Westerly School values building a student body that reflects the true diversity of our community at large. We believe our school is stronger by welcoming students from a broad mix of economic, social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. As such, we set aside a percentage of our operating budget every year to help make a Westerly education more accessible for outstanding students within our community.
Application for admission to Westerly School should not be discouraged simply because of financial affordability! We do our absolute best to welcome as many outstanding students as possible.
Financial Assistance application deadline: February 17, 2023 (new families)
Eligibility
Upon application for need-based support, Westerly's financial assistance committee determines each family's need by analyzing and assessing individual financial profiles. We use the School and Student Services (SSS) program (made available through the National Association of Independent Schools) to assist us.
How to apply for Financial Assistance
Begin the process by completing the Parent's Financial Statement (PFS) through the School and Student Services (SSS) program for the 2022-2023 school year. The fee to complete this application is $55.
Please note, the PFS is a comprehensive application. It will take a significant portion of time to complete so do not wait until the deadline to begin.
Step 1: Click here for PFS Instructions; then go to sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal.
Step 2: Create a new account.
Step 3: Complete a PFS application* for the desired school year.
Step 4: Submit your PFS Online
*Be prepared to upload the required supporting documents (such as Tax Documents: W2 and 1040, or a 1099).
Parents residing in two separate households must both complete a PFS to be considered. Please keep in mind that applications will not be considered complete until the required documents are submitted to SSS.
Determination of Awards
The PFS does not decide whether financial assistance will be awarded (or the amount); rather, PFS analyzes the information provided by each applicant, and a small committee of Westerly administrators makes the decisions. Westerly will use the information from the PFS as a starting point when making a determination of financial assistance awards, but school policy, practices, and available budget will also determine our total award outcome. Every family's personal and financial information is kept strictly confidential. Please keep in mind that anyone is able to apply for financial assistance; however, you must qualify to receive it. Furthermore, not all requests can be granted.
Please know that the submission of an application for financial assistance has no bearing upon the deliberations of the Admission Committee or the assessment of an applicant's potential as a Westerly School student. Financial assistance awards are made independently of admission decisions, but on a parallel timeline.
Questions? Contact Amber Dickens at admissions@westerlyschool.org.