List of 3 items.

• Guidelines

  While we seek families who make education a priority in budgeting their financial resources, we recognize that different circumstances create different financial needs. Therefore there is no single factor, such as family income, which determines who should apply for financial assistance or who is eligible for assistance.
  
  

  The following general guidelines are provided to help you understand some of the factors considered in the application:

  • There is no set income or asset level that determines whether an applicant qualifies for assistance. We offer awards from a few thousand dollars up to 98% of tuition and fees depending on the level of need.
    
    
  • We consider all available monies: parents‘ income, child‘s income, family partnerships, gifts, and any other beneficial interests from which income or principal is derived.
    
    
  • We expect that if a family is applying for assistance at Oakwood and they have children in other tuition-charging schools and/or colleges, they will also apply for assistance from those schools. 
    
    
  • In cases of separated or divorced parents, we need the same documentation from both parents, regardless of court ordered custody or support. Oakwood cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. If either parent has remarried, the Financial Assistance Committee will consider the income and assets of the stepparent, however, the Committee will also bear in mind the stepparent‘s obligations to his or her other children. In addition, Oakwood cannot be bound by the assertion that each household is responsible for half the cost of education and therefore, one household should be considered for financial assistance. Both households are required to submit the financial assistance application, and the Committee will determine financial need based on both household's financial circumstances.
    
    
  • Most of our financial assistance recipients are granted partial awards; the school expects that families will fulfill their remaining financial obligation in accordance with our regular payment schedules.

• FAQs

  Does Oakwood School offer scholarships?

  Oakwood offers financial assistance to families and does not offer “scholarships.” If your family qualifies for and is awarded financial assistance, you will receive a grant to reduce your tuition. There is no obligation to re-pay this grant at a later time.
  
  

  Can I pay for the first year and then apply for assistance the following year?

  No. Absent extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances, financial assistance will not be available in later years for students who come to the school as full-pay at the time of admission. If a family enrolls their child without financial assistance, that child is counted as a “full-pay” student. With limited financial assistance funds, we plan carefully to meet the present needs and protect future funding for the families that we have committed to assisting. We encourage new families applying to Oakwood to give careful consideration to the full cost of independent school education. If you will be relying on assistance from relatives, you should be certain of their commitment to providing this assistance for the duration of your child’s time at Oakwood. 

  
  How is a family's need determined?

  Oakwood’s financial assistance process is comprehensive. In determining need, we consider information obtained from the FAST application, federal and state income tax returns, and any additional information that the committee feels is necessary for a fair and accurate assessment of the family’s financial standing. While Oakwood requires the same documentation and uses the same methodology to assess each family's ability to pay, every request is evaluated individually. 

  
  What educational expenses are considered in awarding assistance grants?

  Oakwood’s Financial Assistance Committee makes a single comprehensive grant based on its review of demonstrated financial need and takes into account the full cost of attendance including tuition, fees, books, class trips, and other incidental educational expenses in establishing the amount of an award.  For those who qualify, assistance is also available for non-tuition expenses such as bus transportation, lunch, laptop, books, and other qualifying items.

  
  Is financial assistance automatically renewed each year?

  Families receiving financial assistance must reapply each year. If a family's level of need changes, assistance may be raised or lowered accordingly.

  
  Are educational expenses likely to change year to year?

  Yes. Annual tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees in January for the following year. The Board is committed to keeping tuition increases as low as possible and to ensuring that the high quality of our educational program is maintained.

  
  What about separated or divorced parents?

  In cases of separated or divorced parents, we require the same documentation from both parents, regardless of court-ordered custody or support. Oakwood cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. If either parent has remarried, the Financial Assistance Committee will consider the income and assets of the stepparent, however, the Committee will also bear in mind the stepparent’s obligations to his or her other children. In addition, Oakwood cannot be bound by the assertion that each household is responsible for half the cost of education and therefore, one household should be considered for financial assistance. Both households are required to submit the financial assistance application, and the Committee will determine financial need based on both household’s financial circumstances.

  
  Does applying for financial assistance influence the admission decision? 
  Oakwood’s Admission Committee conducts a review of candidates without knowing whether or not they are applying for financial assistance. After accepting the most compelling students, those who applied for financial assistance are referred to the Financial Assistance Committee to determine financial need. As awards are granted and funding becomes limited, some compelling candidates may be offered a place on the waiting list with the hope that space and funding may become available after the first round of decisions.

  
  Whom do I contact with questions?

  For Grades K-6, please email Marlene Huitink. For Grades 7-12, please email Pam Tiangco or dial 818-732-3060.

• Application

  Oakwood uses a confidential financial assistance application processing service called Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST). Based on the financial assistance information you provide, FAST will calculate an estimated amount that your family can contribute toward your students' educational expenses. The Financial Assistance Committee reviews the information provided to FAST and will notify the family of the decision on their application.
  
  

  Completing an application for financial assistance is a time-consuming and challenging process. For many of you, this may be the first time submitting financial assistance forms. We encourage you to start early, take a look at the FAST User Guide (for the Spanish version, click HERE) and compile your financial statements before starting the online application. For a list of questions asked by the FAST program, click the worksheet here. The entire application is completed online. Tax forms and materials can be uploaded to FAST.  Do not send your tax returns to the school. 
  
  All application materials are kept strictly confidential.
  
  

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  HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

  
  Step 1: Indicate Financial Assistance Interest
  
  On the Oakwood admissions application, indicate that you are applying for financial assistance. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for both processes and submit all information by the deadlines.
  
  Step 2: Complete the online FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) application by January 12, 2024
  
  The FAST application for the 2024-2025 academic year will be available on October 2 and the application is due January 12, 2024. Please click here to start the FAST application.  
  
  

  The application process is self-guided. You may navigate in and out of the program allowing you to partially complete an application and go back to it at another time. Online e-mail and a 24/7 helpline is provided. Please call the FAST helpline (877-326-3278) or e-mail at help@ismfast.com with any questions.
  
  

  Step 3: Submit income tax forms and supporting materials to FAST using the Quick Processing wizard within the application

  
  New applicants - submit a copy of your FINAL 2021 Federal Tax returns and all supporting schedules along with your 2021 W-2s and/or 1099 forms to FAST by January 12, 2024.

  
  New and Returning applicants - submit a copy of your FINAL 2022 Federal Tax returns and all supporting schedules along with your 2022 W-2s and/or 1099 forms to FAST by April 15, 2024.

   

  Important Note: All documents must be submitted to FAST either by upload, mail or overnight. No documents should be submitted directly to Oakwood.
  
  There are payment plans available if you wish to pay in one, two, or ten installments. We partner with Blackbaud Tuition Management for the processing and collection of tuition and fees. With your Smart account, you will have several payment options, including auto-debit, online payment, pay by phone or mobile app, bank bill pay, payment by check, or credit card (convenience fees apply).