Financial Assistance

Equity through affordable access to Pilates.

Financial hardship should not automatically place authentic Classical Pilates education out of reach. Explore programs designed to reduce costs, protect enrollment, and expand access.

How Assistance Works

Support designed around different needs.

The school offers shared memberships, hardship relief, scholarships, work-study, reduced-cost private training, and trade-in-kind arrangements for students facing hardship or underrepresentation.

  • Some programs require financial or eligibility documentation.
  • Need-based decisions may be reviewed case by case.
  • Funding and spaces are limited; apply early.
  • Students may participate in only one assistance or cost-reduction program at a time.

Available Programs

Find the option that matches your program.

You may only be enrolled in one Financial Assistance program at a time. Please review the programs below and select the program that best suits your needs.

Open to the Community

The Community Program

Free events and income-qualified membership

The Community Program makes authentic Classical Pilates more accessible in two ways: free seasonal Pilates School events, open to anyone who wants to experience an authentic Classical Pilates workout; and an income-qualified membership for people who do not have the financial resources to access even our lowest-cost programs. Community Events are free and can be booked through our Pilates Seminars page. The Community Membership requires income and government-assistance verification and includes two in-person classes per month, plus waived fees for all On-Demand classes in the PilatesEDU app, launching November 2026.Initial Enrollment FormSee Our Community EventsBook Your First Free Class

Eligibility and requirements
  • Community Events are free and open to everyone
  • Community Membership requires income and government-assistance verification
  • Membership includes two in-person classes per month
  • All PilatesEDU On-Demand class fees are waived beginning with the app’s November 2026 launch

Drop-In, In-Person & At-Home

Hardship Waiver / Payment Plan

20%–80% temporary reduction

Temporary relief for students experiencing a sudden financial emergency. Membership dues may be reduced for up to three months, then repaid over three to six months.Apply for This Program

Eligibility and requirements
  • Serious financial event such as job loss, medical bills, or an unexpected expense
  • At least six months of prior enrollment
  • $25 monthly administrative fee

Drop-In Program

Shared & Family Memberships

Save up to $800 per year on a shared or family membership

Share a Drop-In Program membership with friends or family to make regular Pilates training more affordable.Apply for Shared MembershipApply for Family Membership

Eligibility and requirements
  • Available only for the Drop-In Program
  • Choose the Shared or Family Membership option that fits your group
  • Membership terms and eligibility vary by option

Teacher Training

Pre-Pilates / Basic System Scholarship

50%–100% scholarship

Supports students from underserved or underrepresented groups who want to begin Comprehensive Teacher Certification without major financial hardship.Apply for This Program

Eligibility and requirements
  • Apply with the Teacher Certification application
  • Financial documentation is required
  • Maintain a B+ average throughout Pre-Pilates and Basic coursework
  • Membership in an underserved or underrepresented group within Pilates

Teacher Training

Work-Study Program

50%–100% grant

Eligible Intermediate-level certification students may teach classes or private clients while directing part of their pre-tax wages toward tuition.Apply for This Program

Eligibility and requirements
  • Apply on or before the Basic System examination
  • Financial documentation is required
  • Maintain a B+ average throughout Intermediate coursework
  • Valid ID, I-9 verification, and current CPR certification

Private Training Program

Teacher-in-Training Practice Client

Private sessions at no cost

Support a teacher-in-training’s practical study hours as a client body. In exchange for private sessions at no cost, you commit to training at least once a week for the length of that teacher’s tenure in the Teacher Certification Program. Expert faculty may observe or intervene to support safe, effective teaching.Be Matched with a Teacher-in-Training

Eligibility and requirements
  • A relatively healthy body
  • At least one session per week for the teacher’s certification-program tenure
  • Quarterly 20-minute check-in
  • Comfort with faculty support and observation by up to two trainees

Private Training Program

Teacher-in-Training Live Client

$25–$85 per session

Choose more flexibility in your schedule while working with a teacher-in-training in a live teaching setting. Sessions are purchased in a package of 5 or 10, and matching considers your goals, availability, and the type of teacher you prefer.Be Matched with a Teacher-in-Training

Eligibility and requirements
  • Choose a 5- or 10-session package
  • Moderate body issues may be accommodated
  • Student Services approval required
  • Session rate depends on the teacher’s training level

All Programs

Essential Workers Discount

Generally 5%–10% off

This program helps teachers, nurses, police officers, air traffic controllers, single parents, and people in other essential but commonly undercompensated professions access the lifelong benefits of Pilates. The discount is determined through an individual-needs matrix and is generally available to eligible people who live and work in the San Francisco Bay Area.Apply for This Program

Eligibility and requirements
  • Income verification is required
  • Household verification is required
  • Professional or employment verification is required
  • The final discount is based on individual need

All Programs

Trade-in-Kind

Value varies by role

Exchange an in-demand professional skill with The Pilates School, dollar for dollar, toward eligible programs through an approved temporary or ongoing role.Apply for a Trade-in-Kind PositionSee Trade-in-Kind Opportunities

Eligibility and requirements
  • Apply for an open role through the school’s careers portal
  • Arrangements may be temporary or ongoing
  • Maintain good standing in the selected program

How to Apply

Start with the program you want to attend.

1

Choose your program

Review tuition, schedule, and entry requirements for the Pilates or certification program you want to join.

2

Identify the assistance option

Compare eligibility requirements and select the one program that best matches your circumstances.

3

Contact Student Services

Request an application and submit any required financial, employment, academic, or identity documentation.

4

Receive a decision

Student Services will review availability and eligibility. Assistance is not guaranteed until formally approved.

Prepare Before Applying

Documentation may be required.

Depending on the assistance program, applicants may need recent tax records, pay stubs, household bills, identification, employment verification, academic records, or CPR certification. Student Services will tell you exactly what applies to your request.

Access Starts with a Conversation

Ask for help before deciding Pilates is out of reach.

Contact Student Services to discuss eligibility, current availability, and the best next step for your program.