Tuition Assistance Philosophy Statement
Park West Cooperative values socio-economic diversity in our community. Our financial aid program aims to ensure that our community represents a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and we distribute funds according to that goal. We understand that a range of financial support including small, medium, and large awards, may be necessary to meet the financial needs of families from a range of income brackets. A commitment to providing robust financial aid is one piece of ensuring opportunities for diversity, equality, and inclusivity here at school.
Each year we allocate 4-6% of our annual tuition income to Financial Aid. Because our enrollment and admissions process is intentionally unbiased, the level of need can vary in any given year. For this reason, we take a multifaceted approach to determining the allocation of funds in any given year and rely on the close collaboration between the Director of School, the Board President, and the School Administrator.
Factors considered when determining the allocation of funds include and are not limited to:
Information gathered by our third party evaluation system (currently TADS).
Information gathered in the supplemental questions asked of all parents applying for financial aid.
The sustainability of the award over the course of the families anticipated years at school and the number of children who will be supported by the award.
The total amount of requested aid for the given school year.
Guidelines & Criteria for Distributing Tuition Assistance
How do I apply for tuition assistance?
Families seeking admission to Park West who are in need of tuition assistance must complete an “Application for Tuition Assistance.” This application and supporting documents are submitted directly to TADS, Park West’s tuition assistance evaluation service. This organization helps provide an impartial analysis of each family’s needs. All of these applications are due the same day as general school applications in order to allow time for Park West to review the data, determine individual family needs, and allocate funds appropriately. Please note that no application will be deemed complete unless accompanied by copies of:
The family’s past year’s Federal Income Tax Form(s) 1040b.
All accompanying schedules thereto.
All related W-2 forms.
If either parent is self-employed, business tax returns are also required. All of these documents and any information the families share with TADS and Park West are kept confidential.
Applicants may also be required to submit other relevant financial documentation requested by Park West or TADS.
Park West Cooperative Nursery School Director, Board President and Board Administrator will then review all applications and grant awards as soon as possible after school admissions are determined. This process is confidential and only the school Director, Director of Operations, Board President, Office Manager and Board Administrator know the names of families seeking tuition assistance.
Should I apply for tuition assistance?
Park West Cooperative Nursery School annual tuition assistance decisions are based on financial need.
Who is eligible for tuition assistance?
Tuition assistance is available to all eligible families attending the regular Park West Co-op programs. Summer Camp and the Tots programs are excluded.
Only assisting families are eligible for tuition assistance except in the case of the Junior Kindergarten program. Tuition assistance recipients do not assume any additional financial responsibilities at the school. Families on financial aid will be given two complimentary tickets to the Park West Gala.
Families must reapply for tuition assistance each year. The amount of tuition assistance awarded may change from year to year depending on possible changes in a family's financial situation, the number of tuition assistance applicants, and/or the amount allocated in Park West’s operating budget for tuition assistance.
In cases of divorce or separation, the custodial parent is required to complete the required tuition assistance applications. Non-custodial parents who are responsible for tuition payments and/or child support may also be required to submit financial information.
How large are the grants?
Park West Cooperative Nursery School, in its sole discretion, will set aside a predetermined amount for tuition assistance each year. The Board of Directors may reevaluate tuition assistance each year.
The school Director, Board President, and Board Administrator determine the actual grant amounts per applicant.
What happens if my family has a financial emergency during the school year?
Families may apply for tuition assistance at any time if they encounter unexpected financial difficulties. The Park West Director, Admissions Committee Co-Chairs, Board President, Board Administrator and Board Treasurer may petition the Board for additional funds in the case of such emergencies. Similarly, it is expected that families receiving tuition assistance whose financial circumstances dramatically improve during the year inform the school so that proper adjustments can be made.
Am I required to repay Park West?
No. Tuition assistance is awarded as a grant. There is no repayment obligation. Still, as mentioned above, families whose financial circumstances dramatically improve during the year should inform the school so that proper adjustments can be made.
Is there a fee to apply for tuition assistance?
The TADS program that we use to process tuition assistance applications does charge a fee for each application. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office if your family would benefit from a fee voucher for your tuition assistance application.
Who do I contact for information about tuition assistance?
The Board President, school Director and Board Administrator have all the information about the program. Only the school Director or Board Administrator of Park West Co-op will discuss confidential information with applicant families.