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Q
How do I apply?
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A
Email Kelly Dees at kelly_dees@presidiohill.org or call 415-751-9318 x104 to request an application for financial assistance. Applications will be available in early December
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Q
What is financial assistance?
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Financial assistance is a reduction in tuition for families who need it. Simply put, need is defined as the difference between the school's tuition and what the family can afford. Financial assistance at Presidio Hill is given in the form of grants that do not need to be repaid. Financial assistance comes from the school's annual operating budget, which is provided through tuition revenue and fundraising.
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Q
How do I decide whether to apply for financial assistance? How much will I have to pay?
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Since eligibility is based on many factors, it is impossible to know how much you will pay without a thorough review of your finances. Family income, assets, the number of children in tuition-charging schools, and many other factors affect the likelihood of receiving assistance as well as how much you pay. You should apply if you question whether you can pay all the costs yourself. It is our expectation that families who begin at Presidio Hill paying the full tuition will continue to do so unless there is a significant change in family finances.
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Q
How are financial assistance decisions made?
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Decisions are made by a Financial Assistance Committee comprised of the Head of School, Director of Finance and Operations, and the Director of Admissions, who oversees the committee. The committee follows the Principles of Good Practice for Financial Aid of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). A copy of these can be obtained at www.nais.org or through the admissions office. Great effort is made to treat each application with the respect, confidentiality, and thoroughness it deserves. To determine the fairest and most equitable family payment, Presidio Hill, like most independent schools, uses the School and Student Service of Financial Aid (SSS). This system analyzes the information you provide on your Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) and computes a recommended payment for tuition. Each school then amends this recommendation according to its own internal policies. This may include additional factors not computed in the methodology, such as cost of living and special circumstances. We send more information about these policies to all families who apply for financial assistance.
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Q
If I receive financial assistance, do I have to re-apply each year?
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Yes. Family finances can change from year to year and re-applying ensures that we distribute the school's money equitably. Only applications received by the required deadlines will be considered.
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Q
In a two-parent household, must both parents work in order to be eligible for financial assistance?
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In general, yes, unless one parent is home with children too young for school or has a disability.
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Q
Does Presidio Hill School expect step-parents, domestic partners, ex-spouses, or ex-domestic partners to be part of my application for financial assistance?
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Yes, since this generally changes your financial picture substantially. We ask all parents or guardians to complete the application to provide a realistic picture of family resources. We are also aware that circumstances differ widely, so please contact the office if some or all information cannot be provided, or if you have additional questions.
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Q
Does everyone who qualified for financial assistance receive it?
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No. Like most schools, we have more qualified applicants than we have money in the budget. Some families will be placed on a financial assistance waiting list. As funds become available, all students on the list will be considered equally, and we will offer assistance according to the enrollment needs of the school.
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Is it possible to appeal our financial assistance decision?
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Yes. If you feel that you have omitted or not appropriately clarified specific financial information, or if you have new information to communicate, please submit it in writing to the Financial Assistance Committee for reconsideration.
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When are decisions made?
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If the application is submitted on time, you will receive a tuition assistance decision with your acceptance mailed in March.
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Q
What if I have additional questions or need help with a form?
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Don't worry! This is just an introduction and the application for financial assistance includes more details. Feel free to contact the admissions office at any time.