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. 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 Monday, November 1, 2010 you may access the online PFS form for the 2011/2012 school year.
Last day to submit is Wednesday, March 16, 2011.

Step 2:

Submit Federal Tax Form 1040
Send the Admission office a signed photocopy of your Federal Tax Form 1040 and all schedules by March 16 for the most recently completed year (2010).

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 feels 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 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 5, 2011. In addition, students are interviewed by Admission staff and grades are reviewed. Based on this information, several students are awarded Middle School scholarships each year. A completed enrollment application is required of all scholarship applicants.  
• Upper School Scholarships
  Scholarship opportunities are also available for students entering the 8th, 9th, and 10th grades.. To qualify, students must take the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) exam. This year's exam is scheduled at CSS in November and February. In addition, students are interviewed by Admission staff and grades are reviewed to determine a student's eligibility for a scholarship. A completed enrollment application is required of all scholarship applicants. 

SSAT Test dates for the 2011-12 school year are as follows:

• Saturday, November 13, 2010
• Saturday, February 5, 2011

Register for the SSAT online
Prepare for the SSAT exam. You will find practice questions and helpful resources here.

There is a fee for the test. If this is a hardship for you, a limited number of fee waivers are available from the Admission Office.