Applying for Tuition Assistance
GRACE Christian School has limited Tuition Assistance Funds available on a need basis. GRACE processes requests for tuition assistance through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management online application. Students interested in Tuition Assistance at GRACE Christian School are strongly encouraged to apply.
A non-refundable fee of $45 per family will be required for processing the financial information and applications (payable to Blackbaud). The fee increases to $55 if you are a business owner because your application needs a more in-depth analysis.
- The first consideration deadline for tuition assistance for each school year will be March 1st of the preceding year (and GRACE will strive to notify families in writing by the end of May).
- After the First Consideration deadline, additional applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. However, it is anticipated that the bulk of tuition assistance resources will be committed to families whose applications are completed and submitted as of the First Consideration deadline.
- The Tuition Assistance Committee alone will decide whether or not to grant Tuition Assistance, and the amount of assistance may not exceed 50% of tuition.
- The Committee, Administrators, and the business office staff will make every effort to protect and respect family privacy and the confidential nature of their work.
- Any Tuition Assistance awarded must be used solely for tuition reduction. Families are still financially responsible for all other school fees (athletics, lunch, LEAP, field trips, After Care, etc.)
- Tuition Assistance decisions shall be based on financial need as demonstrated by total family income, family assets, the total amount of tuition due, account history & payment patterns, number of dependents, and any unusual financial factors. Families with a history of delinquent tuition payments will be subject to additional scrutiny.
- In addition, other non-financial criteria considered include the student’s academic record, attendance record, discipline record, years at GRACE, any unique family circumstances or contributions, and space availability.
- In cases where the applicant is from a divorced family, the income and assets of both parents will be reviewed and considered by Blackbaud and the Committee if parents have joint custody. If the custodial parent has remarried, the income and assets of the stepparent will also be reviewed and considered.
- Athletic capabilities are never considered in the awarding of tuition assistance.
- Tuition Assistance applications will only be processed from families who have completed the regular enrollment process and paid the appropriate fees.
- In order for a Tuition Assistance application to be considered, the applicant must pay any school balances owed in full.
- Tuition assistance may be granted for limited periods of time (i.e., 3 months, 6 months, etc.), based on circumstances (particularly during a crisis situation), and it should not be assumed that it is for an entire academic year. If the crisis persists outside of the anticipated time frame, the expectation is that the family will notify GRACE with relevant resolutions or updates.
Supporting documentation for application for Tuition Assistance includes:
- Copies of the most recent IRS Form 1040, with all supporting tax schedules.
- Families must also submit all W-2 forms and current pay stubs.
- For an application to be considered complete and ready for review, all required documentation must be submitted without exception.
Upon Receiving Tuition Assistance
Once Tuition Assistance is granted, such assistance continues only as long as the family receiving Tuition Assistance remains current with its monthly payments. If the full tuition & fees amount billed fails or becomes in excess of 30 days late, your financial assistance could be in jeopardy, and a follow-up conversation is required.
Continuing good behavior by the student both in and out of school is required (based upon the Parent/ Student Handbook guidelines), or the remainder of the Tuition Assistance award may be withdrawn upon written notice by the Tuition Assistance Committee.
- Students are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA average (with no F’s) and to maintain reasonably good attendance records for the continuation of the Tuition Assistance from one semester to the next.
- Students who receive the NC Opportunity scholarship are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA average (with no F’s) and to maintain reasonably good attendance records for the continuation of the NC Opportunity scholarship from one semester to the next.
- If a student withdraws from school during the year, or is expelled, GRACE Christian School will retain all unused portions of Tuition Assistance.
Although Tuition Assistance is typically granted for a school year (with the exception of crisis situations), the Tuition Assistance Committee may review its continuation each semester.
- Parents are expected to pay more toward their children’s tuition if their financial situation significantly improves during the school year so that additional applicants may be considered. They also agree to notify the Tuition Assistance Committee in a timely manner if financial improvement is made during the school year.
Tuition Assistance is not automatically renewable for a school year. Families must reapply for Annual Tuition Assistance for each school year. GRACE offers no promise of continued Tuition Assistance for future years.
