scholarships?

[Anonymous]

I was wondering what anyone could tell me about getting scholarships to private schools in NWDC (Sidwell, GDS, Maret?).
I have been told by several people that we should apply- but wonder how it works, what amounts they are likely to give out, etc.
I am sure this is a sensitive topic, but I am curious because I would not think we would qualify since we live in NW, but we are a one income family of about 125-150k, and have 3 children, so private schools at full price is out of the question. Our older kids are at public schools, but as we age out of elementary, we would like to know other options. We are looking into charter schools, and also, moving across the MoCo line, and also staying in DCPS too.
Any experiences you could share I would really appreciate hearing about.
Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

It wouldn't be a scholarship, but rather need-based financial aid. You would need to qualify based on your income and financial statement. Most schools require that you submit the SSSA application to determine need. Most schools require that both parents work and contribute toward tuition. The amount of aid received can look very different from family to family...even if your income looks the same. In addition to income, things like mortgage, other debts, number of children in tuition-paying schools, etc. are all taken into consideration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was wondering what anyone could tell me about getting scholarships to private schools in NWDC (Sidwell, GDS, Maret?).
I have been told by several people that we should apply- but wonder how it works, what amounts they are likely to give out, etc.
I am sure this is a sensitive topic, but I am curious because I would not think we would qualify since we live in NW, but we are a one income family of about 125-150k, and have 3 children, so private schools at full price is out of the question. Our older kids are at public schools, but as we age out of elementary, we would like to know other options. We are looking into charter schools, and also, moving across the MoCo line, and also staying in DCPS too.
Any experiences you could share I would really appreciate hearing about.
Thanks in advance.

My understanding is that having one income will make it more difficult to get the need-based financial aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is that having one income will make it more difficult to get the need-based financial aid.

If both parents are capable of working then the earning potential of the non-working parent would be included in the calculation of the amount the family is eligible to receive.

[Anonymous]

pp- what if there is an infant at home? (that is why the 2nd parent is not working)?

[Anonymous]

I'm not PP but I'd assume that the 2nd parent would be expected to return to work after a maternity leave that would end long before the next school year starts.

[Anonymous]

Yup. Two-income families (like mine) do not want to subsidize someone else's personal choice. And they shouldn't have to. If my kids' school gave financial aid/scholarships to families with one parent not working by choice, they wouldn't be getting a dime from me or many others. It's fine if that's what you choose. But don't expect me to pay for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is that having one income will make it more difficult to get the need-based financial aid.

If both parents are capable of working then the earning potential of the non-working parent would be included in the calculation of the amount the family is eligible to receive.

How do the schools determine the "earning potential" of the non-working parent? I am a single mom who makes a pretty low salary (less than $30,000). Would they laugh if I applied my son to a school that costs $20K+? Do "poor" people apply to expensive schools in the hopes that they will get financial aid? I have my Master's degree but not in an area that would earn me a large income? Education is important to me but would these schools wonder why I am even bothering to apply if there is not hope of me even being able to swing half of the tuition?

[Anonymous]

To the PP, actually yours is exactly where most of the schools with financial aid will look to help support a student.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know? Does having more than 1 child at the same school help in applying for financial aid?
Has anyone received a 2 for the price of 1 deal? Or is it more like a sibling discount.
If you have received a sibling discount, what kind of a discount has it been?

I would love to send my soon to be middle schooler and kindergartener to private, but it is nearly impossible for me to pay $3500 per month on just tuition.