List of 6 items.

• How is Tuition Assistance Awarded?

  Valley Beth Shalom Day School uses a third party company called FACTS, which assists independent schools in determining a family’s financial need. Families submit an application along with tax documentation to FACTS. From the information provided on this application, FACTS uses a standardized calculation nationally accepted by independent schools to compute a family’s tuition contribution. The application takes into consideration items like gross taxable income, assets, liabilities, family size, and number of children attending tuition-charging schools. The information is reviewed by the Tuition Assistance Committee at VBSDS and is used as a guideline in determining financial assistance decisions. All awards are based on a family’s demonstrated financial need.

• When Do I Receive the Tuition Assistance Decision?

  Returning families will receive the tuition assistance award decisions in January. Applicant families will receive their admission decision in March. The tuition assistance award decision will be included in the admission decision package.

• What Payment Plans are Available?

  It is the policy of Valley Beth Shalom Day School that all tuition and fees are due by the end of the school year. We offer different tuition payment plans including a 10 month payment plan. Acceptable forms of payment include ACH and credit cards (with an additional transactional fee). Payment plans must be set up at the time of enrollment or VBSDS reserves the right to forfeit your child's space.

• How Can I Be Assured That My Information is Kept Confidential?

  Applying for tuition assistance at Valley Beth Shalom Day School is a private matter between the family and the school. The Tuition Assistance Committee conducts a comprehensive review of a family’s personal financial situation, and that review is not discussed with any other person outside of the Tuition Assistance Committee. In an effort to protect a family’s privacy, we expect all tuition assistance applicants to exercise discretion during the process by not discussing their tuition assistance application or award with other families.

  
  

  In addition, FACTS places a priority on collecting and processing a family’s documents in a safe and efficient manner. When documents are sent to FACTS, families submit their information to FACTS through a secure server. Families are able to track receipt of the documents sent to FACTS through a unique password-protected account.

• What Happens If Parents Are Divorced or Seperated?

  In the case of divorced or separated parents or parents that have never married, the Tuition Assistance Committee considers the income and assets of both legal parents, before making any award, and cannot be bound to the assertion that one parent has disclaimed, legally or otherwise, any responsibility for educational expenses. VBSDS will not become involved in allocating the award on a proportional basis to the families involved, and the responsibility for all communications and payments ultimately lies with the custodial parent. If either parent has remarried, VBSDS will also consider the income and assets of the step-parent, always bearing in mind the financial obligations of that step-parent to his or her own natural children.

• If We Are Offered Tuition Assistance This Year, Can We Expect The Same Level of Assistance In Future Years? Do We Have to Reapply For Assistance Each Year?

  Yes. Families of Valley Beth Shalom Day School students must complete the financial assistance application process each year and submit the required documentation just as they did during the initial process. If a family's financial picture remains relatively the same from year to year, a family can expect to receive a similar financial award for tuition and related fees each year. The Tuition Assistance Committee will perform a full analysis each year to determine eligibility for continued assistance.