List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• Q.

  Are decisions about admission and financial aid made separately? 

   

  Yes. The admissions committee selects students for admission without knowledge of who may have applied for financial aid.

   

• Q.

  How much financial assistance is available?

   

  CSW currently awards over $3 million a year through its tuition assistance program. Individual awards range from modest grants to nearly full tuition.

• Q.

  Do many families qualify? Who should apply?

   

  Yes. Roughly 30% of the student body receives financial aid. The school awards partial and nearly full grants to students who qualify.

  
  

  Families with a wide range of income levels apply for aid. A family can earn a significant income and still qualify for aid depending upon overall circumstances. CSW considers each family's financial situation on an individual basis.

   

• Q.

  How do families apply for financial aid?

   

  To inquire about tuition assistance, parents must apply for financial aid online. CSW uses the tuition assistance calculation service established by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and its School and Student Services (SSS) to make decisions about financial aid awards. CSW requires that both parents contribute to the cost of education for their child to the extent that they are able. If a student’s parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, both parents will be asked to privately complete their own financial aid application.

   

• Q.

  Do families need to re-apply for aid each year? 

   

  Yes. While we are committed to supporting families who receive tuition assistance, awards are not automatically renewed each year. Families who have received financial aid will be invited to apply for the next year. Families who receive tuition assistance may expect to receive a similar proportion of financial aid from year to year provided that the family’s and the school’s financial circumstances remain essentially the same. A significant change up or down in the financial profile may result in a change in the tuition assistance package.

   

• Q.

  If a student enrolls and doesn’t receive financial aid, can they apply in future years?

   

  Yes, a family may apply for financial aid each year. However, it must be shown that the family's financial situation has changed significantly in order to be considered for assistance in subsequent years.

   

• Q.

  When do families know if they will receive financial aid?

   

  Decisions regarding both admission and financial aid are sent out together, provided all documentation is completed by the deadline.

• Q. What is included in tuition?

  For boarding students, tuition includes room and board, all meals, and transportation to and from school to connect to public transportation options (e.g. train or bus station, airport). 

  
  

  For day students, lunch is included in tuition. Breakfast and dinner are available for a fee. 

  
  

  For all students, athletic uniforms, field trips, and most weekend activities are covered in the cost of tuition. 

  
  

  Families receiving more than 50% tuition assistance qualify for a loaner laptop that the school can provide for the student’s academic use.