Financial Aid Program

The Independence School offers some financial aid to all qualifying students. Both current and incoming students may apply for assistance. Although the available funds are limited, the school is eager to help as many youngsters as possible. Parents are required to submit certain financial information and, in the spirit of partnership and reasonable sacrifice, to request financial aid only in the amount essential to attendance. Financial assistance is given only to students with clearly demonstrated financial need. All information is, of course, kept strictly confidential.

The Internal Revenue Service requires that tax-exempt schools such as Independence use objective criteria in awarding grants. Therefore, the school requires that parents submit the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid of Pittsburgh, PA, an organization used by most colleges and independent schools in the country.

In making awards, the Scholarship Committee considers such factors as a strong academic record from the candidate's present school, potential for participation in extra-curricular activities at The Independence School, demonstrated or potential level of family participation in the school's activities, and personal references. It is also school policy that the first $500.00 of aid will be taken as a lien against the enrollment bond, payable when the last child in the family leaves the school.

The application procedure is as follows:

  1. Complete the online PFS (Parents’ Financial Statement) at www.nais.org/financialaid/sss. Online payment must be made with a credit card. Or, contact The Independence School Business Office for a hard copy of the PFS application.
  2. Complete The Independence School Financial Aid Application(s) – One for each applicant.
    • Download and print the application or use the hard copy available from the Business Office.
    • Return the Application(s) to BUSINESS OFFICE ONLY, before February 1, 2008.
  3. Submit a complete copy (all pages) of your 2007 tax return with the financial aid application. If you have not completed your 2007 return, please enclose your return for 2006

The Scholarship Committee will inform every applicant of its decision by May 1, 2008. Financial Aid is awarded for one year only. Subsequent grants require re-application.

Business Office:
The Independence School
Business Office
1300 Paper Mill Road
Newark, DE 19711
302-239-0330



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