faq about tuition assistance

Please click on questions below for answers...

• Should we apply for Tuition Assistance? Would we qualify?

There is no specific income level above which a family no longer qualifies for financial assistance.

• What information do we have to provide when we apply for financial assistance?

To be able to assess financial need on an equitable basis, parents are asked to complete the following:

1. An application for a national service called “School and Student Service for Financial Aid” (SSS). SSS analyzes the financial need of the applicant for independent schools, colleges and universities across the country. The SSS application asks for information about family composition, current and expected income, expenses, assets and debts as well as unusual family circumstances and expenses. SSS then applies a standard methodology to assess the financial resources a family has to contribute toward a child’s educational expenses. Their methodology results in a suggested Parental Contribution toward tuition. The application may be found online.
2. The financial assistance committee recognizes that the SSS report may not accurately portray the whole picture of a family’s financial situation and welcomes a letter that may clarify family finances.

• What are the steps to apply for financial assistance?

Complete and submit a financial statement form online or call the school office to request a printed application. The RJA school code is: 2272. The RJA school code is: 2272. The charge for mailing in your PFS is $42 for applying by mail or $35 for applying online.

Complete the SSS application by early January to ensure we have a recommendation from SSS by January 31.

The Financial Assistance Committee will not make a decision about your request until it has received a copy of your completed application and any required supporting material.

• Who makes the award decisions?

The financial Assistance Committee includes three non-parent board members, appointed by the board president, and a financial assistance coordinator.In keeping with RJA’s core values, all information received and discussed by the committee is kept strictly confidential.

• When are financial assistance decisions made?

Applications for financial assistance are evaluated in mid-February

After the awards for returning families are determined, the Financial Assistance Committee reviews new applications from families currently at the school and from newly accepted students. Subsequent requests for assistance are evaluated on a case-by-case basis until the financial assistance budget is expended. Applicants may appeal with cause the initial decision by the committee.

• Are there any extra requirements for families who receive financial assistance?

All RJA families provide service to the school in the form of volunteer hours and participation in the school fundraising activities. There are no special or additional requests made of families who receive financial assistance.

• Is financial assistance guaranteed for future years after an initial award is granted?

Our first priority is to allocate funds to returning students, and unless a family’s financial circumstances change dramatically, a family can expect RJA’s commitment to continue as their children progress through the school. The school does require that families reapply for assistance each school year because of the possibility of change in a family’s situation.

• How are separated or divorced family situations evaluated?

The resources of both natural parents will be considered, as well as their current family situations, because the final determination of a family's ability to pay is based on financial need, not willingness or unwillingness to pay.

• Will new students be denied admission if they apply for financial assistance?

Financial assistance decisions are subject to the availability of funds and are made independently from admission decisions.