Tuition Aid
Need-based Tuition Aid Program
Since 2006, Cornerstone Christian Academy has offered an excellent education program based on Biblical principles to the children of families in our community. As a parent-sponsored school, the financial responsibilities for the school rest on the families whose children attend CCA. At the same time, the Board of Directors understands the financial challenges facing many parents today and has established protocol for families to apply for tuition aid.
The tuition aid program at Cornerstone Christian Academy is guided by our belief that parents have an obligation to pay the education expenses of their children to the extent that they are able. The purpose of the tuition aid program is to fill the gap between the actual cost of the year's tuition and what a family can realistically be expected to pay toward this cost. We urge you to pray that God will provide what is needed.
Tuition aid is offered in the form of a grant and does not require repayment. Tuition aid is awarded for tuition only and does not cover student fees, lunches, transportation or any other incidental expense. Additionally, only a portion of demonstrated need will be met; as families decide whether to accept tuition aid grant, it is important that they carefully consider their financial obligation for the remaining portion of tuition, including fees and other incidental costs of attendance.
How Need is Determined
As is common with most independent schools, tuition aid awards are decided by the school's Committee on Tuition Aid. Cornerstone Christan Academy has partnered with FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition), a service powered by Independent School Management (ISM), to process tuition aid applications. ISM provides standardized and impartial processing in a confidential online setting. Parents requesting tuition aid are required to complete a FAST form online. To get started, please ensure you have submitted a Re-Enrollment Form or an Enrollment Application and then click the image to the left. You will be directed to the online tuition aid application.
The methodology used by FAST to determine parental contribution considers many items, including assets, liabilities, family size and the number of students in tuition-charging schools. The Committee also differentiates between necessary expenses and those that are simply lifestyle choices. Also taken into consideration is the student's academic records, parental volunteer service to CCA, and emergency situations or hardships.
Should I Apply for Tuition Aid? Will I Qualify?
We realize that an education at Cornerstone Christian Academy is an excellent investment in your child's future but one that also represents an expense that may stretch the finances of some families. Presently, there is no income level that qualifies a family for financial aid. We encourage families to complete the tuition aid process if they feel that the full cost of tuition is more than they can afford.
Timetable for Applying for Tuition Aid
April 15 to April 30 - Apply to FAST for tuition aid
May 15 to May 30 - Committee on Tuition Aid meets to determine aid disbursement
June 1 to June 15 - Notification sent to families
Tuition Aid Awards and Payment
Tuition Aid will be awarded no later than June 15. Families will be notified by letter of their award amount. Families have the option of accepting or declining this award.
Because Tuition Aid is based on the school's annual budget and the number of applications received, award amounts may vary from year to year.
Tuition Aid awards will be applied in ten equal payments and will appear as a credit on your invoice. Tuition payments must be current in order for the award to be applied to your invoice. Tuition Aid will be reinstated once tuition payments are made current, including late fees.
If a student moves, drops out, or has to leave Cornerstone Christian Academy for any reason, they forfeit all right to their Tuition Aid. No refunds will be given and all balances must be paid.
Maine Children’s Scholarship Fund
This scholarship can be used to pay 75% of tuition up to the cap of $1,700 at our school. The deadline for application is April 30, 2011. Go to www.mecsf.org for more information and to download applications, or visit our office for details!