Tuition Assistance FAQs

You have questions. We have answers.

We know the financial aid process can seem overwhelming, but we are here to help. If you can’t find the information you need in the tuition assistance questions below, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Tuition Assistance FAQs

• What is included in tuition at Poly Prep?

  Tuition payments at Poly Prep include the following: lunch, all technology devices in Lower and Middle School, activities and athletics on the Dyker Heights campus, bus service to and from both campuses, daily snack in Nursery, PreK and K, all athletic uniforms, and all grade-wide field trips.

• What is included in a financial aid award?

  In addition to tuition support, we help with: after-school programs in the Lower and Middle School, international and domestic travel, athletic trips, music lessons, one-on-one SAT prep and tutoring, college visits, summer academic courses, graphing calculators, and all technology devices.

• What does typical support look like?

  While every family’s situation is unique, roughly 22% of Poly students receive tuition assistance each year, totaling about $14 million in support. Many families with moderate or dual incomes are able to qualify for partial assistance, helping to make a Poly education accessible to families across a wide range of financial situations.

• Should I apply for tuition assistance?

  If paying full tuition would be a hardship for your family, we encourage you to apply. Many families, including moderate and dual-income households, receive support, and completing the application is the best way to explore your options.

• Do I need to provide documentation?

  CLARITY automatically pulls your tax documents, making the process easier. If applicable, families are asked to upload their last two pay stubs. We will reach out if any additional documents are needed.

• When will I be notified regarding tuition assistance?

  Families who have applied for tuition assistance will be notified in February along with their admissions notification.

• Will my family qualify for tuition assistance?

  Until the application for tuition assistance is submitted we are not able to take a guess at the level of financial support that a family will qualify to receive. Income is just one out of many considered factors. CLARITY will gather income, assets, and liability data to determine your family’s need.

• How is tuition assistance determined?

  CLARITY provides an initial calculation based on the information families provide, including income, debts, expenses, and assets. The Financial Aid Committee then carefully reviews each application in context to ensure that awards reflect each family’s unique circumstances.

• Will applying for tuition assistance affect admission decisions?

  Admissions decisions remain the school’s primary focus. Financial aid is considered alongside admissions to ensure that as many admitted families as possible can attend Poly Prep. Applying is confidential and designed to support a fair process for all families.

• How do I apply for tuition assistance at Poly Prep?

  Poly Prep requires the CLARITY application for financial aid for all families requesting consideration for need-based financial assistance. The deadline for submission of the financial aid application, including all supporting documents, is December 15, 2025. Poly Prep only accepts online financial aid applications, and applicants must upload all supporting documents directly to CLARITY. For more information about CLARITY, please visit http://Claritytuition.com.

• Is there a fee for CLARITY?

  The CLARITY application fee is $60 payable directly to CLARITY. Poly Prep does not offer a fee waiver for CLARITY applications, however the CLARITY application will be waived for families that meet certain income requirements. For information about those requirements, please contact CLARITY via the online chat feature available when applying.

• How does divorce or separation affect the financial aid process?

  When a child is enrolled at Poly Prep, it is expected that both parents will contribute to their education. To be considered for tuition assistance, both custodial and non-custodial parents must complete the CLARITY forms and submit tax information. If only one parent is legally financially responsible for the applicant, supporting documentation of that sole responsibility must be provided via the Parent B waiver form.

• Can my situation change year to year?

  Yes. Tuition assistance is reviewed annually to reflect changes in each family’s financial situation. Families must reapply each year for consideration.

• What are Poly Prep’s financial aid application deadlines and award notification dates?

  Meeting our December 15 deadline is crucial in the tuition assistance process. Incomplete applications cannot be considered for aid. There is a limited budget for aid and, after funds have been allocated, there is no flexibility for Poly to award additional grants. New students receive financial aid awards along with their acceptance letters.

• How else can a parent finance a Poly education?

  We believe that the benefits of a Poly education—including an outstanding faculty; a diverse learning community; a beautiful, landmarked and LEED-certified Lower School and a 25-acre college-like campus for our Middle School and Upper School; a global curriculum; myriad opportunities for individual enrichment and advanced study; and an emphasis on character education and leadership—offer students a unique, and uniquely valuable, experience. However, financing the cost of a Poly education does require substantial family commitment, and many parents are understandably concerned about their ability to afford an independent school. Poly realizes this and thus provides various options to finance the cost of a Poly Prep education beyond our financial aid program:

  Semi-Annual Tuition Payments: Some families find it convenient to be billed for tuition in two separate installments. After the reservation deposit is collected in the spring, 50% of the remaining tuition is billed in June, and 50% in December.

  Monthly Payment Plan: VC Pay works together with Poly Prep to offer a no-interest, no-borrowing monthly installment plan. Parents use the plan to pay all or part of their educational expenses at the school.

• If we enter the school without tuition assistance, can we apply for (and receive) aid later?

  When a student enrolls in Poly Prep without tuition assistance, the school’s expectation is that the family will not apply for financial aid within their first three years of enrollment, except in rare cases of emergency aid. Our financial aid budget is limited and a small amount is available for emergency aid.

  Families who are already in the school and would like to apply for tuition assistance must contact the Financial Aid office before completing the financial aid application in CLARITY. Families will be asked to demonstrate a change in financial circumstances. Additional information can be found under the Financial Aid section of the Parent Portal.

• Does Poly provide support for costs beyond tuition?

  Yes. Families who receive tuition assistance may also be eligible for additional support to help cover costs beyond tuition. This can include after-school programming, music lessons, curricular travel, SAT prep, and other school-related expenses. Our goal is to ensure all students can fully participate in the Poly experience.

Director of Admissions, Enrollment and Financial Aid

LaTasha Richards P’26, ’29, ’31, ’33

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University of Virginia – BS