Tuition and Tuition Assistance
| The value of a Saint Stephen’s education |
The value of a strong education for the engaged, eager student stretches well beyond the years our students spend here. Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School offers a comprehensive, world-class education to students of all ethnicities and faiths, making all admissions decisions without regard to financial status. We seek to provide all students motivated toward achievement and enrichment the chance to share in the educational opportunity we provide. Socio-economic diversity is a priority and we provide some financial assistance within our community to those who demonstrate need.In making award decisions, Saint Stephen’s considers the following:
To be considered for financial aid, you must apply through FAST no later than March 1. |
Tuition and Fees
Please take a moment to look at the following tuition and fee schedules. We strive to maintain an affordable yet appropriate tuition structure and appreciate the sacrifice our parents make to send their student(s) to Saint Stephen’s. We encourage all interested applicants, regardless of financial status, to read our Tuition Assistance information for affordability options.
To find Tuition and Fees relative to your child, please click here.
Scholarships
To enable more of those serving our community to take advantage of the educational opportunity Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School provides, we offer this unique scholarship to students of these families.
First Responder and Law Enforcement Student Scholarship
One of the core values of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School is to provide service to our community. This is reflected by the volunteer work contributed by our students and the involvement of our faculty and staff with community organizations as we strive to fulfill our mission of valuing “responsible global citizenship and…an active respect for our community.”
It is our goal to further our ability to serve our local community by providing four scholarships for deserving students whose families have demonstrated a commitment to our community by their given professions. We want to honor the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice these families make to our community by awarding their child a full, four year, Upper School scholarship for grades 9 – 12.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The student must be entering 9th grade for the 2012-2013 academic year
- The student must have a minimum of a 3.5 unweighted, cumulative GPA for the 2011-2012 academic year
- The student must be a resident of Manatee or Sarasota counties
- The student must complete an interview with the Director of the Upper School and Director of Admissions
- The student must receive a qualifying score on the 9th grade entrance exam which is administered by Saint Stephen’s
- The student must demonstrate active engagement in community service and extracurricular activities
- The student must provide a written essay of no more than 250 words on either:
- what he/she hopes to gain by attending Saint Stephen’s or
- why he/she wants to attend Saint Stephen’s or
- what he/she will contribute to the life at Saint Stephen’s
- One or both parents/legal guardians must be employed as an EMT, EMS, or firefighter in Manatee or Sarasota counties OR
- One or both parents/legal guardians must be employed as a law enforcement officer with the Manatee or Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, or a local city police department that is located in Manatee or Sarasota counties
Application Deadline: Applications must be received no later than June 15. Award decisions will be made July 25. Classes begin August 20. Although four full scholarships will be awarded, Saint Stephen’s may be able to provide limited tuition assistance to additional, qualified students. All interested students are encouraged to apply.
To inquire about this program, please click here and fill out the inquiry form or contact Linda Lutz, Director of Admissions at llutz@saintstephens.org or call 941-746-2121 x 568
Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST)
In order to allocate our resources wisely and fairly, Saint Stephen’s uses the online Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) service as the standard submission format and processor for all tuition assistance applications.
FAST does not decide whether tuition assistance will be given or how much will be given; rather, FAST provides a need-based financial aid analysis service, which includes a recommendation of what a family should reasonably contribute toward tuition. All information from FAST is confidential. Because need is assessed annually, a new FAST application must be submitted each year.
To be considered for financial aid, apply online at FAST by March 15.
How to apply through FAST:
Please provide a complete copy of your current year’s tax return(s), including W-2s and all schedules, directly to:
FAST Processing
ISM
1316 North Union Street
Wilmington, DE 19806-2594
Be sure to include Saint Stephen’s name on the outside of the envelope to ensure faster processing of your application. Mailing envelopes are available in the Business Office.
If there are any special circumstances of which the School’s Financial Aid Committee should be aware, you may explain these circumstances on the FAST application. Saint Stephen’s Financial Aid Committee will review the completed FAST application and any related information and will determine awards at the beginning of April.
Instructions and Help
The application process is self-guided, and parent guides are available in English and Spanish on the FAST website. You may navigate in and out of the program, allowing you to complete an application partially and go back to it at another time.
Customer service is available only from FAST through online email (help@ismfast.com) and a 24/7 helpline (1.877.326.FAST).
Alternative Financial Assistance
In addition to financial aid available from the School, there may be loan options available through Your Tuition Solution and Sallie Mae, independent financial services companies offering education loans. Please visit their web sites for more information.
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While these programs are available to students and families of all grade levels, we recommend that these programs be used judiciously primarily for our Middle and Upper School families.
It is important to note that funds are limited, and Saint Stephen’s may not be able to accommodate all applicants for tuition assistance. Scholarship information is updated throughout the year as opportunities become available. Please check back or contact the Admissions Office (941.746.2121, ext.568) for current opportunities.
