The Ascent Fee Schedule
Submission fees support the administration of the Dennis Frayne Ascent, review of Demonstrations of Learning, preparation of certificates and recognition awards, maintenance of student achievement records and program archives, and the continuing operation of the program.
Fees increase by Tier as Demonstrations of Learning become broader and more extensive and generally require additional review time. The applicable fee is determined by the Level being submitted.
Submission Fees
Trailhead (Tier 1, Levels 1-7), $60 submission; $30 resubmission
Slopes (Tier 2, Levels 8-14), $80 submission; $40 resubmission
Forest (Tier 3, Levels 15–21), $100 submission; $50 resubmission
Ridge (Tier 4, Levels 22–28), $120 submission; $60 resubmission
Highlands (Tier 5, Levels 29–35), $160 submission; $80 resubmission
Alpine (Tier 6, Levels 36–42), $200 submission; $100 resubmission
Crest (Tier 7, Levels 43–49), $250 submission; $125 resubmission
Summit (Tier 8, Level 50), $500 submission; $250 resubmission
What Does the Submission Fee Include?
Each submission fee includes:
Review of the submitted Demonstration of Learning by a qualified evaluator
Verification against the published requirements for the Level
Official recognition when the Level is completed
Printed certificate
Applicable recognition award
Permanent recording of the completed Level in the student’s Ascent achievement record
Program administration and maintenance of the Ascent and its archives
Missing Materials
There is no additional fee when a submission is incomplete because a required file, document, recording, composition, photograph, or other submission component was omitted.
The participating Teacher Member will be notified of what is missing, and the required material may be provided so the original submission can be completed.
Resubmission Review Fees
A resubmission review fee applies when a complete submission has already been reviewed and one or more published requirements have not been completed as specified.
The participating Teacher Member will receive an explanation of what remains to be completed. The student may then complete, correct, or redo the necessary work and submit it again for review.
Each such resubmission is charged at 50% of the original submission fee for that Level.
A missing file or other omitted submission component is not considered a resubmission for purposes of this fee.
Why Fees Increase by Tier
As students progress through the Ascent, Demonstrations of Learning generally become broader and more extensive. Later Levels may include longer performances, multiple recordings, compositions and arrangements, conducting, ensemble work, substantial projects, documentation, and other materials that require additional review and administration.
The Tier-based fee structure reflects those increasing requirements while keeping the fee consistent for every Level within the same Tier.
Recognition and Achievement Records
When all published requirements for a Level have been verified, the Demonstration of Learning is approved and the student earns the Level.
The student receives the applicable certificate and recognition award, and the completed Level becomes part of the student’s permanent achievement record within the Dennis Frayne Ascent.
Submission fees support the review and recognition process; they do not purchase approval of a Demonstration of Learning or guarantee completion of a Level.
Continue Exploring the Ascent
Ascent Overview — Explore the philosophy and purpose of the Ascent.
The Eight Tiers — Explore the complete sequence of eight Tiers and fifty Levels.
How to Participate — Learn about eligibility, registration, submissions, and participation.
Demonstrations of Learning — Learn how students demonstrate their learning and how Demonstrations of Learning are reviewed.
Open to all. Earned by each. Celebrated by everyone.
