by both.

We look at each situation individually, to understand the child’s project, how well it fits our school and what the family can do. Depending on the situation, a scholarship may be partial or full. There is no automatic answer.

We do not reduce a child to their school results, or a family to its income. We look at the whole picture to see whether a solution exists. Places are limited, so not every request can succeed, but we would rather a family tell us their situation than give up without asking.

How do you apply for a scholarship?

Applications are made online only, at the same time as the child’s application for admission. There is no charge, just as there is none for the application or the campus visit.

1. Fill in the application form.

It covers the child, your household, your reasons for applying and, if you wish, your situation. It asks for no income figure: the field about your situation is free-text and optional. You can also click “Finish later” and come back to your application through a personal link sent by e-mail. When you submit, you receive a full copy of your file. The form is on the scholarships page (in French).

2. Send your supporting documents by e-mail.

A button opens your e-mail app with the message already written. Nothing is compulsory: each document helps us assess your request.

3. Talk with the school.

We call you back as soon as we can to get to know you, understand the family’s plans and the child’s needs, and then we reply. No e-mail or no computer? Call us or come to the school office: we will help you fill in the form.

There is no single deadline: families can contact us all year round, at the same time as they start their application, for the school year of their choice. Scholarship places are limited, so we recommend not leaving it to the last minute: a request made early is assessed together with the application, and you find out sooner where you stand. The admission steps are on the Application page, and how we handle your data is explained in the privacy policy.

A scholarship is a two-way commitment

A scholarship lets a child join an educational project for the long term, not just reduce tuition fees. We want to build a relationship of trust with the family, based on a shared commitment. The scholarship is meant to support the child throughout their time at Da Vinci Private School, under the conditions set when it is awarded.

This commitment assumes that the agreed framework is respected. A significant and lasting drop in results, or a failure to follow the school’s rules, may lead us to review the situation, in line with the scholarship conditions. No sanction is automatic: the clause is a reminder that a scholarship belongs to a shared project, that of helping a child progress and find their place, with the support of their family and the teaching team.

Do not give up before talking to us

Choosing a school is an important decision. The teaching approach has to suit the child, the family has to recognise itself in the school’s values, and the financial terms have to be looked at seriously. We know the cost of private schooling can be a real obstacle (our fees are public) and we do not claim to be able to say yes to every situation.

We are convinced of one thing: a family whose child could find their place at Da Vinci Private School should not give up for financial reasons without talking to us first.

If our project interests you, get in touch and tell us about your situation. We will look at it carefully, in complete confidence and with no commitment on your part at this stage. You do not have to prove you can pay: just let us understand your plans.

Find out more on the Scholarships page (in French) or start your application straight away.