List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What is Financial Assistance?

  Financial Assistance (FA) decreases tuition costs based on need. Although sometimes referred to as a grant or scholarship, LJCDS does not award merit scholarships (i.e., monetary awards based on either academic or extracurricular merit). All students who receive assistance come from families that qualify, as determined by a combination of the Clarity methodology and the school's financial assistance policies.

• Who can apply?

  Anyone applying for admission to kindergarten through Grade 11 may apply for financial assistance. Because priority is given to Middle and Upper School applicants, financial assistance is not always available for Lower School applicants. Financial assistance is not available for Tiny Torreys (age 3) and junior kindergarten (age 4) applicants.
  

• How do I apply?

  Please refer to our guide on How to Apply for Financial Assistance.

• How are financial assistance decisions made?

  Financial assistance is awarded based on a family’s demonstrated need, as determined by a combination of the Clarity methodology and LJCDS' financial assistance policies.

   

  Calculations are based primarily on the following:

  • incomes of both parents
  • family’s assets
  • family’s liabilities
  • age of both parents
  • number of dependents
  • number of children in tuition-charging schools (LJCDS does not include graduate school tuition for family members in our computation)

  The information from Clarity is supplemented by information gleaned from each family’s federal income tax return and the explanations provided within the application. We make every effort, subject to the availability of financial assistance resources, to provide for our students' demonstrated needs.

• Will applying for financial assistance affect my child's chances for admission?

  While the admission and financial aid application processes are separate, admission decisions are ultimately “need aware." Students who meet the admission requirements, but who we can't fund, will be placed in the wait pool and considered for admission if both a space and funds become available.

• When are students and families notified of financial assistance decisions?

  For families who complete the application by the February 1 deadline, admission and financial assistance decisions will be shared electronically on Friday, March 7.

• If we are offered financial assistance and decide to enroll at La Jolla Country Day School, can we expect approximately the same level of assistance in future years? Do we have to reapply for assistance each year?

  Yes. Families of LJCDS students must complete the financial assistance application process each year and submit the required documentation just as they did during the initial process. If a family's financial picture remains relatively the same from year to year, a family can expect to receive a similar financial award for tuition and related fees each year. The Financial Assistance Committee will perform a full analysis each year to determine eligibility for continued assistance.

• Does LJCDS offer financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses?

  Yes. Financial assistance recipients can expect to receive the same percentage of assistance towards mandatory expenses like a laptop for the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, required school trips, transportation, etc.
  
  

  The school's goal is to enable financial assistance recipients to participate fully in school life and feel comfortable in their environment.

• What if I am a single, separated or divorced parent?

  La Jolla Country Day School believes that all parents have a moral and ethical obligation to contribute to the expense of educating their children, whether or not they have a legal obligation to do so. All parents are expected to submit a completed financial assistance application and all required documents. If either parent has remarried, the needs analysis considers the assets and earnings potential of the stepparent in conjunction with the natural parent, considering the stepparent's responsibility to his or her own children.

   

  If the non-custodial parent is not involved in the student's life and does not contribute financially, or if the involvement of the non-custodial parent is not in the student's best interest, the requirement for financial aid forms from that parent may be waived. The custodial parent must prove “lack of contact.” A letter of verification from a third party (e.g., minister, attorney, social worker) will be required. 

• What if I am self-employed?

  Parents who are self-employed or who own a business or farm should complete the business/farm section of the application and include their business tax documentation with their income tax. Additionally, they may also be asked to furnish cash flow statements, balance sheets and other information relevant to the business.

• Are payment plans are available?

  Yes, different plans are available, including a 10-month payment plan. Detailed descriptions of the plans are provided within the enrollment contract for accepted students. If you would like more information, please contact the admission office.