Affording Our School

Financial need is determined according to the guidelines and formula established by the School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSSFA), a service of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

• Access the School and Student Services (SSS) website here.
• Review the basics and tips for completing the application here.
• Check out our summary of instructions and a timeline here.
• Need detailed instructions? The SSS workbook is available here.
• The school's SSS code is 7109.
• Digital upload of documents is preferred. Please contact the Business Office for help, if necessary.

ATP grants are made for the school year, and a new application is required each year since family circumstances and the available funding may change. Admissions decisions are made without regard to the financial circumstances of a candidate’s family.

Our team can help you through the application process and provide information about income and award ranges. Please contact Jim Finn, Business Office: Jfinn@sfwaldorf.org

Each year, more than 40 percent of our families qualify for Affordable Tuition Program grants. Grants are awarded to families from Kindergarten through High School.

Grants range in size from $2,000 to $21,000 depending on a family’s financial circumstances. All families make some level of tuition contribution. Last year, we awarded more than $3 million ATP grants.

ATP grants are made solely on the basis of financial need, as determined by the required financial disclosure forms, and within the constraints of the financial resources available. Admissions decisions are made without regard to the financial circumstances of a candidate’s family.

Evaluation of Need: Financial need is determined according to the guidelines and formula established by the School and Students Services for Financial Aid (SSS), a service of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). All applicants for financial aid—both new and returning families—must fill out the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online. The Affordable Tuition Program uses SSS data as a guide in determining the amount of individual grants. Families must also submit December 31st paycheck stubs, W-2 forms, current year tax returns.

Notification of an award or denial of a grant is mailed to parents of new applicants with the admission decision letter in March. Returning families receive award notification in February. Families receiving tuition grants are required to pay a non-refundable deposit equal to approximately 10% of net tuition.

The Affordable Tuition Program is partially funded by foundations and contributions to our Annual Fund which range in size from $25 to $50,000 and above. We are grateful to our community for their generosity.

Changes to the federal tax law passed in December 2017 may now allow families who have 529 education savings plans to use those funds for K-12th grade tuition. Because the eligibility to use these funds may vary, depending on unique fund characteristics, we strongly encourage families to consult with a certified tax professional if they are interested in understanding the implications of these tax changes with regards to tuition payments for K-12^th grade tuition.