Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid

We recognize that the full cost of an independent school education may be a challenge for the families of many outstanding students. The financial aid program provides tuition assistance to qualified students who otherwise could not afford to enroll at The Colorado Springs School. In addition to aid provided by the school, donors and corporations provide funding for some aid and scholarships. Financial aid decisions are made independently of admission decisions and in no way affect a candidate's chances for admission.

The Colorado Springs School follows the guiding principles established by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) that the responsibility of financing a private education rests primarily with the student's family. Approximately one-third of our families receive financial assistance.

The Financial Aid Process

Step 1:

Complete SSS Parent Financial Statement
To apply for financial assistance, your family must submit the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) through the School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS).

Complete the PFS form online at: http://sss.nais.org
The Colorado Springs School's code is 2512.

Beginning November 1 you may access the online PFS form for the following school year.
Please keep in mind that the last day to submit the online form is March 15.

Step 2:

Submit Federal Tax Form 1040
Send a signed photocopy of your Federal Tax Form 1040 and all schedules by March 15.  Please send tax information to the Admission Office (Attn: Nori Madrigal).

Step 3:

Review by Financial Aid Committee
Upon review by the financial aid committee, awards are made based on a family's demonstrated financial need.

Important things to note:

• Grants are for tuition only and do not include the cost of books, supplies, transportation, lunches, school trips, including the ECS Program, or personal expenses.
• For continued eligibility, students awarded financial aid must stay in good academic and disciplinary standing, and all remaining tuition and fees must be paid as billed.
• All family financial data and subsequent proceedings with the school are strictly confidential.
• Families are required to keep all award information confidential.

Merit Scholarships

The Colorado Springs School provides opportunities for exceptional students entering 6th grade or 9th grade to receive scholarships through the CSS Merit Scholarship Program. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of testing results, interviews, and grades. These awards are renewable each year that the student remains in good academic and social standing throughout his/her years in that particular division (Middle School or Upper School).

• Middle School Scholarships
  For rising 6th graders planning to attend CSS, this year's Middle School Scholarship Exam will be held Saturday, February 4, 2012. In addition, students should fill out the scholarship application.  Students are then called for an interview conducted by the Scholarship Committee. Based on this information, several students are awarded Middle School scholarships each year. A completed application is required of all scholarship applicants. The deadline to register for the exam is January 24, 2012.  Please call (719) 434-3514 for a Middle School scholarship opportunities.
• Upper School Scholarships
  Scholarship opportunities are also available for students entering 9th and 10th grades. To qualify, students must take the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) exam. This year's exam is scheduled at CSS on Saturday, November 12, 2011.  In addition, students are interviewed by the Scholarship Committee and grades are reviewed to determine a student's eligibility for a scholarship. A completed application and SSAT registration is required of all scholarship applicants by October 21, 2011. Please call (719) 434-3514 for more information on the Upper School scholarship opportunities.