RCDS offers tuition aid grants to families based on financial need. Each family receiving a tuition grant is expected to contribute positively to the school community, to maintain an acceptable academic standard, and demonstrate positive social behavior.

The school uses TADS as a guide to achieving equity in measuring family needs. The application process includes the completion of an online (www.tads.com) form. Although the school is committed to helping families with tuition needs, it is not able to award tuition assistance to each family who qualifies.

Frequently Asked Question About Tuition Assistance

1. Who may apply for tuition assistance?
2. Does applying for tuition assistance influence the admission decision?
3. How do I apply for tuition assistance?
4. What is the deadline for applying for tuition assistance?
5. How does the TADS program calculate my family’s “contribution,” or ability to pay tuition?
6. What costs does tuition assistance cover?
7. What happens if the tuition assistance grant is not enough?
8. Is it possible to appeal the tuition assistance allocation?
9. Is a tuition assistance grant automatically renewed each year?
10. How will filing IRS tax forms on April 15, or later, affect a families tuition assistance award?
11. When will I be notified of my award?

Who may apply for tuition assistance?
Tuition Assistance is available to any family that is enrolled at RCDS or has applied for admission in Grades Pre-K through 12.

Does applying for tuition assistance influence the admission decision?
RCDS admissions decisions are not influenced by a families need for tuition assistance.

How do I apply for tuition assistance?
The application process begins with the completion of an online form. Families are reminded that they must also submit a copy of the signed IRS 1040, all tax schedules plus W-2s, and signed Form 4506 to SSS as part of the TADS application.

All information related to the parents’ financial circumstances will be treated confidentially. These forms will only be used to arrive at a fair determination of financial need.

What is the deadline for applying for tuition assistance?
The deadline for submitting the TADS application is March 10. Tuition aid grants will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis based on the financial aid budget after that date.

How does TADS calculate my family’s “contribution” or ability to pay?
Once a family submits its application to TADS, the process starts.

TADS uses a formula to estimate the resources your family may have available to pay school costs. Simply stated, the formula considers your income, what you own (your house and other investments), what you owe (your mortgage and other debts), the size of your family, and how many family members are enrolled in tuition-charging schools or colleges.

After making allowances for basic necessities, taxes, and certain other expenses, TADS determines what portion of your remaining funds are available to pay school costs.

What costs does tuition assistance cover?
Tuition aid grants only cover the cost of tuition. All fees or costs for after-school programs are the responsibility of families.

What happens if the tuition aid grant is not enough?
If RCDS is unable to meet the needs of the family, the enrollment deposit ($2,500) will be refunded and the enrollment contract cancelled.

Is it possible to appeal the tuition assistance allocation?
Families may appeal a decision by submitting a written request to the Tuition Assistance Committee. Include any information that will help the committee to better understand your financial situation, such as monthly expense, unforeseen changes in employment, or outstanding financial obligations.

Is a tuition aid grant automatically renewed each year?
All families receiving tuition assistance grants must reapply each year. Every application is reviewed annually.

How will filing IRS tax forms on April 15 or later affect a families tuition assistance award?
Families are encouraged to complete the PFS form as soon as possible by using information from the current year. Although the tuition assistance award cannot be made until all supporting documentation (IRS 1040, all tax schedules plus W-2s) is submitted, it may allow the Tuition Assistance Committee to give a family an indication of a possible award.

When will I be notified of my award?
Families will be notified as the committee reviews the files. The process usually extends from mid-March through the end of April. Once an award notification is sent, families are expected to accept or decline the award within two weeks. If this timeline is not met, RCDS reserves the right to award the assistance to an alternate candidate.

For more information on the tuition assistance process and policy, please contact Ron Romanowicz at ext. 205 or by email at romanowicz@rocklandcds.org.