Applying for Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance: Mission and Philosophy
The mission of the financial aid program is to provide tuition assistance to families whose children otherwise would be unable to attend the school. Our goal is to fully fund the demonstrated financial need of our admitted students so they can participate fully in all programs and activities offered by the school and further the RA mission statement. RA believes that parents have the primary responsibility for funding their children's education; only after available parental resources have been examined will the school offer financial support within the confines of its limited available resources. The goal of the aid applications process is to obtain the fullest understanding of the financial resources that might be available to a given applicant, and partner with each family to bridge the difference between demonstrated need and cost of attendance.
The financial aid program is vital to fulfilling the RA missions statement and providing a diverse socio-economic population at the school.
The financial aid program is vital to fulfilling the RA missions statement and providing a diverse socio-economic population at the school.
Tuition Assistance Timeline
By January 15, 2023, please submit through School and Student Services (SSS):
- A complete Parents' Financial Statement (PFS)
- A complete copy of your 2020 and 2021 tax returns (Form 1040, including all forms and schedules)
By April 15, 2023, please submit through SSS:
- A complete copy of your 2022 tax return (Form 1040, including all forms and schedules) OR a copy of your tax extension
- W-2 forms where applicable
Applying for Tuition Assistance: A Two Part Process
Part One is completed in conjunction with the National Association for Independent Schools (NAIS) and requires families to complete the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS). The PFS allows families to apply to multiple schools for financial aid. There is a fee for this service.
Part Two is completed in conjunction with Ridgefield Academy and requires families to submit documentation supplementary to the information contained in the PFS (namely, tax forms, income statements, and family budget).
Part Two is completed in conjunction with Ridgefield Academy and requires families to submit documentation supplementary to the information contained in the PFS (namely, tax forms, income statements, and family budget).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELIGIBILITY
- Who is eligible?
- What is "demonstrated need"?
- Am I required to demonstrate eligibility each year?
- Who determines eligibility? Who sets the school financial aid budget?
- I don't see my question here. What should I do?
Who is eligible?
What is "demonstrated need"?
Am I required to demonstrate eligibility each year?
Who determines eligibility? Who sets the school financial aid budget?
I don't see my question here. What should I do?
FACTORS
- Are allowances made for siblings attending independent or religious schools?
- Does RA consider the resources of the extended family, as well as the immediate family?
- How are students' assets and trust funds used in calculating awards?
- Does any group of students have priority when the school is determining financial aid awards?
- Which year's income will be used as the basis for a financial aid decision?
- Are allowances made for a parent who has just started a new business or has returned to college or graduate school?
- How are non-working parents factored into the financial aid calculation?
- I don't see my question here. What should I do?
Are allowances made for siblings attending independent or religious schools?
Does RA consider the resources of the extended family, as well as the immediate family?
How are students' assets and trust funds used in calculating awards?
Does any group of students have priority when the school is determining financial aid awards?
Which year's income will be used as the basis for a financial aid decision?
Are allowances made for a parent who has just started a new business or has returned to college or graduate school?
How are non-working parents factored into the financial aid calculation?
I don't see my question here. What should I do?
THE AWARD
- I have not yet received my financial aid package, but I know that I cannot come close to affording the EFC listed on the RFC. What should I do?
- My child is admitted, but the FA award is not enough to make enrolling an option. Is there an appeals process?
- I don't see my question here. What should I do?
I have not yet received my financial aid package, but I know that I cannot come close to affording the EFC listed on the RFC. What should I do?
My child is admitted, but the FA award is not enough to make enrolling an option. Is there an appeals process?
I don't see my question here. What should I do?
MISC RESOURCES
- Glossary Of Key Terms
- Financial Aid FAQ's
- The PFS Process From A Parent's Perspective
- An Introduction To FA For Independent Schools
- Tuition Newsletter Archives
Glossary Of Key Terms
Financial Aid FAQ's
The PFS Process From A Parent's Perspective
An Introduction To FA For Independent Schools
Tuition Newsletter Archives
Ridgefield Academy safeguards the confidentiality of all financial information supplied by applicants and does not publicly identify recipients of financial aid, except with parental permission. Only those persons directly involved in the financial aid process or in its administration will review this information.