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Q
Will applying for financial aid affect my child’s chances for admission?
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A
No. While we cannot be 100% “need blind”, admission decisions and financial aid assessments are made independently. All families who are interested in financial aid are encouraged to apply. Most admitted students that qualify for financial aid receive offers of assistance. For those who do not, however, we must caution that families enrolling without financial aid cannot expect to receive assistance in subsequent years.
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Q
How do I apply for financial aid?
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A
Request St. Mark’s financial aid application materials from Laurie Kalapinski at lauriekalapinski@stmarksschool.org or call her at (508)-786-6116. To apply for financial aid you must complete the Parents Financial Statement (PFS) online at sss.nais.org. If you cannot access the online application you can request a paper PFS from St. Mark’s. Please refer to complete instructions and timetable below.
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Q
How are awards determined?
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A
All financial aid applications are processed through the School and Student Service for financial aid (SSS). Award sizes are determined by the St. Mark’s Financial Aid Office using a standardized calculation derived by SSS. This calculation considers income, assets, liabilities, family size, and the number of children attending tuition-charging institutions. After allowances for living necessities and taxes, discretionary income is considered available for education on a sliding scale. Families with larger earnings and assets are expected to make greater contributions.
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Q
Does St. Mark’s offer merit scholarships?
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A
No. Financial awards are based on a family’s demonstrated need and not upon academic, athletic or other merit.
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Q
Will my child’s financial aid award change from year to year? What if my finances change?
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A
Financial need and awards are reviewed every year, using current information. If there is little change in a family’s circumstances, one can expect that grants will be renewed at a similar level. Bear in mind that tuition increases may be shared between the family and St. Mark’s. Should your need increase or decrease significantly, St. Mark’s is committed to meeting that need appropriately.
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Q
Are there any special requirements for students who receive financial aid?
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A
No. All students at St. Mark’s participate in a school work program. All students are expected to maintain solid academic and personal standing within the St. Mark’s community.
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Q
What happens in cases of divorce, separation, and single parents?
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A
In cases of divorce or separation, St. Mark’s requires both natural parents to apply for financial aid. The custodial and non-custodial parents must complete the PFS and provide copies of all tax schedules directly to SSS. Stepparents’ ability to contribute to a student’s education is also considered.
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Q
Is my financial information confidential?
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A
All applications for financial aid are confidential. Only the Director of Financial Aid, the Director of Admission, and the Head of School have access to the records.
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Q
Is it worth applying if I am not sure our family will receive aid?
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A
Family circumstances differ greatly and there are factors other than income that affect award decisions, but St. Mark’s is committed to meeting the need of a broad spectrum of families.