Tuition and Financial Aid

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• Who qualifies for financial aid?

  Our aid recipient families are spread across the three divisions of the School and represent a range of income brackets. In addition to income, personal/family assets are taken into consideration in the calculation of awards. We believe that every family has an obligation to contribute towards their child’s education and expect that this commitment (regardless of level) is reflected in the application. Financial aid awards vary from 10% to 95% of tuition. For more information about average awards and percentages of students receiving aid, please consult the aid profile section of this webpage.

• What kind of financial aid is provided?

  Financial aid grants at Brimmer are 100% need-based. We do not offer merit awards/scholarships. Families must complete an application (PFS) and provide supporting tax documents each year their children are enrolled at the School.

• How are awards calculated?

  Based on the information families provide on the Parent Financial Statement (PFS), SSS generates an estimated amount that families can contribute towards educational expenses. The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is used as a starting point for discussions and allows the Financial Aid Committee to be fair and objective in its decision-making. We frequently make our own adjustments to the calculation as necessary.

• Do aid awards cover tuition only?

  Yes, financial aid awards are directed towards tuition only. However, depending upon grade and aid level, additional funds are granted for books, iPads, orientation programs, and trips. This amount varies by student.

• Can families apply for financial aid before their taxes are completed?

  Yes, families can complete and submit an application (PFS) at any time after October 1. If an application is completed before taxes are filed, families should do their best to estimate the values in required fields. Numbers can be changed later, once documentation is received.

• If a family receives aid one year, are they guaranteed aid in subsequent years?

  Families can expect to receive aid throughout the years their child is in school unless there is a change in their financial situation. The percentage of award is subject to change, however, and is based upon several factors including income fluctuation and tuition increases among others. 

• If a family does not receive aid when their child/children enroll/s at Brimmer, can they apply in subsequent years?

  Any family can apply for financial aid, regardless of whether assistance was provided at their year of entry. With that said, aid cannot be guaranteed, and parents should plan ahead of time for annual tuition increases as well as tuition levels of future grades/divisions within the School. If a family is having difficulty paying tuition or is experiencing hardship, they should be in touch with the Financial Aid and/or Business Office to discuss their situation.

• If a family has multiple children applying, do they need to submit more than one application?

  No, each family need only to complete one application regardless of the number of children applying to the School. While we value family connections at Brimmer, siblings are not guaranteed financial aid at any grade level.

• How should single parents or separated/divorced couples complete the application?

  We believe that each parent (regardless of level of contribution) has a financial obligation toward the education of their child/children. To that end, we require each parent to complete a PFS. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing this from happening, please be in touch with the Financial Aid Office. We do consider the ability of stepparents to contribute in our calculations, though recognize that they have a greater financial obligation to their biological children when applicable. It is important to note that all information received by the Financial Aid Office is held in the strictest of confidence and the information of one parent is never shared with the other.