Admission

Tuition and Financial Aid

Investing in Her Future

For 118 years, GPS has provided unparalleled education for girls in the Chattanooga region. More than 5,000 GPS alumnae have gone on to impact their communities with the values of integrity and purpose they learned at GPS. Their dynamic pursuits in virtually every field and industry have made imprints all over the world. We believe the investment parents make in a GPS education is life-changing for each girl—and it starts from the moment she sets foot on our campus.

Each year, GPS awards need-based aid to students, helping young women of a broad range of abilities and backgrounds experience the benefits of an all-girls education. While all GPS families contribute to the cost of tuition, we endeavor to meet demonstrated financial need as our limited funds allow. 

Tuition at GPS



Middle School Tuition for 2023-24
$29,370
Technology and lunch are included
Upper School Tuition for 2023-24
$30,710
Technology and lunch are included
GPS offers three payment plans: one payment, two payments, and 10-month payment plan. Tuition payments are adjusted accordingly for families receiving financial aid. An enrollment deposit is required at the time of enrollment. Click to learn more about the Federal Truth in Lending Act.

Financial Aid at GPS



Financial Aid Process

Financial aid awards at GPS are need-based. Click on the drop-downs below for instructions on completing the financial aid application (PFS) and submitting the required documents.


List of 3 items.

  • + Step 1 | Create your account in the School and Student Services Parent Portal

    • Visit sssbynais.org/parents to create your SSS account.
    • Create your PFS online account with your email address and a password.
    • Collect your 2022 tax documents before beginning the PFS.
    For more information on how to apply for Financial Aid click here.

  • + Step 2 | Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS)

    • In your SSS account, begin a PFS for the academic year 2024-25 electronically. You can log out of the PFS Online at any time, then return later to complete it.
    • Complete only one PFS per household.
    • You can apply for aid to multiple schools and for multiple children using just one PFS and one flat fee.
    • Families with two households must submit a separate PFS for each household.
    • After you have clicked submit, you’ll be brought to a payment screen. The application fee is nonrefundable. Once your PFS is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn from the SSS system.

  • + Step 3 | Upload the Required Documents

    • After you pay for and submit your PFS, you will have access to a section called “My Documents.” You can upload the additional documents there.
    • Prepare your documents to be uploaded. Make sure the documents are on your computer, each saved as a separate file. Remove any security or password protection from your document files.
    • The Noncustodial Parent Waiver Petition (if applicable) is available to download on our website.
    • On the “My Documents” page, you will see an upload button or a hyperlink next to a specific document name in the "Required Documents" section of the PFS. Clicking either the upload button or a hyperlink will lead you through a series of steps allowing you to name, locate, and save the file.
    • Once you have uploaded a document, the date will appear in the “Date Uploaded” column within minutes of the upload. Some tax documents go through a verification process. It can take up to 48 hours for the verification process to complete.

Financial Aid Application Information

School Name: Girls Preparatory School
School Code: 3424

Deadline for Application
Current families: December 31, 2023
Prospective families: January 15, 2024
Required Documents
2022 Tax Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 items.

  • What is financial aid?

    Grants awarded to families who demonstrate a financial need for tuition assistance with the cost of affording an independent education. Schools endowments fund financial aid – generous donors give to GPS to provide access to all deserving girls. This generosity assists parents in overcoming financial challenges they may encounter when trying to afford their daughter a well-rounded and robust academic experience.

  • Who can apply for financial aid awards?

    Anyone can apply for financial aid, but only accepted and enrolled GPS students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the School and Student Services (SSS), can be considered.

  • How is financial aid aid determined?

    To compute and determine demonstrated need, GPS uses School and Student Services (SSS) to calculate your demonstrated need that will be a factor in determining your financial aid award. This service uses information from the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) which asks for income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The family selects 3424-school code for Girls Preparatory School and submits a PFS form online.  SSS sends the Report of Family Contribution (RFC) to GPS. GPS’s Financial Aid Committee uses this estimate as a guideline in making awards.

  • How much financial aid may I expect to receive?

    Each award is individualized based on the family’s demonstrated need.  There are other factors taken into consideration: availability of funds, cost of attending, and strength of the applicant’s file. An applicant’s file reflects academic ability, extracurricular involvement, character, and leadership.

  • Are decisions regarding admission and financial aid related?

    All admissions decisions are made without regard for financial need.

  • Are there payment options?

    PAYMENT PLANS
    • TEN MONTH PLAN: This plan consists of ten payments dividing the annual tuition into ten installments beginning in July and ending in May, with no payment in February so that an advance deposit may be made for reenrollment. There is a $300 FACTS fee for this payment option and it requires the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) insurance.  The insurance premium is .90% of the tuition obligation. 
    • TWO PAYMENT PLAN: This plan consists of two payments dividing the annual tuition, with 60 percent due by July 31 and the balance of 40 percent due by November 30.There is no FACTS fee for this payment plan, but this plan does require the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) insurance.  The insurance premium is .90% of the tuition obligation.  
    • ONE PAYMENT: This payment plan consists of one payment of the annual tuition by July 1, and offers an opt-out of the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) insurance. Payment is through FACTS Tuition Management Service is required and free of charge.

  • How much is the enrollment deposit?

    The enrollment deposit varies by the tuition balance (Tuition minus Financial Aid). The deposit amount is due when your enrollment contract is submitted.

  • Are there any restrictions on financial aid students?

    • Financial aid recipients are expected to maintain the highest academic standards for herself, to conduct herself in a responsible and honorable manner, and to play an active role in the daily life of the school’s community. Failure to meet these expectations will result in review of financial assistance by the Financial Aid Committee mid-year and/or at the end of the school year. 

List of 8 items.

  • Where do I get an application for financial aid?

    You can complete your Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) online (beginning September 1) at https://www.solutionsbysss.com/parents.  You will also need to express interest in financial aid on your McCallie inquiry and application. Cost of PFS is $60 per family.

  • Is there a deadline to be considered for financial aid?

    The financial aid application is due January 15 for new families. For current GPS families, the application must be completed by December 31.

  • Is financial aid renewable each year?

    Yes. Changes in financial status may affect the size of your award. Therefore, a new financial aid application must be filed with School and Student Services (SSS) each year. Lack of adherence to deadlines, academic ability, extracurricular involvement, character and demonstrated leadership can affect the student’s renewal of financial aid.

  • Must I repay financial aid awards?

    No. Financial aid is a grant awarded by GPS to offset the cost of your daughter’s education.

  • What if there is a situation involving divorced and/or step-parents?

    GPS expects both the custodial and non-custodial parents to participate in the application process, unless there is an official document stipulating differently.  It is up to all parties involved to communicate and participate in good faith in the responsibilities.  In extenuating circumstances, please contact the Financial Aid office. The methodology of SSS factors households not individuals. The formula will also account for all sources of taxable and non-taxable income.

  • When will I be notified if I have received financial aid?

    Financial aid decisions will be included for new students in their acceptance packets. Notifications to returning families currently receiving awards will be sent out in February concurrently with enrollment contracts. If there are changes in your demonstrated need another form of notification will be sent to the family.

  • Are athletic scholarships available?

    No, GPS does not offer athletic scholarships.

  • How does financial aid impact athletic eligibility?

    The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) prohibits varsity athletes from receiving financial aid or merit awards in excess of demonstrated need. (This does not apply to non-TSSAA sports such as Climbing, Lacrosse, Rowing, and Swimming.)

Have Questions?



Girls Preparatory School

PHONE (423) 634-7600    HOURS M-F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.