Affording GCDS
At Country Day, we believe that our community is strengthened by the diversity of backgrounds, interests, and talents of our student body. We are proud of our history of helping bring the cost of a GCDS experience within reach for families from a range of socio-economic backgrounds.
GCDS offers approximately $9.5 million annually in need-based financial aid. It is our goal to make a GCDS education fit within your family’s unique budget. We want to partner with you in providing your child with an exceptional education that develops academic skills, character, and a sense of personal accomplishment and pride. If you feel that your family needs assistance to pay for a Country Day education, then we strongly encourage you to apply for financial aid. Below you will find helpful information about our Financial Aid Program.
If at any point you have additional questions, please contact:
Cheryl Plummer, Director of Admission and Financial Aid 203-863-5613
Laura Brantley, Associate Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Upper School, 203-863-5615
| Financial Aid application (Parents' Financial Statement) available |
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Financial Aid application due |
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Financial Aid award notification |
Additional Information
- How is need determined?
- What should I know before applying?
- How to apply?
- What payment plans are available?
- Are loan programs available?
- Can we expect approximately the same level of assistance in future years?
- Does GCDS offer financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses?
- Other resources:
How is need determined?
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.
What should I know before applying?
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. The financial aid process is totally confidential. 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.
How to apply?
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.
- $51 application fee. Fee waivers available for families in need.
- 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 2018 Income Tax Return and all supporting schedules
- Copy of 2018 W-2 form(s)
- Copy of 2019 1040 Income Tax Return with all schedules and W-2 Form(s) when complete.
Grant notification is in March.
What payment plans are available?
At Country Day, tuition fees include the cost of snacks, lunch, books, and all courses including athletics.
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.
Are loan programs available?
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.
Can we expect approximately the same level of assistance in future years?
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.
Does GCDS offer financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses?
Yes. In many cases, additional funds are available to offset the cost of expenses such as school uniforms, transportation, instrumental music lessons, laptops for Upper School students, foreign language trips, and community-wide special events.
We want to help recipients and their families participate fully in school life and feel comfortable in our community.
Other resources:
SSS offers several helpful resources for families here.
