Financial Aid

Overview

The Gladwyne Montessori provides need based financial aid to enable children of families who are committed to Montessori education to attend our school. The School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) serves as a third party processor of applicant data. Financial aid applications are available through the Gladwyne Montessori Business Office and online at www.SSS.NAIS.org. Online applications are more readily processed than applications sent by U.S. Mail to SSS.

Once an application is processed by SSS, reports are forwarded to Gladwyne Montessori for review by the Financial Aid Committee. A first review occurs by mid March. After the first review, applicants are considered on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. Financial aid awards are based on a number of factors including the total financial aid available for all students, the number of applicants, and their relative demonstrated need. Financial aid must be applied for every year. All financial aid information and communications are held in strict confidentiality.

Gladwyne Montessori Financial Aid Checklist:

• Complete a Financial Aid Application (Parents’ Financial Statement-PFS) online (www.SSS.NAIS.org) or send via U.S. Mail to SSS (printed applications are available in the Gladwyne Montessori Business Office).
• Send your 2009 signed federal tax return with all supporting schedules to SSS. Joint returns must include both parent’s signatures. While your application can be reviewed with a 2008 return to provide an estimated award, the award will not be finalized until a 2009 return is on file.
• Send copies of all 2009 W-2’s and 1099’s to SSS
• Send a copy of all 2009 business tax returns that generate “pass through” income (example: partnerships generating k-1 income) to the Gladwyne Montessori Business Office
• Write a brief letter addressed to the Gladwyne Montessori Business Office explaining your financial situation. This is particularly helpful in cases where the standard application does not fully capture your financial situation.
• All parents/guardians that are financially and legally responsible for the child’s education must complete an application and include the documentation above. Separated, divorced, and blended families will need to complete two applications, reflecting total household income of each parent unless a court order is on file with Gladwyne Montessori indicating that one parent is no longer financially responsible for the child’s educational expenses.