Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tuition Aid

What is the purpose of Tuition Aid, and how much is available?

Carolina Friends School commits 9% of tuition revenue to tuition aid so families who cannot pay full tuition can enroll their children at CFS.  The School is committed to serving a population representative of the surrounding community, and socio-economic diversity is an important part of that commitment.  Admissions decisions are made without reference to financial need.

Where does the money come from?

All tuition aid funds come from the School.  The primary source is tuition revenue, with a small amount coming from endowment income and the annual fund. Tuition aid applications are processed through the Tuition Aid / Data Services (TADS), but TADS does not provide funds. 

Who makes decisions regarding tuition aid?

Policies concerning tuition aid are approved by the CFS Board of Trustees. Individual grant decisions are made by a committee composed of the Assistant Principal and Admissions Coordinator, in occasional consultation with the Business Manager or Principal.  All information regarding tuition aid is confidential.

How large are grants?

Grants vary according to each family’s ability to pay, within the context of all families applying for tuition aid.  The CFS Tuition Aid Committee uses TADS to help determine the level of financial need.  TADS analyzes information provided by parents and makes recommendations for grants.

How do I apply for a grant?

For new families:  When applying to CFS, please indicate on the application form that you wish to apply for tuition aid, and the Admissions Office will send you a tuition aid packet.  We ask that whenever possible families apply online for tuition aid. To do so, go to www.tuitionaid.com and use a credit card to submit your application, and follow this by sending to TADS all information requested in support of your application. At the same time, complete the one-page CFS application for tuition aid and send it to the CFS Admissions Office. Please complete this process by February 5 if you are applying for the first round of admission (sooner for admission to the Early Schools) and as soon as possible if you are applying later. If your child is offered admission, we will notify you as soon as we can about tuition aid. If a tuition aid decision has not been made when you learn about admission, you will be asked to pay a deposit to hold your child’s space until the tuition aid decisions are made, and if you do not receive enough aid to send your child to CFS, the deposit will be refunded. 

For continuing families:  In October you will receive a tuition aid packet if you currently receive assistance or have indicated that you would like to apply.  If possible, go to www.tuitionaid.com to complete an online application from TADS, and follow this by sending to TADS any information requested to support your application. Please apply online by December 1 so that a tuition aid decision can be reflected in the re-enrollment contract you will receive in February.  Applying early for tuition aid is important, so that we have an accurate picture of overall financial need. Unfortunately, late application for tuition aid can reduce the amount or possibility of a grant.

What if I cannot apply online?

Call CFS Admissions Office (ext 221) to request a paper application, which you can send to TADS with your check for the processing fee.

If I receive assistance from another organization, can I still receive aid from CFS?

If you qualify for aid from another organization, you may qualify for further aid from CFS.  It is important to understand the regulations of the other agency and to notify the School about such possibilities as early as possible so the two organizations can work together to make it possible for your child to attend the school.

What if I do not receive enough tuition aid to enable me to send my child to CFS?

If you inform the School by the designated date that you are not able to send your child to CFS because of insufficient tuition aid, your deposit will be returned to you. 

If I receive a grant this year, will I continue to receive aid in the future?

Yes, if you apply on time and your financial situation remains the same.  Families must apply for aid each year.  As circumstances change, so do decisions regarding aid:  some families who qualify one year may not qualify the next, while others who have previously paid full tuition may qualify for aid.  It is important to note that we cannot guarantee that families will receive aid at the exact same level each year, since individual grant amounts depend on the total number and financial need of families applying each year.

What if I can afford to send only one of my children to CFS?

Apply for tuition aid.  Many families who do not qualify for a grant when paying one tuition do qualify for a grant when paying for two.  This is because tuition aid is based on the total amount a family can afford to spend on education.  Sometimes a conversation with a member of the Tuition Aid Committee can help you to determine whether it is worthwhile to apply. 

Do you ask for information from non-custodial parents?

Yes, when parents are separated or divorced, we request information from both custodial and non-custodial parents.  Each year the financial need of CFS families is far greater than the School’s ability to provide aid.  Therefore, we ask that families look to all other potential income sources before asking the School for assistance.  Divorce agreements that limit a parent’s legal obligation to pay tuition do not prevent a parent from paying tuition. Asking for two financial aid applications when parents are divorced or separated gives the Tuition Aid Committee a clearer picture of a family’s true financial picture and ability to afford the tuition.  If unusual circumstances suggest that a non-custodial parent should not be involved in the process, the custodial parent should contact the School to work out special arrangements.

Do you expect that both parents in a household are employed before seeking tuition assistance from the School?

Usually. We want to know if a parent is caring for preschool-aged children, tending to a needy family member, recovering from an illness, dealing with a disability, or facing other circumstances that prevent employment.  If we are not aware of such circumstances, we will impute income, i.e., calculate financial need as if the parent were employed at least part-time. 

What costs beyond tuition should I anticipate while at CFS?

CFS tuition covers the cost of all books and materials used in classes.  When calculators are necessary for math classes, many students purchase their own, and the School has some available for loan. Middle and Upper School students who participate in interscholastic sports pay a fee, with some families paying reduced fees.  The same is true for end-of-year projects or trips.  Limited income should never mean that a student does not have complete access to all CFS activities.  CFS does not have a cafeteria; Middle and Upper School students operate stores that sell snacks.  After Hours programs are funded by participating families.

What if I have further questions?

For information about the tuition aid process, please contact Kathleen Davidson (ext 240) or John McGovern (ext 268).  With questions about deposits, payments, and payment plans, please contact the CFS Business Manager, Sue Summers (ext 236).

Revised 07-07