Tuition Assistance FAQ

What kind of financial assistance do you offer and when do I apply?

Our school offers need-based financial assistance. “Financial need” is generally defined as the difference between what it costs a student to attend our school and what a family can afford to pay. There is no “income cutoff” or any other simple method to determine whether a family will qualify for need-based aid. St. Michael’s Country Day School encourages you to begin the admissions application process and apply for financial aid at the same time.

Will applying for Financial Assistance influence the admission decision?

Admission and Financial Assistance decisions are made independently from one another. The Admission Committee makes its decisions without regard to financial matters.

What about confidentiality?

All applications for Financial Assistance are held in the strictest confidence. Only the Financial Assistance Committee members have access to those records submitted.

What if my financial situation changes?

Each year, a family must reapply for Financial Assistance and their individual circumstances will be evaluated by the committee. Assuming a family’s circumstances remain unchanged, every effort will be made to continue supporting that family at a level consistent with the prior year. Family information detailing extenuating circumstances not included in required forms may be forwarded in a letter or email to Sandy Merten, Director of Enrollment.

If only one parent works outside the home, will my child be considered for financial assistance?

We recognize that you have the freedom to make choices regarding your financial status. If only one parent works outside of the home, the Financial Assistance Committee will add to the income of the family per school policy. An exception to this policy might occur if the parent at home is caring for a preschool-aged child, a child with special needs, a seriously ill child, parent or grandparent, or if there are other special circumstances. You should present these possible exceptions at the end of the PFS before submitting the form.

If I am single, divorced, or no longer living with my child's other parent, what information will the Financial Assistance Committee require in order to determine an award?

We believe that all parents have an obligation to contribute to the expense of educating their children. Assets and incomes of all natural and adoptive parents will be considered in making a financial aid award. All parents and guardians must complete the PFS and submit the required documents in order for the school to gain a realistic picture of family resources. The Financial Assistance Committee will not be bound by a claim that one parent is not responsible for educational expenses.

If the custodial parent has not heard from the non-custodial parent for a period of time to be determined by the Financial Assistance Committee or the involvement of the non-custodial parent is not in the best interest of the student, the above requirements may be waived. A letter of explanation and verification from a third party such as a minister, attorney or social worker may be required.

If either parent has re-married, we will consider the assets and earnings potential of the step-parent in conjunction with the natural parent and keep in mind the step-parent’s responsibility to his or her own children.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

Please contact the Director of Enrollment, Sandy Merten, at smerten@smcds.org.

Dates to Remember

Tuition Assistance

  • February 15, 2022: The Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS)  and the 2019 1040 and all schedules must be uploaded to School and Student Services (SSS).
  • May 1, 2022: The 2019 1040 with all schedules must be uploaded to SSS.

Prior to the Tuition Assistance discussion and consideration, students must first apply for admission St. Michael’s Country Day School.  <<<Learn More about the admissions process >>>

Sandy Merten
Director of Enrollment

Email

Education:
B.A., University of California Los Angeles
M. Ed., Pepperdine University

Everyone here makes an effort to know all of the students. I was amazed when I picked up my son...

Prekindergarten Parent

St. Michael's Country Day School
5.0
2019-10-25T09:09:54-04:00

Prekindergarten Parent

Everyone here makes an effort to know all of the students. I was amazed when I picked up my son from Field Day and everyone – teachers and students alike – all said hello and goodbye to him by name. It feels so amazing to be part of such a 
I love how everyone here is very family oriented and very welcoming. Our family felt part of the school from...

Prekindergarten Parent

St. Michael's Country Day School
5.0
2019-10-25T09:10:30-04:00

Prekindergarten Parent

I love how everyone here is very family oriented and very welcoming. Our family felt part of the school from day one and it made for a really easy transition.
During my daughter’s 2nd grade year, the idea of a Buddy Bench was brought up by a classmate. After presenting...

3rd and 7th Grade Parent

St. Michael's Country Day School
5.0
2019-10-25T09:11:00-04:00

3rd and 7th Grade Parent

During my daughter’s 2nd grade year, the idea of a Buddy Bench was brought up by a classmate. After presenting the idea to the Lower School head, the idea was fully embraced. Instead of just providing a Buddy Bench, my daughter and a few students helped build and decorate the 
St. Michael’s is a magical school. The teachers are wonderful. They have that blend of intelligence, gentle discipline, and love...

2nd Grade Parent

St. Michael's Country Day School
5.0
2019-10-25T09:11:29-04:00

2nd Grade Parent

St. Michael’s is a magical school. The teachers are wonderful. They have that blend of intelligence, gentle discipline, and love inspiring the kids. The sense of community is so evident. The parents are a tight-knit group that truly care about one another and cheer other families one.
SMS has given our family so much support, when we first moved to Newport from the UK 5 years ago...

Preschool and 2nd Grade Parent

St. Michael's Country Day School
5.0
2019-10-25T09:11:55-04:00

Preschool and 2nd Grade Parent

SMS has given our family so much support, when we first moved to Newport from the UK 5 years ago and when we moved back after being away for 18 months. The school was invaluable in making our son feel welcome and cared for and included back into his second 
5
5
St. Michael's Country Day School

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