Tuition & Financial Aid

For the 2009-2010 school year, tuition is $20,800, which includes lunch and the use of a laptop for the year. Families need to bear in mind that tuition is not their only fiscal responsibility. Each month, a student bill is sent home. In addition to textbooks and supplies, items such as the yearbook, Parents' Council dues and field trips are part of this bill, which averages $900-$1000 a year. Beyond tuition and these other expenses, Whitfield's programs are supported by a vibrant culture of giving. Every year, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the School participate in annual giving, which bridges the gap between tuition and actual program costs, helping to keep tuition competitive and the School's programs strong.

Families seeking a Whitfield education must recognize that parents have the primary responsibility for financing their children's schooling. The School’s endowment and financial aid dollars are limited.  Approximately 11% of the student body receives financial aid.  Whitfield's financial aid program is based on demonstrated financial need; every family that demonstrates financial need does not receive financial aid.  The School offers neither athletic nor talent scholarships. To be eligible for need-based financial aid, a student must have a good academic record, be a positive addition to the student body in character and attitude, demonstrate leadership skills and be involved in extracurricular activities in addition to demonstrating financial need.

Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis.  While most students’ financial aid continues for their entire tenure at the School, a small number of students’ awards are reduced or eliminated because of changes in family circumstances and/or the student’s performance.  Students who do not receive financial aid in their first year at Whitfield are extremely unlikely to be awarded financial aid in following years.
 
If financial aid is essential for a family to enroll at Whitfield, the School strongly recommends that family apply to a broad array of schools so that the family may consider several financial aid packages and make an informed, fiscally sound decision.  
 
Families requesting financial aid should complete and return the financial aid documentation as quickly as possible so the School can allocate its limited resources appropriately; typically all financial aid dollars are allocated by March.
 
The steps for applying for financial aid at Whitfield are as follows:
 
1.  Complete and mail to New Jersey the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). You may also apply online at https://sss.ets.org/pfsHome.do  or request a paper application by calling 314.415.1259.  This documentation must be submitted as soon as possible by applicant families but no later than January 15, 2010.
 
2.  Send a copy of your 2009 Federal Tax Return (Form 1040 and all supplemental forms) and your 2009 W-2 forms to Whitfield School as soon as possible but not later than May 1, 2010.
 
Financial aid notification letters are included with the admission decisions.