GFA's commitment to need-based financial aid
Financing an independent school education is a major investment. Greens Farms Academy acknowledges that not every family is able to make this investment without assistance. GFA is committed to providing need-based financial aid to qualified families and in 2011-12, awarded $2.1 million in aid to 14.2% of the student body. GFA encourages families to explore other options to fund tuition such as institutional loans (
www.yourtuitionsolution.com), private loans (e.g. from family) and payment plans (
www.Smarttuition.com). Please join us on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 for a Financial Aid/Affordability Workshop to learn more about GFA's financial aid process.
Determining Need
GFA uses the services of School and Student Services by NAIS (SSS) to help determine a family's need. The Estimated Family Contribution Report is computed by SSS and reviewed by GFA's Financial Aid Committee. GFA makes adjustments to accommodate for cost of living differences. Current families apply annually for aid. Once aid is awarded, it is GFA's goal to continue to provide a similar level of aid until the student graduates (barring significant changes in a family's situation). Unfortunately, as resources are limited, GFA is not always able to fund all qualified applicants.
Financial Aid Process
Applicants to GFA begin the financial aid process by indicating "yes" to the question on Part I of the Application for Admission: "Is the Applicant a candidate for financial aid?" Beginning November 1, 2011, and prior to January 13, 2012, the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) should be completed at www.sss.nais.org/parents. Upload or mail the required supplemental documents directly to SSS (not GFA). Required supplemental documents include a 2010 federal tax return with all supporting schedules, 2011 W-2s, a signed copy of the 4506-T form, and a Business/ Farm statement (where applicable). Admission acceptance letters and financial aid awards are mailed at the same time. Note that all financial aid awards are subject to receipt and review of 2011 federal income tax returns and supporting schedules by April 15, 2012.