Affording GCDS

GCDS uses a standardized, fair, and equitable “need analysis” to determine a family’s expected contribution. Using the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) as a guideline, the Financial Aid Committee takes into consideration several financial factors including:

• Total family income
• IRS forms and schedules
• Family size
• Number of children attending tuition-charging schools
• Investments and indebtedness
• Assets, such as home equity
• Discretionary expenditures, such as camps, lessons, and vacations
• Unusual expenses
• Information provided by the applicant directly to GCDS

Keep in mind that the recommendation from School and Student Services by NAIS (SSS), based on information from the PFS, serves only as a guideline. The final decision on aid awards is made by Greenwich Country Day School’s Financial Aid Committee.

Applying for Financial Aid does not affect one’s chances for admission. Applicants are accepted for admission on a need-blind basis. Once accepted, a family’s financial need is determined. Awards are granted on the basis of need; there are no merit-based scholarships. We strive to keep the financial aid process confidential.

While steadfast in our commitment to helping families with demonstrated need afford the cost of a Country Day education, the school cannot be the sole source for funding tuition costs. We expect that parents will partner with us in this endeavor. Applicants should be aware that:

• GCDS expects parents to utilize all other sources of tuition support, including available loans or gifts from family members and outside sources.
• Parents must eliminate other non-essential expenses such as private clubs, expensive vacations, and or vacation homes.
• Families must be U.S. citizens or legal residents of the United States.
• Each family’s unique situation will be assessed carefully.
• In cases of divorced, separated, or never-married parents, both custodial and non-custodial parents are expected to contribute to educational costs and are required to submit the PFS. Lack of information from either parent may jeopardize the chances of receiving financial aid.
• Awards are reviewed annually.

Step 1: Starting October 2, the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS), the application for financial aid, can be submitted online at sss.nais.org. A Spanish-language version of the PFS is also available. Applications for both prospective and current GCDS families are due by December 15.

• $55 application fee. Fee waivers available for families with qualifying income level.
• You must include the GCDS ID number, 3580, on your PFS application.
• You may find the Family Guide to Financial Aid helpful.

Step 2: Upload the following required documents to SSS between November 1 and December 15.

• Copy of 2019 Income Tax Return and all supporting schedules
• Copy of 2019 W-2 form(s)
• Copy of 2020 1040 Income Tax Return with all schedules and W-2 Form(s) when complete. 

Grant notification is in early March.

To assist families, we offer three payment plans:

• Tuition paid in full on or before July 1.
• In two installments on or before July 1 and December 1.
• Through enrollment in a monthly payment plan offered by FACTS

Your Tuition Solution offers long term, low rate loans, which may be a suitable option to help make your child’s education costs more affordable.

The Financial Aid Committee will perform a full analysis each year to determine eligibility for continued assistance. Parents must complete the financial aid application each year and submit the required documentation as requested. If a family’s financial picture remains relatively the same from year to year, a family can expect a similar financial aid grant award relative to the annual tuition increase.

Yes. In many cases, additional funds are available to offset the cost of expenses, such as transportation, instrumental music lessons, books, laptops for Middle and Upper School students, sports equipment, and community-wide special events.

We want to help recipients and their families participate fully in school life and feel comfortable in our community.

SSS offers several helpful resources for families here.