How To Start
More and more families every year are looking for diverse educational options. Small schools, single gender schools, parochial schools… All of these options come at a cost and all want to make their school affordable to qualified students.
When making your initial inquiries regarding admissions (over the phone, on the internet, at a fair, etc.), be sure to ask about financial aid. Find out who in the admissions or business office is responsible for financial aid and ask her/him questions about their particular financial aid program. Inquiring about financial aid early in the process will insure you are on a school’s mailing list and aware of the different deadlines, materials, and events. It’s important to note that financial aid programs differ from school to school, with some schools offering a sibling discount and free/reduced lunch program.
Questions To Ask
1. Does your financial aid cover 100% of tuition?
2. What costs beyond tuition can I expect? Books, “school fees,” supplies, etc.
3. Does your school offer non tuition aid (books, sports, field trips etc.)?
4. Does the school offer free and reduced lunch?
5. Do I have to pay tuition in one lump sum or can I make payments?
6. Other than the Parent Financial Statement (PFS) what forms do I need to submit as part of my financial aid application?
7. What are your deadlines? Are they the same as the admissions application deadlines?
8. Will applying for financial aid affect my student’s admissions application?
9. If admitted, how would my student’s grades affect his financial aid?
10. Do you offer a sibling discount?
What To Do
The first form you will need to complete and submit is the Parent Financial Statement, commonly referred to as the PFS. Most independent schools use this as their financial aid “application.” You only need to submit the PFS once (online at www.sss.ets.org or in paper format), no matter the total number of schools your student applies to; you simply need to indicate on the form to what schools you want the information sent. For example, if Jenny applies to The Meridian School and Seattle Country Day School, her family would only have to complete and submit one PFS. Also, if Jenny’s brother were applying to Northwest School at the same time, the family would still only have to file one PFS.
The PFS asks you to provide current year and next year’s income, assets and expenses. The parents (married, divorced, separated, never married and step parents) of a child are also required to submit copies of all W-2’s and tax forms for the calendar year. For example, if you were applying for the 2010-2011 school year, you need to submit your W-2’s and 2009 tax returns. WARNING: You will need to complete your taxes earlier than normal to meet the prescribed deadlines. If you own a business or have a complicated tax situation that will require additional time, it is essential that you inform and stay in contact with the financial aid officer at the each of the school’s you’re applying.
You are encouraged to be as honest and forthcoming about your family’s financial circumstances as possible to ensure that the financial aid officer can make an accurate assessment of your need. Each school recognizes that all information you provide is of a sensitive and private nature. Your finances will not be up for discussion with the entire school. All correspondence is kept confidential and paperwork remains secure.
I have an Afro-Asian child who is eligible for APP at Seattle Public School. However, she is not able to get into the program because it’s full. I am exploring the private school option for 2010-2011 school year for her. Is there any private schools that would give 100% financial aid/scholarship to families in need? When I checked school websites, they don’t usually say what percentage financial aid covers for needy families. I appreciate your input.
Mr. Yamaoka,
Your ability to receive financial aid will depend upon your families demonstrated need for aid. Once you’ve applied to the schools of interest, you will fill out a form called the Parent Financial Statement (PFS) and submit supporting documentation. This will assist each office of financial aid in determining your eligibility. It is only then that the school can begin to understand your need and award you accordingly. Please know that no one family’s financial circumstances are the same. There are a myriad of circumstances that make each situation unique.
As for the percentage of funding, you will be hard pressed to find a school that provides 100% tuition assistance, however there are a number of institutions who come very close;many of which will be at the fair.
All the best,
ISF4POC Committee
Thank you very much for your quick reply. I am planning to attend the fair on 24th to explore possibilities for my daugher. I will see if fI can find schools that match her personality and learning style.