It is a long-standing policy of the Board of Trustees that the cost of an independent school education should not be a deterrent to any prospective student or family. Country School offers need-based tuition assistance to highly-qualified students whose families need support to afford full tuition.
Eligibility for Tuition Assistance
Families with a wide range of incomes may qualify for tuition assistance. Awards are based on circumstances unique to each family, and the process takes into account many variables. We are always happy to discuss your individual circumstances with you should you have questions concerning eligibility for tuition assistance.
- All tuition assistance is based on an individual family’s needs. No awards are made on the basis of a student’s academic, athletic, or other talents. Tuition assistance is awarded as a direct grant against annual expenses for tuition, transportation, lunch, and Extended Day costs.
- While family income is an important consideration in the size of the grant, factors such as assets, liabilities, and the number of children in tuition-charging schools or colleges are also considered. Parents are expected to support the applicant financially to the extent they can.
- An estimated potential salary based on education and previous work will be included in our tuition assistance calculations for any non-working (or employed less than half time) parent whose children are all of school age.
- Tuition assistance application forms must be submitted each year. Families can expect the same level of support throughout each child’s years at Country School if their demonstrated need remains the same. The tuition assistance grant is likely to change if the family situation changes significantly. If a family does not qualify for tuition assistance upon admission, it is unlikely they will qualify in subsequent years unless there is significant change in family finances.
- All applications for tuition assistance are held in strictest confidence. Only members of the Tuition Assistance Committee have access to the records.
Need is determined by the New Canaan Country School Financial Aid Committee which uses confidential statements, tax returns, and the guidelines of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). The Financial Aid Committee takes into consideration any unusual debts or extenuating circumstances and considers the financial resources of both natural parents before granting any award. If either natural parent remarries, the school bears in mind the obligations of the parent to his or her new family. If the parent with custody remarries, NCCS considers the resources of the stepparent, but also bears in mind the obligations of the stepparent to his or her natural children.
Admission and tuition assistance are two separate processes. Applying for tuition assistance has no bearing on the Admission Committee’s decision regarding acceptance into the school. Applications must be submitted by January 1. Tuition assistance applications received after January 1 will be considered on a funds-available basis. |