ADMISSIONS
Donahue Academy has a thorough and carefully selective admissions process. We are best equipped to serve those who are at or above grade level and meet our standards of behavior. All students must meet our academic readiness standards for the grade they are applying for.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are being accepted.
As a fellow parent and the Director of Admissions, I truly understand how important each child and his or her education are. I look forward to walking through our application process with you.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The applicant must meet State of Florida and the Diocese of Venice age requirements; by September 1 the student must be:
Pre-Kindergarten: 4 years old
Kindergarten: 5 years old
Grade 1: 6 years old
Donahue Academy admits qualified and mission-supporting students of any race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
milestones
Though the school operates within a rolling admissions model, the following milestones help to guide the application process:
Applications period openS
for the following academic year
Assessments and interviews are conducted
in person or via Zoom
Notifications of Acceptance or Rejection
official decisions are sent in writing
Wait list Offers are extended
along with waitlist protocol
Enrollment closes
all fees and forms due
Donahue Academy does not make advance promises of admission. The admission process and evaluation may determine there is not a good fit between the applicant and the school. All admission decisions follow a formal process which includes written notification from the school.
TUITION
Tuition may be paid on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. All families pay Donahue Academy tuition through FACTS. New families will need to set up a FACTS Tuition financial account here.
Pre-K (half day): $3,800
Pre-K (full day): $7,500
Grades K-8: $10,150 plus $350 books and supplies fee
Grades 9-12: $12,000 plus $525 books and supplies fee
Fee per student athlete:
Cross-Country Grades 3-5: $65
Track Grades 6-8: $75
Football: $250
All other sports Grades 3-8: $200
All other sports Grades 9-12: $240
Tuition amounts do not include uniforms, social events, or field trips
$300 new student enrollment fee (with a $1,000 family maximum)
$385 fundraising fee applies to each family
$250 graduation fee per graduating senior (Grade 12)
Financial Aid
All families, regardless of income, are eligible for Florida’s Family Tax Credit (FTC) scholarship or a Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Opportunities (FES-EO) through Step-Up for Students. You can find helpful information on the application process here, a helpful video here, and a list outlining the application (and renewal application) requirements here. Families are not required to provide income verification unless applying for “Income Priority.”
The AAA Scholarship Foundation is a state funded scholarship for families with economic need. This scholarship has different qualifications and awards different amounts than the Step Up for Students Scholarship. Please visit their website to see if you may qualify and to apply.
For those who do not qualify for state financial aid, the school is able to offer some financial aid thanks to the generosity of donors. Those requesting private aid from school and parish donations must create a FACTS Grant and Aid account to begin the aid application process. Priority and consideration for aid from Ave Maria parish goes to families registered with the parish. Please let the Admissions Coordinator know in advance if you are applying for Parish Aid
This is the same FACTS company we use process tuition payments. They process both our tuition payments and our scholarships. Internally, these two services are handled separately and Grant and Aid applicants must create a FACTS Grant and Aid account in addition to their FACTS Tuition payment account). Per Diocesan policy, we are unable to offer any local aid until this Grant and Aid process has been completed. When creating your FACTS Grant and Aid account, remember that even if your children already attend Donahue Academy, you count as a New User for FACTS Grant and Aid and thus need to Create an Account. If you need assistance, please contact FACTS Parent Customer Service at 866-441-4637.
resourceS
Admissions Guide
Find all the steps to the admissions process, including milestones, in one place.
College Prep Guide
See how our college preparation process helps students embrace their unique mission in the world.
