Financial Aid

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• Who is eligible?

  • Families with students enrolling in prekindergarten through 8th grade may apply.
  • All family tuition accounts must be up to date, and all required documents must be completed and submitted by the deadline. (Applications received after the deadline will be placed in the financial aid wait pool.)

• What are some of the factors in making a financial aid decision?

  In addition to each family's overall financial picture, the Financial Aid Committee takes into account the amount of aid available in a given year's budget and the number of families applying for aid.

  
  

  Factors considered include:
  
  

  1. Current tax returns and W-2 forms
  2. Retirement contributions in excess of 5% of gross income will be counted as non-taxable income.
  3. Retirement account balances in excess of $350,000 will be counted as an asset.
  4. Equity in any residences will be counted as an asset.
  5. Tuition at other schools: If there are siblings in other independent schools (in prekindergarten through 12th grade), tuition paid at the other schools will be considered in determining the family's contribution.
  6. Non-working parent: Private education is a family commitment requiring the contributions of all parents. When all children in the household are in kindergarten or above, income will be imputed for a non-working parent at the level of Washington State minimum wage in calculating the family's gross income. The Financial Aid Committee can waive this imputation if there is disability involved, of either the non-working parent or a household member, requiring the non-working parent to take a custodial role.
  7. Income and disclosure: Parents are expected to provide full disclosure of all assets and income sources when completing the financial aid application. These resources include funds from relatives or friends, limited partnerships, assets of a closely held corporation, or any other income-producing enterprise. The Evergreen School considers parent signatures on the SSS form and the financial aid notification letter to signify full disclosure of all financial resources. Lack of full disclosure may result in the invalidation and withdrawal of a financial aid award.

• What about separated or divorced parents?

  For separated or divorced families, both parents or guardians must submit applications. It is The Evergreen School's position that separated or divorced parents or partners are obligated to contribute to the educational expenses of their child(ren), whether or not there is legal agreement between them to do so, and regardless of what any legal agreement may stipulate. If either parent has remarried, we will also consider the assets of the step-parent(s), always bearing in mind the obligation of step-parent(s) to their own natural children.

  
  

  We calculate financial aid based on what SSS and our process show that each family can afford. In some instances this may be an amount less than a court's decision in a divorce settlement; in others, more. The Financial Aid Committee will consider the assets of both natural parents, if living, before making any award, and cannot be held by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. 

   

• When are financial aid decisions made?

  • For students currently attending The Evergreen School, award notifications are sent in mid-February for the following school year.
  • For students newly admitted to The Evergreen School, award notifications will be sent with the applicant’s acceptance letter (in late March). 

• Should I apply for financial aid?

  We have found that each family’s combination of circumstances is unique regarding spending priorities, family earnings and tuition levels of children. The most helpful guideline comes from your own knowledge of your family’s finances. There are so many factors that determine an award that it is difficult to predict eligibility.
  
  Please note: If during the school year family circumstances change or you have other questions, do not hesitate to contact Chief Financial Officer Debra Lee-Rizzi or 206-957-1526.

   

• Can current families not receiving aid apply for the following year?

  It is the expectation that families who begin at the school paying full tuition will continue to do so. However, when unexpected circumstances lead to a significant change in income, families are welcome to apply for aid. Current families who have not experienced a significant change in their income may apply, but there is no guarantee aid will be granted.

• Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

  Yes. Each year a family must reapply for financial aid by the stated deadlines in order for a new award to be considered.

• How can I get help with the SSS Parent Financial Statement online form?

  If you need assistance in completing the online form, please contact SSS at 800.344.8328.
  
  For help with any other part of the financial aid process, please contact Chief Financial Officer Debra Lee-Rizzi at 206.957.1526.