Purpose
The Financial Aid program at Duchesne provides financial assistance to deserving students based on the family's demonstrated financial need. A portion of the school's operating budget is allocated by the Board of Trustees for tuition grants to students who contribute academic strength and/or socioeconomic diversity to the school community and who would otherwise not be able to attend for financial reasons.
Applying for Financial Aid
Financial Aid applications are available in late January for families with a current application on file in the Admission Office. Please contact Loretta Reed, loretta.reed@duchesne.org or 713-468-8211 x113 to request the necessary forms. All forms are required to be completed by March 1, 2009. The following information is required:
· The Parent's Financial Statement to be completed and mailed to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in the envelope provided.
· Copies of your current and previous year's tax return filed with the IRS including copies of W-2's and all attachments mailed to the Office of the Headmistress, Duchesne Academy. Please note that all information is kept strictly confidential.
· If you are separated, divorced, or never been married, each parent must separately complete the parent's financial statement and provide a copy of their current tax return.
Please remember that the deadline for submitting financial aid applications for the 2009/10 school year is March 1, 2009.
Financial Aid FAQ's
Who can apply for financial aid?
Anyone who has submitted an application for admission to Duchesne Academy in grades PK-12 may apply.
How is financial aid awarded?
Duchesne Academy is a member of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) which assists independent schools in determining a family's financial need as related to educational expenses. Based on the information supplied by the family, the SSS provides the school with a report that gives the Financial Aid Committee a general assessment of a family's ability to pay for educational costs. The report is used only as a guideline for awarding grants.
How does my application affect the admissions process?
Duchesne Academy does not use financial need as a consideration in determining a student's eligibility for admission; therefore, your application for financial aid has no impact on the admission process.
What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
All forms must be completed and mailed to SSS and Duchesne Academy by March 1, 2009.
Do I have to apply for financial aid before I know my child has been admitted?
Yes. If you do not apply by the March 1 deadline, your chance of receiving financial assistance may be significantly reduced. Funds are limited; therefore it is important that all deadlines are met.
I usually do not file my taxes until April 15th. How will this affect my financial aid award?
If applying for financial aid, you must complete your taxes early enough to meet the March 1 deadline for the application. Financial aid applications will not be considered by the committee unless accompanied by all required forms.
What if both parents are divorced, separated, or never been married?
In the case of divorced, separated, or never married parents; the non-custodial parent or joint custody parent must complete a "Financial Statement for Parents who are Separated or Divorced or Have Never Been Married" (available by request from the Office of the Headmistress) and return it to the school along with copies of the last two year's tax returns and W-2's. The custodial parent is required to fill out all application forms required by the school. Please note that it is the school's policy in this situation to require both custodial and non-custodial parents to submit financial information to the school. The Financial Aid committee will use information from both parties in its assessment of financial need. The School will not be bound by the assertion of one parent that he/she is not responsible for educational expenses, even in the case of divorce or remarriage. If information is not submitted by both parents or guardians, this may result in a lesser award or no award at all.
When will I receive the final decision on the financial aid award?
All accepted students will be notified of financial aid awards in late April.
Is financial aid automatically renewed each year?
No. Duchesne Academy requires families to reapply for financial aid each year.
Please note that the deadline for submission of all information is March 1. Financial aid funds are limited and awarded on basis of financial need; therefore it is important that all forms are submitted in a timely manner.
If you have any further questions, you may contact Teresa LaBonte, Business Manager/Financial Aid Director, at 713-468-8211 ext. 114.
