Tuition Assistance
Portland Waldorf School is committed to maintaining a school population diverse in income level and family size. We understand and appreciate the financial commitment families undertake in deciding to send their children to Portland Waldorf School. And although paying for education is first and foremost the responsibility of a family, we devote significant funds each year to a financial aid budget that helps assist families. In turn, our school community benefits by attracting families that otherwise would not have been able to attend.
We use TADS as an outside service to help determine Tuition Assistance awards. Here are some helpful links from TADS. The Family Welcome Sheet
has Frequently Asked Questions and contact numbers for TADS. There is a
TADS Financial Aid Brochure that has more information about tuition assistance. The TADS Tuition Assistance Worksheet can be used to help you fill out your online application.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR Tuition Assistance.
Family Responsibility Policy
PWS expects families to honestly evaluate their ability to pay tuition, including how lifestyle choices have impacted that ability, when applying for Tuition Assistance. Please honor our financial health as well as families who make financial sacrifices to send their children to PWS. We also urge you to look beyond the school's resources for assistance in paying tuition.
Our Board of Trustees annually sets the total amount of assistance we offer, which is approximately 10% of gross tuition. PWS has no full scholarship program, and Tuition Assistance typically meets only a portion of a family's full need.
What is the deadline for applying for tuition assistance?
Once you have submitted an application for your child/children you may also apply for Tuition Assistance. The filing cutoff date for returning families is February 1. New families may apply at time of application to the school.
How are tuition assistance levels determined?
Tuition assistance is based on a number of factors including annual family income, savings, property holdings, investments, and family size. Applying is much like applying for a bank loan or a home mortgage. You need to gather together all the documents that provide an accurate summary of your family finances. Eligibility cannot be determined unless you provide all requested information. If there are two households involved, each household needs to apply.
Are there emergency funds available if family income is cut during the year?
Our tuition assistance fund is limited and usually allotted by the beginning of the school year. If an emergency arises, you may make a special written appeal to the Tuition Assistance Committee for additional tuition assistance or apply for a grant from the Special Circumstances Fund.
What happens if my family received financial assistance and our financial circumstances change for the better?
If you are so fortunate, we ask that you notify the school that you no longer need your assistance award. This could significantly help another family!
Are there any other resources that can help me pay tuition?
Many private lending institutions provide special services to families who wish to borrow money for private school or college tuition. Your bank may have low-interest rates on such loans. Alternatively, you may be able to borrow against insurance policies or stock holdings.