Our Process
We know it’s not easy to select the right school for your child. Our admission process makes it easier! The process begins with your visit to our school. Following your tour, if you decide to enroll your child, you’ll complete an application.
+ Admissions Process
Step 1 – Submit Inquiry Form
Step 2 – Schedule a School Tour
Step 3 – Submit Registration Form
+ Fees & Schedule
Tuition at Explorer Learning Academy (ELA)
At Explorer Learning Academy (ELA), we offer consistent tuition rates across all age groups, unless otherwise specified. Our tuition structure is designed to support working families with flexible scheduling needs.
Full-Time Tuition
Monthly full-time tuition includes up to 10 hours of care per day on your contracted days.
Families may select a schedule that best aligns with their work and family commitments.
Part-Day Tuition
Monthly part-day tuition includes up to 5 hours of care per day during one of the following sessions:
- Morning Session: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Evening Session: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Additional Time & Schedule Flexibility
Families may purchase additional hours or days beyond their contracted schedule for an added cost.
We strive to accommodate a wide range of work schedules, including nontraditional and evening shifts. If you have unique scheduling needs, please contact us to discuss options.
Monthly Part-Day Tuition (5 hours per day)
| Schedule | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | $1,410 |
| Monday, Wednesday, Friday | $1,024 |
| Tuesday & Thursday | $750 |
Monthly Full-Day Tuition (10 hours per day)
| Days per Week | Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 Day | $688 |
| 2 Days | $1,251 |
| 3 Days | $1,706 |
| 4 Days | $2,068 |
| 5 Days | $2,350 |
| 6 Days | $2,600 |
| 7 Days | $3,033 |
Additional Fees
- Annual Registration Fee: $350 per child
- Late Tuition Payment Fee: $20 per day (up to 5 days). The contract ends after 5 days of nonpayment. Re-registration is required.
- Late Pick-Up Fee: $2 per minute past contracted hours. Children may not return until the balance is paid in full.
- Document Fee: $50 for the first two hours, $25 per additional hour
- Applies to provider-completed forms at the family’s request (e.g., tax forms, employment forms, legal documents).
- Court Appearance Fee: $500 per day
- We prefer not to be involved in civil disputes between parents. If court attendance is required, the requesting parent is charged accordingly.
Policies
Tuition covers up to contracted hours, diapers, wipes, all meals and snacks, including Kirkland brand formula for infants. As part of our menu, we serve fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole-grain bread. Tuition also covers all curriculum materials and supplies, diapers, and wipes.
*Tuition increases every July.
To hold your child’s space, payment must be made whether your child attends or not. Payment is based on contract, not attendance
Late payments
Services will not be provided without payment. There is a $20 late fee per day for tuition not paid per child. After 5 days of nonpayment, the contract will be immediately terminated. For re-enrollment, tuition, late fees, and registration fees are due.
Acceptable Forms of Payment
=> Online payments via Playground (fee charged per transaction),
=> ERDC DHS payments,
=> Cashier’s check.
*Personal checks are not accepted at Explorer Learning Academy.
Payments and Copayments
Payment is due on the 25th of the month. Payments are due before services are rendered.