Q. What financial aid options are available?
A. We have several options for all families who have the desire to join our school family.
(1) Basilica Financial Aid – Supported by our parish. (2) Halifax Fund- Supported by the following churches with no schools in the Volusia County area, Prince of Peace, Epiphany and Our Lady of Hope. Other Options:Families may also explore if they meet the criteria of the Step Up for Students Scholarship Program which is a Corporate Scholarship that is based on family income. The McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities Program is also available through the State of Florida. All programs have specific requirements but are viable and accessible options for interested families.
What is financial aid?
A. The Basilica School of St. Paul financial aid consists of financial assistance monies, which do not need to be repaid.
Q. What is the Basilica’s financial aid philosophy?
A. The Basilica provides a Financial Aid program that supports the enrollment of students who can make significant contributions to the life of the school, but otherwise might not have the opportunity. Financial Aid is awarded based upon a family’s demonstrated financial need. The school recognizes, however, that the primary responsibility for financing a child’s education rests with the parents to the fullest extent possible.
Q. What is “demonstrated need” and how is it determined?
A. “Demonstrated need” is defined as the difference between the amount a family can be expected to contribute to the cost of their child’s education and the amount of Basilica school annual tuition. We assess each family’s financial situation with the help of an outside agency, SMART Tuition Aid, the School Financial Aid Committee who is comprised of parents and parishioners and a representative from the parish Finance Committee.
We make financial aid awards to address a variety of economic circumstances, from families requiring partial assistance to those needing substantial aid. All families are expected to make some contribution to their child’s education, which is set at an affordable amount for the family.
Q. Would my salary qualify us for aid?
A. The recommendations made by the reviewing agency are used as a guide in allocating your child’s aid. This system considers gross taxable and non-taxable income, assets, liabilities, family size and the number of students in tuition-charging schools or colleges. After an allowance for basic necessities and required taxes, the remaining funds are considered available for education on a sliding scale.
Special consideration is given to hardships and documented emergencies.
Q. What does it cost to apply for financial aid?
A. SMART charges a fee for processing the SMART Tuition Aid Analysis Form that is completed online. As a benefit to our families all enrolled student application fees are covered by the school. The school does not charge an additional fee to apply for financial aid.
Q. Who makes financial aid decisions?
A. The Financial Aid Committee continues to meet and award financial aid until the allocated resources are depleted. In order for the Committee to best meet demonstrated financial need, families must submit all mentioned financial documents according to the time line announced.
Q. Will we receive aid every year?
A. Family financial circumstances can change. We require families to re-apply for financial aid each year. If a family’s financial circumstances remain the same, the school will make every effort to provide assistance at the same level of aid.
Financial aid may be withheld from families or students who have not been timely in completing the required financial aid forms or are delinquent in payments.
The Basilica School of St. Paul does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, or national origin in the administration of its admissions policies and financial aid programs.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Mrs. Menard, Administrative Assistant, Mrs. Toro, Principal or Mrs. Oshima our school bookkeeper, and they will be happy to assist you.