Making Bright Water Affordable

Financial Aid Deadline: February 1st 

Bright Water Waldorf School hopes to make Waldorf education accessible to families committed to its values and philosophy regardless of their financial circumstances.  Bright Water Waldorf School welcomes families to apply for financial aid through School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) in collaboration with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). The school expects the active participation of a student’s entire family in funding this educational opportunity.

Tuition assistance is available for full-time enrollment only.  Resources for applying for financial aid: 

FAQ’s about Applying for Financial Aid at Bright Water Waldorf School:

What is financial aid?

Financial aid at Bright Water Waldorf School is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, and is defined as the difference between a student’s tuition expenses and a family’s resources.  All financial aid awards are made in the form of grants that are not repaid to the school. There are no athletic or academic scholarships. 

Who can apply?

To the extent that our funds permit, financial aid is available to qualified full time students from Early Childhood through eighth grade. Financial Aid is not available for Parent & Child classes at this time.

Should our family apply for financial aid?

We recognize that private education is a matter of choice and significant financial sacrifices are made by families to support this choice. We expect families to take the time to fully analyze their finances (income, assets, discretionary spending, savings, and other possible sources of funding) to determine how much they can afford to pay towards tuition.  Families should exercise their best effort to use their own financial resources first before applying for financial aid.

How is Financial Aid determined?

Bright Water Waldorf School uses the School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) in collaboration with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to process financial aid requests.  Using information provided by the applicant family, SSS provides Bright Water Waldorf School with an evaluation of what a family has available to contribute toward their child’s education. The family includes, but is not limited to natural/adoptive parents or stepparents, guardians, and non-married domestic partners. Factors that are taken into account are income, assets (home equity, savings, etc.), expenses, indebtedness, family size, age of parents/guardians, and the number of children in the family attending tuition-charging schools.

At Bright Water, the Financial Aid Committee is comprised of the Head of School and the Chief Financial Officer. The committee reviews the reports from SSS to determine financial aid awards. All documents and discussions are held with the strictest confidentiality.

How much do you usually award to qualified families?

Financial aid awards are based on each family’s unique circumstances and, thus, award amounts vary.  Please note that Bright Water Waldorf School believes families bear the primary responsibility for funding this educational opportunity and expects all families to contribute toward their student’s education.  Because a family’s circumstance may change from year to year, the level of financial aid may also change from year to year. All families requesting tuition assistance need to re-apply for aid each year.

Will applying for financial aid affect my child’s application?

Bright Water School follows a “need-blind” policy — meaning we don’t take your family’s financial situation into consideration when considering your child’s application for admission. However, admission is not a guarantee that you’ll receive financial aid. The amount of aid depends on (1) your family’s eligibility and (2) the amount of funds the school has available

Are there other options if our family’s full need is not met?

We offer several payment plans that may help to make payments easier on your family’s budget.  Families may also look for other forms of financial assistance that may be available through their place of employment, community organizations, or local foundations.

If we qualify for financial aid, do we have to re-apply each year?

Yes.  Because of annual variations in family income, the number of financial aid applicants and the financial aid fund, qualifying families must re-apply annually for financial aid.

What about separated or divorced parents?

Bright Water Waldorf School considers both parents, natural or adoptive, responsible for their student’s tuition.  Financial aid is based on ability, not willingness, to pay and is not bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. As a result, both natural/adoptive parents will need to complete a financial aid application.  No information will be given by the school to either parent regarding the other parent’s finances.

What about non-working parents?

If a parent/guardian does not work and all children in the household are in grade levels above Early Childhood, an income based on full time employment at Washington State’s current minimum wage is input in calculating the family’s income. In cases where parents and guardians are caring for their own pre-school age children or elderly parents, this recorded income may be waived. An absence of income due to unemployment will be considered for one annual tuition cycle only.  After the first year of unemployment, the school will assign an income equal to full time work at minimum wage to the unemployed parent.

How much does it cost to apply for financial aid?

SSS charges a one-time fee for all schools of $51 regardless of the number of schools to which a family applies.  If the fee presents a true hardship, a limited number of fee waivers are available. Please contact us at admissions@brightwaterwaldorf.org for more information.

What is the application process?

The application process involves several steps and requires the applicant family to provide financial documentation, including the family’s most recent income tax return. Incomplete financial aid applications cannot be considered.

To start the application process, go to https://www.solutionsbysss.com/parents to fill out a Parent’s Financial Statement (PFS).  Step by step instructions are offered on-line and there is a toll free helpline, 1-800-344-8328.  A copy of the family’s most recent tax return must be included with the PFS. 

What if I have other questions about financial aid?

Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@brightwaterwaldorf.org.