Affording FCS
Deciding on an Independent School education for your child(ren) is an important choice for every family to make. But considering how to afford it can be overwhelming.
At Friends’ Central, we offer a number of different payment options to best suit our families’ needs.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance plays an important role at Friends’ Central School. Our commitment to economic diversity allows us to strengthen our student body by funding talented students with limited financial means. The request for tuition assistance does not affect one’s application for admission to the School. However, each year the demand for tuition assistance far exceeds the allocated budget. Therefore, not all students in need of financial assistance who are offered admission will be awarded a grant.
Friends’ Central uses School and Student Services (SSS) by NAIS to process our Tuition Assistance applications. Parents/Guardians are required to fill out the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) each year. In cases of divorce or separation, FCS requires a completed PFS from each parent and or stepparent, if applicable.
The School’s goal is to provide the same level of aid to a student as long as the student is enrolled at Friends' Central School, provided the financial need continues and the student is in good standing. If a family's ability to contribute to the student's education increases, the level of aid awarded will decrease accordingly. If a family's ability to pay decreases, every effort will be made to raise the level of aid awarded.
The School expects that families who enroll without receiving tuition assistance will continue to support their child’s education at Friends’ Central without assistance. However, when unforeseen circumstances arise to significantly change a currently enrolled family’s financial situation, an application for tuition assistance can be made. Students who initially enroll without receiving tuition assistance must be enrolled for a minimum of two years in order to be eligible to apply for tuition assistance later on.
To begin your Tuition Assistance application for the coming school year:
For applying families: application due December 15, 2020
- Starting October 2, 2021, complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) on the SSS website- FCS school code 3298
- Upload copies of your 2020 1040 Tax Returns, supporting schedules, and W-2’s.
- If your child is admitted and you choose to enroll, 2021 tax returns should be submitted by May 1, 2022.
*Families applying for admission after (December 15, 2021) will have their tuition assistance evaluated and determined after all first round admission and tuition assistance applications are complete, and if funds are still available.
For re-enrolling families:
Returning families must reapply each year they seek tuition assistance by completing an updated Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) by December 15 and uploading copies of your 2021 1040 Tax Returns by April 1, with supporting schedules and W-2’s.
Tuition Payment Plans
In consideration of the differing financial situations of our families, there are three ways to satisfy the tuition bill:
- Families who pay tuition in full by July 15 are eligible for a 1% discount.
- Parents may choose to pay two-thirds of the tuition by July 15 and defer payment of the last third until January 1, through FACTS Management Services.
- Parents may choose to pay the tuition in 10 monthly installments through FACTS beginning in June preceding the school year.
- Mandatory Tuition Refund Insurance supplied through A.W.G. Dewar insurance company is available for a fee of .75% of net tuition.
Semester Abroad
Students choosing to participate in a semester away program will be charged 75% of the full year tuition for the academic year.
The Wynnefield Community Scholar Program
The Wynnefield Community Scholar Program is an endowed scholar program in memory of Elizabeth Whereat '43. For new students entering grades 6 through 9 who reside in the 19131 or 19139 zip code zones, this need-based scholarship is awarded to a student whose performance on a competitive independent school entrance examination (ISEE), current and previous school record, and personal citizenship qualify that student for this honor. The scholarship will provide up to 100% of the student's demonstrated financial need. It is renewable each year of the student's career at Friends' Central School as long as the student maintains excellent academic performance and citizenship and financial need remains.
November 6, 2021, is the deadline for submitting a completed application for the 2022-2023 Wynnefield Community Scholar Program.
