What if I cannot afford the application fee?
Clarity will automatically apply a fee waiver to eligible families based on the income information provided.
How is the Family Contribution calculated?
What your family will pay for tuition annually is determined through a methodology developed by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), which takes into consideration gross taxable and non-taxable income, assets, liabilities, unusual expenses, family size, and the number of students in tuition-charging schools or colleges. After allowances for basic necessities and taxes, and a cost of living adjustment for the Bay Area, a portion of the remaining funds are considered available for education.
If only one parent is working, will the student be considered for tuition assistance?
In families where only one parent works outside of the home, the Tuition Assistance Committee will adjust the total household income accordingly. If caring for a young child who is not enrolled in school, an infirm or disabled family member, or other special circumstances, the Tuition Assistance Committee will factor this into the tuition assistance award.
What about divorced or remarried parents?
In divorced/remarried households both parents (including new spouses’ income) are considered in the total income calculation. You may provide court order paperwork explicitly stating that one parent only is responsible for tuition; in these circumstances, we follow the court order.
Does applying for tuition assistance affect chances for admission?
The Admissions Committee makes decisions on a need-blind basis. Students who are deemed strong candidates for our program will be offered admission, space allowing, regardless of their financial need. Some years, however, the collective need of students qualifying for tuition assistance exceeds available resources, and we cannot offer tuition assistance to all families that qualify. In those instances, admitted students will be placed on a Tuition Assistance waiting list.
