Financial Aid Policy
Philosophy/Guiding Principles
Tidewater is committed to providing children with high quality, individualized instruction in a nurturing Montessori environment. A generous percentage of the operating budget from year to year is dedicated to tuition assistance for families who qualify.
Application Process
In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, an online application must be completed. Tidewater is registered with FAST, an on-line tool created by ISM (Independent School Management), which offers independent schools a third party evaluation of financial need based on parameters specific to our school. Click the FAST logo at the bottom of the page to start the application process.
In addition to the FAST evaluation, Tidewater uses criteria specific to the school to evaluate applications for financial aid. These criteria are listed below for your consideration prior to your application.
- Number of years in the community
- Commitment to the program (long term vs. short term)
- Volunteer efforts on behalf of our school
- Participation in parent education opportunities and school events
- Participation in Tidewater fundraising efforts (Circle of Friends, Small Hands, and other fundraisers)
- Change in financial circumstance
Tidewater’s Board of Trustees, in consultation with the Head of School, reviews and approves financial aid recommendations every March and as needed during the school year. Once a decision has been reached, applicants will receive an award letter with a requirement to respond within two weeks. In addition, any family who receives aid will be required to perform volunteer duties at the school during the year for which aid is awarded. Financial Aid is offered on an annual basis only, and no guarantee can be made as to the continuation of financial aid from year to year.
Click on the FAST logo below to start the application process.
