Tuition Assistance Application Process
Application must be received by May 1, 2012 in order to provide the best financial aid possible.
Tuition assistance is available to both new and returning students to help with the cost of tuition on a financial need basis. It is the goal of Village Christian Schools to be financially accessible to the greatest number of students and families possible. It is important to understand that our resources are limited and awards are based on an objective assessment of family financial need. Applications will be confidentially evaluated by a third party - Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) - to assist the school in determining each family’s level of financial need. Please note that we are using a new company so the application process will look different and you will be taken to a different web site than previous years. A $36 fee is charged by FAST for this service. An application is required which includes pertinent data on the family’s income, assets, liabilities and expenses. For assistance on completing your application you should contact FAST (not Village) at 1 (877) 326-FAST. A FAST representative is available to help you 24/7. You may also contact the help center by sending an email to help@ismfast.com.
Step 1: Fill out a Tuition Assistance Application
• Submit an on-line application by May 1, 2012 by visiting the FAST website. You create your own User ID and password for privacy. A nominal fee is charged by FAST.
• Complete all application materials accurately. Incomplete forms, inaccuracies or errors can result in delays in your consideration for financial assistance and may result in your inability to receive assistance due to the lack of funds. Intentional misreporting of information on applications may require that funds be paid back to the school.
• You will be required to submit income documentation to FAST, such as your 2011 IRS Form1040, W-2’s and paystubs. FAST may contact you for additional documentation. To prevent a processing delay, please respond quickly.
• If you believe you have unusual or extenuating circumstances affecting your financial need, you may submit a letter of explanation to FAST.
*For more detailed instructions, please view the FAST Parent User Guide.
Step 2: Review
VCS will review your processed application and the amounts available for distribution.
Step 3: Decision
VCS will notify you of a decision by mail.
Step 4: Acceptance of Aid
If you wish to officially accept any aid offered, you must enroll your student(s) by the deadline stated in your award letter. If you fail to enroll by the stated deadline the award offer will be rescinded and provided to another family.
Eligibility
• Tuition assistance will apply to school year tuition for grades K-12. It does NOT apply to any fee (such as child care, summer school, day camp, tutoring, or the fine arts program).
• VCS reserves the right to cancel the tuition assistance awards at any time because of changes in the family’s financial resources, marital status, failure to pay any outstanding tuition amounts in a timely fashion or due to the student’s failure to remain in good standing at the school (academic or disciplinary).
Village Christian Schools admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.