Financial Aid FAQs

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• Will my application for financial assistance affect my child’s chances for admission?

  No. Admissions decisions are made without regard to a family’s financial circumstances. Financial aid requests are reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee only after the admissions decisions have been made.

• Will I qualify for financial aid?

  It is very difficult to offer general guidelines by which you can determine your own eligibility. For example, although family income level is an important consideration, many other factors enter into the decision-making process, including number of children, number of children attending schools for which tuition is paid, other family dependents, assets, liabilities and unusual expenses. The letter to the Financial Aid Committee explaining your financial need plays an integral part in assessing your financial need beyond information provided in your application. The average annual total family income for students receiving aid in 2023-24 was approximately $160,000.

• What is the average award and how many students receive aid?

  Approximately one-third of Flintridge Sacred Heart's student body receives need-based financial aid. Financial aid awards for the 2023-24 school year averaged $14,800 and ranged from $4,000 to $24,000. All families pay some tuition as the maximum grant is 80% of tuition.

• What if I am separated or divorced?

  Parents who are divorced, separated or never married must submit a complete financial aid application. All living parents are expected to contribute to their daughter’s education and complete all paperwork for financial aid. The Financial Aid Committee does not feel bound by the assertion that one parent disclaims responsibility for educational expenses. If two parents are not included in the application, this must be explained in the letter to the Financial Aid Committee.

• What if I am a stay-at-home parent?

  If a parent chooses not to work, an annual amount will be added to the income calculations for evaluation unless the employment status is reasonably explained in the letter to the Financial Aid Committee.

• What happens if I cannot meet the financial aid deadlines (e.g., tax-return extensions)?

  There’s no question that you are at a disadvantage if your file is not complete within the required time frame. We do understand, however, that there are factors that are sometimes beyond the family’s control. In such cases, please contact the Director of Finance and Operations. Families submitting late applications are placed on the financial aid wait list. Upon completion, if funds are available, we are happy to make grants that take into account your calculated need and our remaining funds.

• Do I need to reapply for financial aid each year?

  Yes. Each year, families must reapply for aid for the following year. Unless your situation has changed greatly, your financial aid grant will remain relatively the same each year.

• How are financial aid decisions made? Is the process confidential?

  Flintridge Sacred Heart retains the services of FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment (FACTS), an organization that helps independent schools across the country determine a family’s financial need. In reviewing each application for aid, the Financial Aid Committee considers both the FACTS information and all other additional details the family is asked to provide.
  
  The Financial Aid Committee members generally include: the President, Director of Financial Aid and Director of Advancement. The committee maintains strict confidentiality over the financial aid files. Teachers and/or students are not informed of financial aid decisions.

• Are there scholarship programs that are not based on financial need?

  Yes. Veritas Scholarships are academic and achievement awards available to 9th-grade students regardless of their financial need. These scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen who demonstrate outstanding and consistent accomplishments in the areas of academics, co-curricular activities, service to their school, parish or community, along with outstanding academic references. Recipients are awarded scholarships of up to $10,000 per school year which are renewable based on the student’s continued satisfactory grades, effort and conduct. To be considered, applicants must submit a completed application by January 8, 2024.
  
  

  The 21st Century Leader award recognizes students in the applicant pool who demonstrate strong leadership in school and community service, in addition to presenting a strong academic record. 

   

  The recipient is awarded a one-time gift of the red dress uniform blazer and takes part in a leadership program for all four years.

• What if I don’t qualify for financial aid or a scholarship?

  Flintridge Sacred Heart’s 10-month payment plan may be of assistance. If you would like to explore alternative payment options, we suggest contacting your bank for a loan or visit Your Tuition Solution, which offers fixed-rate education loans to qualifying parents.