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.

 


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).
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ELIGIBILITY

TYPES OF AID

FACTORS

THE AWARD

MISC RESOURCES


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.