Financial Aid

Saint Stephen Catholic School

Financial Aid Policy 2012-13

Financial assistance is available for families who have difficulty meeting the cost of a Catholic education. Enrollment at St. Stephen Catholic School is contingent upon a review of records from student’s previous school as well as a meeting with school administration to make sure SSCS is the right placement for your child. Financial need is defined as the difference between the amount of money a family can contribute and the cost of education.  Financial Aid does not include the annual fees and may not cover full tuition.  Any active parishioner of St. Stephen Catholic Church* who desires to have their child enrolled or whose child is already enrolled may request a financial aid packet from the school. If you are currently receiving financial assistance, new applications must be submitted at the time of yearly reregistration paperwork for the next school year. The process includes the following steps:

 Application Process

• Fill out all applications for financial aid by deadlines* (Fill out all applicable applications (Parish Financial Aid forms through FACTS, Diocesan Financial Aid form, McKay Scholarship, Mary Forbes, Step Up for Students-In order to be eligible for Parish assistance you must fill out all applications for which you are eligible) All supporting documentation must be submitted in order for the application to be complete.  No application will be considered without all paperwork in place, including IRS Federal 1040 U.S. Income Tax Return, W-2 Wage & Tax Statements, any other supporting documentation for household income and a nominal application fee.
• The parish manager verifies Mass attendance for at least three (3) consecutive months through use of envelopes and parish participation.  In order to receive parish assistance you must attend mass regularly and use envelopes.
• Review of recommendation made by FACTS by the parish manager, school administration and/or pastor.
• Applicant and pastor (or his designee-parish manager) meet.

 *These deadlines must be met: 

Parish/FACTS/Heart to Heart:              March 30, 2012

Diocesan Aid                                        March 30, 2012

Mary Forbes( If applicable)                   March 31, 2012

McKay Scholarship                               March 31, 2012

Step Up for Students                           March 31, 2012

 After Receiving Aid

• Sign financial aid acceptance letter indicating responsibilities and amount of aid assigned for that year.
• Notify school of changes in financial conditions.
• Respect confidentiality  

 Deadlines:

The deadline dates given refer to the latest date any applicant can submit the application.   In order to receive a parish grant one must apply to all financial aid programs and complete the paperwork before the deadline.  After the applications have been submitted, it takes approximately 3-4 weeks before FACTS analyzes the data and sends the summary report back to the parish/school.  No one family is considered registered and accepted by the school until the final meeting with the parish manager takes places and the family signs off on their financial commitment.

*Proof of parish support required.  For St. Stephen Parishioners, church envelope number (#) must be used, submitted and maintained weekly in the parish collection for at least three (3) consecutive months prior to initial request for financial aid.  Continued proof of parish support is required while enrolled at St. Stephen Catholic School.

Financial aid recipient is responsible for these additional fees:

*Financial Aid Packets are available in the school office.

*If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Rose at brose@ststephencatholic.org or 813-741-9203, ext. 305.