Parental responsibility – The primary responsibility for tuition rests with the family. Tuition assistance awards are need-based and exist to help bridge the gap between a family’s ability to pay and tuition (calculated need).
Calculated need – A family’s calculated need is determined using a standard formula that considers a variety of factors but is primarily income driven. In addition to total income, other factors considered that increase or decrease ability to pay/need amount include net assets, family size, number of students in tuition paying schools, and certain non-discretionary expenses (medical, taxes, student loan payments, etc.). For discretionary expenses (including housing), income is reduced by a standard cost of living allowance that is based on the part of the country we live in and your family size.
Awarding process – Awards are determined by the Tuition Assistance Committee upon review of your application and related documents. Awards are for tuition only and are based on a percentage of your calculated need. All tuition assistance is awarded at the sole discretion of the committee and is never guaranteed. Awards are dependent upon funds available for both the school year as a whole and for each grade level and there is not a standard amount given out per person/situation.
Priority – Priority for tuition assistance is given to families who complete the Clarity application accurately, submit all required documentation, and adhere to all deadlines. To be considered for assistance, you must complete the required paperwork on time. It is important to maintain your GPS account in good standing (“on time”).
Non-working parent – Recognizing that each family bears the primary responsibility for financing education costs, if one parent chooses not to seek employment, the School imputes an amount equivalent to a tuition for a non-working parent. Exceptions are made if the parent is caring for a non-school age child or has ongoing medical complications that prevent them from working.
Divorce or Separation – For all families, full participation is expected of both biological parents, stepparents and/or the adults with whom the child lives, has custody or has financial influence and responsibility in the student’s life.
In the process of evaluating a family’s financial situation, the tuition assistance process requires complete documentation of all parties and the full transparency of all those identified in the categories listed above, regardless of divorce, separation or estrangement. An award will not be issued unless we have required information from all parties. All parents, guardians, and stepparents must apply through Clarity and include all required documentation.
Confidentiality – Recognizing the sensitivity of personal financial issues, we guarantee the confidentiality of the process and expect families to maintain the confidentiality of any award information, as well.
Ongoing requirements – When a family accepts an award for tuition assistance, they agree to partner with GPS and agree to support their student in school attendance and participation, satisfactory academic progress, good citizenship, and favorable financial standing with the GPS Business Office. Parents or guardians receiving tuition assistance are prohibited from independently soliciting donations, sponsorships, or financial contributions from school alumni, board members, and employees. All fundraising and outreach must be managed exclusively through the school’s official advancement office, and any unauthorized solicitation may jeopardize the student's tuition assistance award.
Renewal – Tuition assistance is evaluated each year, independent of prior year’s results, based on demonstration of continued financial need. A tuition assistance application must be completed each year.
