Mandel JDS
Private Education. Jewish Values. Affordable for All.
We are committed to making a Mandel JDS education accessible to as many families as possible. Thanks to our comprehensive tuition assistance and financial support programs, nearly every Kindergarten through 8th-grade family qualifies for a scholarship. To explore personalized tuition options and learn more about affordability, contact Laura Simon at
[email protected].
1) Ohio EdChoice Expansion Program
(information not yet available on education.ohio.gov, applications will open February 2026)
This option is for all K-8 families* regardless of income level.
Every eligible family should apply for Ed Choice Expansion.
EdChoice offers scholarships to any family who has chosen an independent school for their K-12 student, with scholarships ranging in amount based on the family’s income. For details about the EdChoice Expansion program, please read this fact sheet provided by the Ohio Department of Education. If you feel that you qualify for additional tuition assistance, go to option #4.
*Please note families who receive the Jon Peterson or Autism Scholarship are not eligible for EdChoice.
2) Middle Income Affordability Initiative
For families with $150,000-$300,000 Adjusted Gross Income per year AND at least one student entering Kindergarten – 8th Grade.
Returning families need to apply by December 5, 2025.
The Mandel JDS Affordability Initiative was created for families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) between $150,000 to $300,000 per year, most of which is from W-2 sources, i.e. not self employed businesses. Families who fall within this range will receive a capped tuition total, which is 12% of their AGI, regardless of the number of children they have enrolled in the school.
For example, let's say your family has an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $200,000. The capped tuition percentage that you would pay to MJDS would be 12% or $24,000. If you have a Kindergartener, a 3rd grader, and a 6th grader, your tuition WITHOUT this program would be $46,500. If you apply for this program, your tuition for all three children would be $24,000. It's that simple. There is only one form to fill out. Click below for more eligibility details and to begin this easy application process.
3) Jewish Communal Professional Incentive (JCPI)
For families with a parent working at a Jewish organization.
Returning families need to apply by January 4, 2026.
Qualifying families are eligible for up to a 30% tuition discount through the Jewish Communal Professional Incentive if you are employed at any agency that is affiliated with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, local synagogues, or other approved Jewish community organizations. Eligibility applies to those who work 20 hours a week or more.
Eligibility for this incentive will be based on employment status as of January 1 of the preceding school year.
4) Traditional Tuition Assistance
For families who do not qualify for Ed Choice Expansion
Returning families need to apply by January 4, 2026.
We encourage anyone who may be having difficulty meeting tuition obligations to let us help you through our confidential tuition assistance program. If you do not quality for any of the above programs, please find instructions on how to apply for traditional tuition assistance below. SSS/TADS will process your application. As a convenience to parents, we aim to provide Tuition Assistance grants early in the re-enrollment process. Click here for step-by-step instructions on the financial aid application process.
There are many programs available to make a Mandel JDS education more affordable, and we encourage you to apply for all those for which you are eligible. However, please note, in addition to the EdChoice Scholarship, families may apply for either the Jewish Communal Professional Incentive OR the Tuition Middle Income Affordability Initiative, whichever program provides the greater grant to the family. Combining benefits from multiple programs may impact the maximum amount you can receive from each.
2026-2027 Tuition Schedule will be updated by January 10, 2026.
