admissions : financial aid

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financial aid

It is our goal to have a diversity in our student body that is reflective of society at large, and we are proud to be able to offer financial assistance to members of our community for whom a Sea Crest education might normally be out of reach.

Financial need should not discourage any family from applying to Sea Crest. While we can not guarantee that we can meet all need, we strive to make Sea Crest a viable option for as many families as possible. We strongly encourage all families in need of financial assistance to apply.

Overview

Sea Crest School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and, in keeping with its principles of good practice, works closely with the affiliated School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in determining awards. SSS represents more than 2,400 schools across the country to help assess a family’s ability to pay school costs, and promotes objectivity and consistency in financial aid determinations.

Sea Crest provides financial aid as a grant, which is not expected to be repaid to the school. Grants vary in size depending on need.

Application Process

Before Friday, January 15, 2010

  • Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) from SSS. You may apply online or request forms from Sea Crest School. Please designate School Code 2131 for Sea Crest School.

By Friday, January 15, 2010 (no applications will be accepted after this date)

Submit to SSS

  • Completed PFS, on line or by mail
  • Copy of 2008 Income Tax Returns, including all schedules and attachments
  • Form 4506-T, signed and undated

Submit to Sea Crest School, Attention Business Office

  • Copy of PFS
  • Copy of 2008 Income Tax Return, including all schedules and attachments
  • Form 4506-T, signed and undated
  • Optional, you may submit a letter explaining any unusual circumstances about your financial situation

By Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Submit to SSS and Sea Crest School, Attention Business Office

  • Copy of 2009 Income Tax Return, including all schedules and attachments

Thursday, March 18, 2010

  • Families will be notified of award grant

Payment Plan

Sea Crest School offers three types of payment plans with the option of one lump sum payment (due in June), a two-payment plan (due in June and December), and two monthly payment plans (one over nine months and one over twelve months).  There are fees associated with the latter three plans.

Other Resources

Families are encouraged to explore financial aid, as well as student loans, lines of credit, and home equity loans. Sea Crest does its best to meet the financial needs of its families and expects each family to contribute to tuition costs as generously as it can.

If you have any questions about Sea Crest’s financial assistance program, please contact our Business Manager at 650-712-9892 ext. 210.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is eligibility for financial aid determined?

Once students are admitted, the Financial Aid Committee assesses the needs for the admitted families who have requested financial aid and makes every effort to take into account each family’s particular circumstances. The Financial Aid Committee reviews the Parents Financial Statement (PFS) and tax returns, and determines appropriate aid awards depending on the family’s needs and the School’s financial aid budget. 

Don’t I make too much money to apply for aid?

The income levels for families receiving financial assistance range widely.  Sea Crest recognizes that different families have different levels of need, and we strive to make sure that we can meet demonstrated financial need. Families with the same income and the same number of children can receive different aid rewards depending on their individual circumstances.

Will I hurt my child’s chances of admission if I apply for aid?

No. Financial aid applications are filed separately from admissions applications. The Admissions Committee does not know which students are applying for financial aid.

Will my child be known as a “scholarship kid” if I apply for, and receive, aid?

No. The financial aid application process is confidential.  Students and faculty do not know which families are receiving financial aid.

Is financial aid automatically renewed each year?

No. Each family on financial aid must reapply for each successive year at Sea Crest. Adjustments are made to the financial aid package from one year to the next, depending on changes in the family’s financial circumstances and the school’s resources.

If I’m divorced or separated, do we both need to submit our financial information?

Yes. Both parents/guardians are expected to contribute to tuition regardless of legal arrangements. Non-custodial parents, as well as parents who are divorced, separated or never married need to submit the required paperwork.

Are my financial records safe?

Yes. All financial aid applications are stored in a secure area and all paper work is shredded annually.