New Students 
Applications
New Student Application
Student Info
Dorm Packing List
Supply List
Student Dress-code
        Approved Uniforms
International Students
Tuition & Financial Aid
TUITION AND FINANCIAL AID

New Students

We are excited that you desire to be part of one of the best schools in Arizona - Thunderbird Adventist Academy. Our recent graduates are attending both private and public universities all over the United States. The Cognitive Genesis study conducted by La Sierra University and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists shows that the longer a student studies in an SDA school the higher their achievement level!

The classroom is only the beginning! TAA offers its students many opportunities for involvement and leadership in performances, worship services, community service projects, and mission trips. Our students are creating success stories as they enter college, graduate and leave their mark on the community around them.

Basic Financial Policies

Thunderbird Adventist Academy reserves the right to change the rates charged at any time in order to meet government regulations and/or changing economic conditions. To keep the tuition costs as low as possible and to furnish the funds necessary for the school to meet its operating expense, the following policies have been adopted:
  • The account for the applicant and/or sibling accounts from previous years at Thunderbird Adventist Academy must be paid before the student is permitted to enroll for the current school year.
  • A student transferring from another school must make arrangements to pay the account at that school before being admitted to Thunderbird Adventist Academy.
  • There must be a balanced financial plan for the current school year and the account must be kept current.
  • Balances not paid by the 15th of the month will be charged a late payment fee of $25.00.
  • Monthly balances, or other approved financial agreements, must be paid within 60 days, or the student will be suspended until payment is made.
  • All accounts must be paid in full before taking semester or final examinations, or before a transcript, official grade card, or diploma may be issued. Participation in graduation will not occur unless the account has been settled.
  • A student receiving academic credit will be expected to pay full tuition whether entering the course late or being absent for any reason during a portion of the course.
  • Students having delinquent accounts are prohibited from activities whereby they would miss work and from extra-curricular activities that have extra fees.
  • Delinquent accounts at the end of the school year will be charged a 1% monthly interest.

2012-2013 Tuition Rates

Non-Dorm (live at home)

Dorm
ENTRANCE FEE:
10-MONTHLY PAYMENTS:
$290
$850
$290
$1,460
TOTAL DUE AT REGISTRATION:
$1,140
$1,780
YEARLY COST:
$8,790
$14,890

International Tuition Rates

Non-Dorm

Dorm
YEARLY TUITION & FEES:
ESL/HOME LEAVE:
$9,290
$6,000
$15,390
$6,000
YEARLY TOTAL INTERNATIONAL RATE:
$15,290
$25,610

Charges for Tuition, Room and Food

Thunderbird Adventist Academy has adopted a basic flat rate package plan for tuition, cafeteria, and dormitory. Non-dorm students may purchase meal tickets for $4.25 per meal from the business office if they would like to eat in the cafeteria.

The yearly entrance fee covers certain student services, such as, textbook rental, student accident insurance, Student Association dues, school publications, and a technology fee, library fee, ITED testing, and Saturday night activities.

The above tuition package plans includes the following items:
  • Tuition
  • Band & choir
  • Student Association fee
  • Textbook rental
  • Library & computer lab fee
  • Lyceum & programs
  • School newspaper
  • Yearbook photo
  • Yearbook
  • Accident insurance
  • Graduation fee
  • Room & Board (dorm students)
  • Lockers
  • Room & board (dorm students)
  • Dorm Club dues (dorm students)
Items not included in the package plan are:
  • Application fee
  • Class dues
  • Refrigerator or microwave fee (dorm students)
  • School supplies & workbooks
  • Varsity sports participation & tournament fees
  • Acro & music group uniforms
  • Music instrument rental
  • Private music lessons
  • Advanced Placement test fees
  • School photo package
  • Vocational, art supplies
  • Lab fees
  • Class shirt, sweater, or jacket
  • Special transportation
  • Club dues (non-dorm students)
  • Graduation announcements
  • Graduation cap & gown
  • ACT/SAT test fees
  • Property damage
  • Doctor’s office visits
  • Medical prescriptions
  • Substance testing
The international tuition rate includes the same as the above package plan and ESL classes/tutoring and educational programming during the September, October, February & April home leaves.

Scheduled Charges & Statement

The flat rate charge for the school year is divided into ten equal charges.  The first month’s charges are due on or before registration and the other nine billings are charged monthly, September through May.  Billings are sent out by the 5th of each month, which will show that month’s tuition and all credits/charges made to the student’s account during the previous month. 

All checks, drafts, or money orders should be made payable to Thunderbird Adventist Academy.  The business office accepts Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express payments.  Online payments may be made through the online payment link on the Thunderbird Adventist Academy website.

Thunderbird Adventist Academy reserves the right to ask for cash, money order, or bank checks if more than one check is returned unpaid by the bank during the school year. There will be a charge of $25 for NSF checks.

Financial Assistance

There are limited funds available for financial assistance. Several factors will determine eligibility for financial aid, which include family income, number of children in church school, and funds available. An appointment with the Financial Aid Officer should be arranged as early as possible to discuss your student’s needs and to apply for financial aid. Financial aid applications should be completed and returned to the Business Office by July 15 as funds will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Click to download a printable PDF file of the Financial Aid Application form.

Student Qualifications for Financial Aid:

  • Maintain a passing average grade in their class work.
  • Maintain at least a C in their attendance grade.
  • Work a required minimum of 12 hours per week.
  • Maintain an acceptable citizenship grade.

Scholarships will be reviewed quarterly and assessed for qualification

Types of Financial Assistance:

Early Application Benefits
$25 application fee is waived for new students who submit their completed application and three recommendation forms postmarked by June 1; plus a $100 tuition discount will be applied to the first month’s tuition bill. Students who complete the application process and are fully accepted by June 1 will receive first consideration for financial assistance.

Arizona Adventist Scholarship
Any Arizona resident can designate the Arizona Adventist Scholarship to sponsor a student at a private school. The only restriction on this scholarship is that parents may not donate to their own child. The Arizona State Income Tax Credit for youth in private Christian schools not only helps our students — it gives the donor a direct tax credit. Call the school for details.

AZ Adventist Scholarship

2-Way Matching Scholarship
The 2-way matching scholarship is available to qualifying students who attend Thunderbird Adventist Academy. This scholarship is limited to baptized members of the Arizona Conference. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to make arrangements with the local Seventh-Day Adventist Church in being eligible to receive the 2-Way Scholarship.

Conference-Sponsored Summer Work Match
The school will match a student's summer earnings up to $1000 when a student works for a Seventh-day Adventist youth camp or other conference-sponsored summer work program, such as Magabook or Literature Evangelism.

Worthy Student Funds
Tuition discount assistance is available to help qualifying students attend Thunderbird Adventist Academy. Families must complete a Financial Aid Application and provide income and tax documents to apply for this discount. Family income, family size, dorm or village classification, and additional resources are factors considered. Funds are limited, so early application is important.

Summer Employment
There are limited summer jobs on campus available to students who live in the community.

Academic Achievement Awards 

New and returning students with a 90th percentile composite score from a current standardized test, and all A’s for the previous school year, may apply to receive up to a $500 Academic Award. Students with an 85th percentile composite score from a current standardized test, and all A’s and B’s for the previous school year, may apply to receive up to a $250 Academic Award. Submission of a current yearly grade card and a copy of the standardized test is required to provide proof of eligibility.

Early Payment Discount
A five percent discount will be applied when full payment is received by August 30th  for the entire school year.