TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP)

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Sunrise Montessori Tuition Assistance Philosophy

Sunrise Montessori is committed to providing an excellent Montessori education for children ages 2 through 12 (6th year). The school has been part of the Napa Valley educational community since 1978. Friends of Sunrise Montessori, the school’s separate, non-profit organization provides need-based tuition assistance to qualifying families to support and enhance the school’s commitment to serve young people from all segments of the community.

 

Tuition Assistance Policy

Within the limitations of its budget and the policies of the Tuition Assistance Program, Friends of Sunrise Montessori is committed to assisting qualifying Sunrise students who, because of the cost of tuition at Sunrise, might not otherwise be able to attend the school. Tuition Assistance is granted on a non-discriminatory basis and is based on the admission requirements, policies, and admission decisions of Sunrise Montessori.

 

Friends of Sunrise annually determines the amount of funds available for tuition assistance and designates the amount in its annual budget. Tuition assistance funds may also come from contributions designated by donors specifically for this program. Friends of Sunrise in conjunction with Sunrise believe that parents have an obligation to pay for the educational expenses of their children. To that end, tuition assistance shall not exceed one half of the student’s total annual tuition.

 

The Tuition Assistance Program is administered by a program coordinator under the counsel of the school Directors. Every attempt is made to keep the identity of past & current recipients confidential and unknown to the board of FOSM.

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Who can apply?

TAP is available to all Sunrise families, and both returning families and new families are welcome to apply.

 

How to apply?

FOSM utilizes the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) application process to help administer the Tuition Assistance Program. A small application fee is required for each family application (not each child); any family qualifying for the Tuition Assistance Program will be reimbursed for the fee.

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Is this confidential?

The names of the applicants and recipients of tuition assistance are only made known to those who have a need to know in order to administer the program at Sunrise. We do not inform the teachers or the students as to who is receiving assistance. In the event that tuition assistance is granted, we ask that the family also keep the amount and existence of the grant confidential.

 

Is tuition assistance renewed each year automatically?

No. Friends of Sunrise Montessori asks that families receiving tuition assistance apply each year. However, once tuition assistance has been awarded, it is reasonable to expect that it will be renewed each year, providing a family’s financial situation does not change substantially. Changes in a family’s financial situation could result in an adjustment to the amount of tuition assistance depending on individual circumstances. Additionally, all tuition assistance awards are subject to withdrawal or withholding, by decision of the Tuition Assistance Coordinator if the family is delinquent in payments to Sunrise or the child has been removed from the school.

 

How is tuition assistance allocated?

Based on available funds and a determination of financial need, tuition assistance is awarded in the following order of priority:

• Families currently receiving tuition assistance

• Qualified siblings of families currently receiving tuition assistance

• New applicants meeting application requirements and deadlines

 

Is there a minimum or maximum income a family must have in order to be considered for tuition assistance?

No. Net income is not the only factor used in making financial aid decisions. Assets, debts and number of dependents are among the various factors that Friends of Sunrise considers, and these factors may have an influence on tuition assistance decisions.

 

How is tuition assistance granted?

Applicants will receive a letter from the Tuition Assistance Coordinator, which will include the amount of tuition assistance granted to your family if applicable. Tuition Assistance funds will be credited directly to the student’s tuition statement. Tuition Assistance funds may not be applied to childcare costs or other program fees.

 

Whom should I contact if I have questions about the application or the program?

Please direct all questions to Roger Gribbins, who can be reached by email at rgribbins@sunrisemontessorinapa.com. 

 

To apply for the Tuition Assistance Program, please follow these steps:

 

1. Go to the following website: https://sssandtadsfa.force.com/familyportal

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2. Create an account or log in if you have an existing account

 

3. Complete the required steps to submit your application including paying for the application fee

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