Tuition Assistance
1. APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Admission Committee reviews candidates for admission without knowing whether or not they are applying for assistance. The most compelling candidates are referred to the Financial Assistance Committee to determine financial need. In many cases, these families are granted financial assistance awards. As awards are granted and funding becomes limited, applicants requesting financial assistance will be placed on a waiting list with the hope that space and funding become available after the first round of decisions.
2. ANNUAL REAPPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Families must reapply for financial assistance each year. If there is little or no change in a family's circumstances, a similar financial assistance award will likely be awarded, bearing in mind that any tuition increase will be shared between the family and Heschel. If there is a significant increase in family need, Heschel will seek to accommodate that need. Likewise, if the family's need decreases, the appropriate adjustment will be made to the financial assistance recipient to reflect the family's increased ability to contribute to their student's educational expenses.
3. CASES OF DIVORCE OR SEPARATION
In cases of divorced parents, we require the same documentation from both parents, regardless of court ordered custody or support. Heschel cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. If a custodial parent has remarried, the Financial Assistance Committee will consider the assets of the stepparent; however, the Committee will also bear in mind the stepparent's obligations to his or her other children. In addition, Heschel cannot be bound by the assertion that each household is responsible for half the cost of education and therefore, one household should be considered for financial assistance. Both households are required to submit the financial assistance application, and the Committee will determine financial need based on each households' financial circumstances.
4. POLICY EXCEPTIONS
Requests to consider extenuating circumstances should be explained in writing in a letter to the Business Office.
5. NECESSITY OF ASSISTANCE FOR MULTIPLE STUDENTS
You must apply for assistance at the time of application for any student. The financial assistance application must be for both children, and if the younger child is admitted and you qualify for assistance, both children will receive separate tuition grants.
6. OTHER EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES
Other K-12 tuitions you pay are figured into our calculations of assistance, but in order to receive tuition assistance, you must apply for assistance at all schools your children attend. You should note that college tuition money is regarded as investment rather than educational expense.
7. NOTIFICATION OF AWARD
Financial assistance decisions will be communicated to returning families in February. Tuition assistance decisions for new families will be sent out in March with the admission decision.
8. YEARLY INCREASES IN EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES
The Board of Directors sets annual tuition and fees each winter for the following year. The Board is committed to keeping tuition increases as low as possible while ensuring the high quality of our educational programs.