We know that many families are facing financial uncertainty due to changes related to COVID-19 and we want you to know that we are here to help you with your particular situation.
The Pike School has established a COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund for the 2020-21 school year. Pike’s COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund is intended to assist any family that may be experiencing financial hardship brought on by the pandemic. The COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund is in addition to the nearly $1.7 million that has been awarded in financial aid for the 2020-2021 school year.
The funds allocated for the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund are very limited and demonstrated need in our community is likely to exceed our available funding. Please note that applications and grant awards are confidential. Please submit applications for consideration by August 1, 2020.
HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION:
The Pike School partners with School and Student Services (SSS) by NAIS in our financial aid process.
- To begin your COVID-19 financial assistance application, please complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) by visiting the SSS website. If you have already done so for the 2020-2021 school year and your family needs additional assistance, please continue to Step 3.
- Ensure you have uploaded your most recent tax return(s) for the calendar year along with all supporting schedules to the SSS Portal.
- Upload into the SSS Portal under the “Additional Documents” section a letter explaining the reason(s) for applying for COVID-19 Financial Assistance. Please include the following information in your letter:
NAME OF STUDENT(S):
NAME OF PARENT(S):
SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE REQUESTED: $_____________
REASON FOR ASSISTANCE REQUEST: This section must be specific and provide details on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your income or asset sources that were going to be used to pay for tuition.
- Upload into the SSS Portal under the “Additional Documents” section all supporting documentation of official statements related to loss of income (e.g., furlough notice, etc.). Please submit applications for consideration by August 1, 2020.
EVALUATION PROCESS
The Financial Aid Committee will assess all COVID-19 financial assistance applications after the August 1, 2020 deadline and notify applicants of the committee’s decision in a timely manner. The funds allocated for the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund are very limited and demonstrated need is likely to exceed our available funding. If you receive a COVID-19 Financial Assistance grant, your student enrollment agreement in Veracross will be updated to reflect the adjusted amount. If you have any questions, please contact financialaidoffice@pikeschool.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can apply for emergency need-based financial aid?
We encourage all families who have been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the application for additional support. However, qualifying for financial aid does not guarantee a grant given the amount of COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund is limited.
As with all of Pike’s financial aid grants, families must apply every year to be considered. Due to the unique nature of the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund, should a family be awarded a grant, it is a financial aid award for only the 2020-21 academic year. If your financial profile returns to normal sooner than anticipated and allows you to return to the School's initial offer of tuition, we would expect you to consider sharing those details with us.
Is there a deadline to apply for the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund?
Yes, please submit your completed application through the SSS website at sssbynais.org/parents by August 1, 2020.
How long does it take to complete the PFS?
We recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to complete the application. You may start, save, and return to the application at any time.
What does COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund cover and not cover?
The grant is intended to cover a percentage of tuition costs.
How much is a typical grant?
COVID-19 Financial Assistance Fund grants will vary in amounts and take into consideration additional factors including, but not limited to, time of lost income anticipated, loss of employment, home equity, other income, number of children in tuition-charging institutions, payments to pension and retirement plans, discretionary spending, and student assets.
What is the policy regarding parents who live in separate households?
We expect both parents to financially support their child’s education, which requires both households to complete the PFS and submit tax returns. If either parent has remarried, the spouse’s contributions will also be taken into consideration.
Who should I contact for additional questions?
If you have specific questions about your unique situation that are not addressed here, please contact the Financial Aid Committee at financialaidoffice@pikeschool.org.
