Financial Aid

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• Does applying for financial aid influence the admission decision?

  No. Financial aid is reviewed and awards are made only after a student has been invited to SBS. 

• What does the financial aid application entail? 

  The financial aid application includes completing the online FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) application and submitting required tax documents. The FAST application asks for information about your income, expenses, assets and liabilities as well as specifics about your family’s individual financial circumstances.

• What does financial aid cover?

  Financial aid is applied to tuition only. Financial aid is not available for new student fees, activity fees, textbooks, uniforms, lunches, etc.

• How do we request financial aid for more than one student?

  Parents only need to complete one application for financial aid, which can include multiple students.

• What is considered when reviewing financial aid applications?

  Each individual family’s application is reviewed for demonstrated need. The family’s income, assets, debts and liabilities are considered as well as their individual circumstances. Financial aid is generally awarded according to the following priorities: 1) returning students currently receiving financial aid, 2) returning students applying for financial aid, 3) newly invited upper school students who qualify for financial aid, 4) newly invited middle school students who qualify for financial aid, and 5) newly invited lower school students who qualify for financial aid.

• What is a typical financial aid award?

  There is not necessarily a “typical” financial aid award. Financial aid is awarded based on a family’s income and demonstrated need in consideration of funds available from the school.

• How is the financial aid reward calculated?

  FAST uses the financial information submitted by the family and criteria set by the school to calculate or estimate what the family ought to be able to contribute to tuition. The financial aid award is based on that calculation or estimate. Example: Tuition is $20,000 and FAST calculates the family contribution to be $5,000; therefore, the need is $15,000. 

• Who will have access to my financial information?

  All information related to the parents’ financial circumstances will be treated confidentially by the financial aid committee.

• If our family's financial circumstances change during the school year are we able to alter our financial aid award?

  Yes. If your circumstances change you are able to submit an Appeal Request through FAST. The financial aid committee will consider the new information and contact you with an update.

• Are we required to reapply for financial aid each year?

  Yes. SBS requires families receiving financial aid must reapply each year.

• I am a divorced parent. Is my former spouse required to submit a separate application?

  Yes. Please contact Director of Admissions Andrea Prothro with any questions or extenuating circumstances related to non-custodial parents.