Responsive Tuition Program
At Westfield Friends School, we believe that a diverse community leads to a confident, empowered child. In the warm embrace of our historic Cinnaminson campus, curiosity and compassion are kin. We believe that equity and respect make us stronger, smarter, resilient. These are essential—and beautiful—human qualities. And finances should not come between your children, a Westfield Friends education, and a fulfilling childhood experience.
With this in mind, Westfield Friends has created our Responsive Tuition Program. This program is designed to remove tuition as a barrier to families considering our school. The Program helps to make our school affordable and accessible to as many families as possible. Responsive Tuition means that we will evaluate each family's financial situation and determine a reasonable cost.
Questions answered below in the blue Responsive Tuition FAQ's bar
Responsive Tuition FAQs
GENERAL INFO
What is Responsive Tuition?
Responsive Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their families’ financial situation. This makes a Westfield Friends education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
How Does Responsive Tuition Work?
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through eighth-grade student may apply for Responsive Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Westfield Friends School and they think they may qualify for the program. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
An application for Responsive Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. Families should apply for Responsive Tuition only after they have completed enrollment or re-enrollment to the school.
It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Responsive Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to FACTS, a third-party agency. FACTS will evaluate the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s Responsive Tuition team. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify from the school’s financial office.
Do I need to apply to Westfield Friends School to receive confirmation of my Responsive Tuition?
Yes.
Upon completion of my Responsive Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Responsive Tuition?
You will be notified 2-3 weeks after providing all of the required information to FACTS.
From the day your Responsive Tuition notification is sent to you, you will have ten days to accept your Responsive Tuition grant and confirm your enrollment or request to be released from your enrollment.
What is the cost to apply for Responsive Tuition?
FACTS requires a $40.00 fee to apply for Responsive Tuition
FAQs for PROSPECTIVE PARENTS
Should every new Westfield Friends family submit an application for Responsive Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the full tuition should submit an application for Responsive Tuition.
Do I need to apply for Responsive Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.
Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Responsive Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to Westfield Friends School and application for Responsive Tuition are two separate processes. New families should first apply for admission to Westfield Friends School. Once they have completed the entire admissions process and have been offered enrollment, they should complete the online enrollment packet that is sent to them via email. After they submit their enrollment packet they can then log back into the FACTS Financial account they created during the enrollment process and complete the application for Responsive Tuition.
Will applying for Responsive Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Responsive Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Responsive Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Responsive Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances will qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to full tuition to those who are at the entry-level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Responsive Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Responsive Tuition that is less than our published range.
Are all admitted students offered Responsive Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Responsive Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Responsive Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Responsive Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Responsive Tuition as early as possible.
Who should I contact with questions about Responsive Tuition?
Questions about Responsive Tuition should be directed to:
Carol Beaton, Director of Finance & Operations
FAQs for CURRENT PARENTS
Should every returning Westfield Friends family submit an application for Responsive Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the full tuition should submit an application for Responsive Tuition.
Do I need to apply for Responsive Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Responsive Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances will qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to full tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Responsive Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Responsive Tuition that is less than our published range.
Who should I contact with questions about Responsive Tuition?
Questions about Responsive Tuition should be directed to:
Carol Beaton, Director of Finance & Operations