How does The Alexander Dawson School determine tuition assistance awards?
The Alexander Dawson School and its accrediting body, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), work within defined principles of good practice. From these principles, independent schools are given latitude as to what guidelines inform and determine tuition assistance decisions. Dawson has established specific tuition assistance guidelines that keep family contributions equitable and consistent. Evaluating need: Many aspects of a family's financial situation are considered, including:
- the incomes of both parents (taxable and non-taxable)
- the assets held by the family as a unit
- the number of dependents
- the number of children attending tuition-charging schools
Does The Alexander Dawson School give academic, artistic, or athletic scholarships?
No. All tuition assistance awards are based upon a family’s demonstrated financial need.
What fees, after tuition, can I expect to pay?
Tuition does not include the cost of uniforms, after-school care, enrichment classes, etc. A student receiving tuition assistance from the School will receive an award of the same percentage amount toward the overall cost of our Middle School traveling field trips.
What if my tax return is not available by the deadline?
The Alexander Dawson School will use prior-year tax returns, like many colleges and other independent schools. To be eligible for the priority consideration window for returning families, you must upload your filed or unfiled 2023 tax return by March 10, 2024. If your unfiled 2023 tax return is not available by these deadlines, The Alexander Dawson School may not be able to offer tuition assistance for the 2024-2025 school year. All awards are subject to change pending 2023 tax verification through IRS transcript once returns are filed.
Do I need to repay financial aid?
No. All tuition assistance funds distributed by The Alexander Dawson School are provided as grants and thus, are not repaid.
What is used to determine if I will qualify for tuition assistance?
The FACTS tuition assistance application provides the School with a calculation to determine how much a family can afford to pay in tuition. Many aspects of a family's financial situation are considered, including:
- the incomes of both parents (taxable and non-taxable)
- the assets held by the family as a unit
- the number of dependents
- the number of children attending tuition-charging schools
Do I need to re-apply for tuition assistance every year?
Families must submit a new tuition assistance application, tax return, and all pertinent schedules and forms each year. It is expected that families are responsible for annual tuition increases as dictated by The Alexander Dawson School’s Board of Trustees.
Is there a military discount?
Yes, a family with a parent who is active duty military or retired after career service is eligible for a 10% discount without regard to tuition assistance need.