The goal of the financial assistance program is to attract and retain qualified students for whom a Sea Crest education would normally be out of reach. It is our desire to have a diversity in our student body which is reflective of society at large, and we hope that families will not let the cost of tuition deter them from applying to Sea Crest.

Sea Crest School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and, in keeping with its principles of good practice, works closely with the affiliated School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in determining awards. SSS represents more than 2,400 schools across the country to help assess a family’s ability to pay school costs, and promotes objectivity and consistency in financial aid determinations.  All award decisions are based entirely on demonstrated need through this process.

Sea Crest provides financial aid as a grant, which is not expected to be repaid to the school. Grants vary in size depending on need.

application process

For first priority consideration, please adhere to the following deadlines:

by friday, january 13, 2012

Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online at www.sss.nais.org. Please designate School Code 2131. Returning families can use prior-year log-in information.
If applicable, you may also submit an optional letter to the Sea Crest Business Office explaining any unusual circumstances about your financial situation.

If you have your own business, you must also complete the Business/Farm Statement.
If you do not have access to a computer, please contact the Sea Crest Business Office.
Applications received after January 13, 2011, will be placed on a wait list.

by monday, february 27, 2012

Submit to SSS:

• Signed copies of your 2010 and 2011 tax returns, including all schedules and attachments (for example, 1040, 1065, 1120-S, K-1, 1099 and W-2 forms).
• Form 4506-T EZ, signed and undated.

Be sure to enclose the Required Documents Cover Sheet. These documents can be submitted online at www.sss.nais.org or mailed to SSS by NAIS, P.O. Box 449, Randolph, MA 02368.

mid-march, 2012

Families will be notified of award decision.

payment plan

Sea Crest School offers three types of payment plans with the option of one lump sum payment (due in June), a two-payment plan (due in June and December), and 10-month payment plans. There are fees associated with the latter two plans.

other resources

Families are encouraged to explore financial assistance, as well as student loans, lines of credit, and home equity loans. Sea Crest does its best to meet the financial needs of its families and expects each family to contribute to tuition costs as generously as it can.

If you have any questions about Sea Crest’s financial assistance program, please contact our Business Manager at 650-712-9892 ext. 210.

frequently asked questions

How is eligibility for financial assistance determined?

Once students are admitted, the Financial Assistance Committee reviews the application, including the Parents Financial Statement (PFS), tax returns and the Report of Family Contribution (RFC) prepared by SSS. The Committee then determines an appropriate award depending on the family’s particular needs and the School’s financial assistance policies and budget.

Don’t I make too much money to apply for assistance?

The income levels for families receiving financial assistance range widely. We strive to make sure that we can meet demonstrated financial need, and families with the same income and the same number of children can receive different aid rewards depending on their individual circumstances.

Will I hurt my child’s chances of admission if I apply for assistance?

No. Financial assistance applications are filed separately from admissions applications. The Admissions Committee does not know which students are applying for financial aid.

Will my child be known as a “scholarship kid” if I apply for, and receive, assistance?

No. The financial assistance application process is confidential. Students and faculty do not know which families are receiving financial assistance.

Is financial assistance automatically renewed each year?

No. Each family on financial assistance must reapply for each successive year at Sea Crest. Adjustments are made to the financial assistance package from one year to the next, depending on changes in the family’s circumstances and the school’s resources.

If I’m divorced or separated, do we both need to submit our financial information?

Yes. Both parents/guardians are expected to contribute to tuition regardless of legal arrangements. Non-custodial parents, as well as parents who are divorced, separated or never married need to submit the required paperwork.