Tuition Assistance

Applying for tuition assistance will not have an effect on the admissions decision for any students. The Admissions Committee is not aware of who is applying for tuition assistance, and tuition assistance awards are made after a student has been accepted.

Clarity uses a methodology to compute a family's ability to pay for educational expenses for all children.

The family contribution is determined through a methodology developed by Clarity. This methodology takes into consideration gross taxable and non-taxable income, itemized deductions, assets, liabilities, family size, and the number of students in tuition-charging schools. After accounting for required tax obligations and allowances for basic necessities at a modest standard of living, a portion of the family’s remaining resources are considered available for education on a sliding scale. It is assumed that higher incomes will have more discretionary financial resources available for education.

The Tuition Assistance Committee requires financial documentation from parents, guardians, domestic partners, and step-parents before making any award decision. These individuals may submit their financial information together on one application, or they may choose to submit the required information by completing separate financial aid applications.

Each family needs to reapply each year for tuition assistance. Each student's need is recalculated annually. Therefore, parents are required to submit the Clarity application along with the other required documentation each year by the published deadlines.

For returning families, assuming that a family’s financial circumstances do not change dramatically, funding will generally be renewed at previous levels. Tuition does increase each year and a family should expect to budget for covering a portion, if not all, of that increase. All families receiving tuition assistance must reapply every year.

When families choose to enroll a student at Roland Park Country School and pay full tuition, it is the School’s understanding and expectation that the family will continue to do so in subsequent years. If there is a significant, unanticipated change in a family’s financial circumstances after enrolling a student at RPCS, the Tuition Assistance Committee will consider a subsequent application for aid. The Committee will require submission of tax returns and supporting documentation from the current year. Unless a significant change can be demonstrated clearly in the required documentation, the family will not be eligible to receive need-based tuition assistance. 

The tuition assistance award does not cover other costs beyond tuition. The tuition assistance award is intended to provide families resources to help make RPCS tuition more affordable. 

If only one parent works outside the home, the Tuition Assistance Committee will impute a certain amount to the income of the family when determining need. Roland Park Country School acknowledges that families have the freedom and the responsibility to make choices regarding their financial situation. An exception to this policy might occur if the parent at home is caring for a preschool-aged child, a child with a disability, a seriously ill child, or if there are other special circumstances. Please note any special circumstances to the Tuition Assistance Committee, in writing, when applying for assistance.

The Tuition Assistance Committee would expect that the parent enrolled in graduate school will continue to earn income and has arranged to fund his/her education without depending heavily on family resources. If a parent chooses to attend school full-time and is thus unemployed, the Tuition Assistance Committee will add to the income of the family as stated above.

The Tuition Assistance Committee expects that all parents will contribute financially to their child’s tuition whether they are single, divorced, or no longer living with the child’s other parent. Each household is expected to submit a complete application and all the required supporting documentation in order for the school to gain a realistic picture of family resources. If the non-custodial parent refuses to comply, the Tuition Assistance Committee will determine whether or not the family will be eligible for an award. If the custodial parent has not heard from the non-custodial parent for a period of time, to be determined by the Tuition Assistance Committee, forms may not be required. However, a letter of verification from a third party (minister, attorney, social worker, etc.) will be required. The Tuition Assistance Committee may request additional documentation. Each situation is unique and will be handled on an individual basis. 

Children who are living with guardians will be reviewed on an individual basis. However, if the parents are still living and are claiming their child on their tax return, the parents and guardians must complete and submit the application to Clarity. If other family members have custody, they must also complete and submit the application to Clarity. The Tuition Assistance Committee will also need copies of proof of custody.

There is an appeals process if the family contribution noted in the award letter is believed to be insufficient. Please notify the Tuition Assistance Office of your request for an appeal and submit all written documentation that you feel may provide the Tuition Assistance Committee with additional insight into your financial picture. More than likely, you will be asked to set up an appointment to discuss in detail your particular situation and the circumstances for your appeal.

There is a tuition assistance waiting list. Families will be notified upon enrollment acceptance on status.