Financial Aid

Key School's Financial Aid Philosophy

From its inception, Key School recognized both the necessity to charge tuition for education and to provide aid to deserving students. Distinguishing itself as a School that promoted individuality and encouraged openness to differing ideas and perspectives, the School was dedicated from the outset to the principle that diversity in the cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds of its students is vital to the School's ability to achieve the highest standards of learning both inside and outside the classroom. Highlighting this acknowledgement, the School's early literature declared, "Key is a community institution that caters, not to the gifted or privileged few, but to all young people of at least average ability who are capable of profiting from its programs…. Although an independent school, Key does not think of itself as 'private' in any sense—we want to open our doors to all children."

The Key School is committed to the principle that learning is maximized when students of differing abilities and backgrounds work together and develop an understanding of one another. This commitment to facilitate high standards in its day-to-day endeavors as a learning community is equaled by Key School's dedication to the belief that a diverse educational environment is vital to the School's fulfillment of its stated responsibility to prepare its students for the future—in terms of the challenges they will face, the responsibilities they will assume, and the impact they will have within an increasingly complex and pluralistic world community.

Key School acknowledges that increased access to the broadest possible range of students enhances the School's ability to attract, enroll, and retain those students whose contributions, values and attitudes strengthen the learning environment for teachers and students alike. Thus, financial aid is recognized as a tool for bolstering the School's ability to enroll the very best students to fulfill its Mission and to assure that the quality of the school experience is enhanced for all. Because good students attract and help retain good faculty, and because together the faculty and students shape the School's image and future enrollment, financial aid is vital to effective community building and successful enrollment management.

Key School's financial aid budget for 2007-2008 was over $ 1,150,000. Grants, made to both low and middle income families, are funded by the School and do not need to be repaid. Athletic and academic scholarships and merit awards are not given at Key School. Key School adheres to the National Association of Independent Schools' (NAIS) "Principles of Good Practice for Financial Aid." These "Principles of Good Practice" are available on the NAIS website, www.nais.org.

Applying for Financial Aid

Key School encourages all academically qualified students who are interested in its programs to apply for admission, regardless of family financial status. Financial aid is available to students who have been accepted for admission and whose families demonstrate financial need. To assess the level of need, the School uses the calculations of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in Pittsburgh, PA. Continued need must be demonstrated each year. It is the policy of the Financial Aid Committee to maintain award funding consistently from year to year, always subject to current documented need and established criteria.

Family income is not the only factor in determining the amount of an award. The number of children in tuition bearing schools, for example, is a significant factor. During the past year, families with incomes in the $150,000 range received awards.

After completing the Application for Admission, financial aid forms may be requested from the Admission Office.

Please contact the Admission Office for more information about Key School's Financial Aid Program.

Financial Aid Application Process

  • Mark the appropriate financial aid box on the Application for Admission.
  • Request a Financial Aid Packet from the Admission Office. This packet includes a cover letter, instructions and a timetable for submission of materials.
  • Send completed Parent Financial Statement (PFS) form to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid in Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Submit copies of the following documents to Key:
    • 2007 Federal Income Tax return form 1040 with all attached schedules
    • All 2007 W-2 Forms
    • Business/Farm Statement (if applicable)
  • SSS will make recommendations regarding the amount of financial aid a family needs, however, it is the responsibility of the Financial Aid Committee to review the calculations and to make the final award. Decisions are influenced by the availability of School resources, the number of qualified applicants, and overall budgetary constraints. At times, there have been insufficient funds to meet the needs of all accepted students who qualify for Financial Aid.

Parent Responsibilities

It is the parents' responsibility to complete the Financial Aid application process by the given deadlines. The primary responsibility for financing a student's independent school education rests with the family. This noted, Key School's Financial Aid program makes every effort to help all eligible applicants.

Need-Blind Admission

Key School does not use financial need as a consideration in assessing a student's eligibility for admission. The admission and Financial Aid processes are separate and distinct. No decisions regarding Financial Aid are made until the student is accepted.

Confidentiality

Key School safeguards the confidentiality of all financial aid information supplied by applicants and does not publicly identify recipients of Financial Aid. Families are informed that publicizing an award in any way is inappropriate and is in violation of School policy.

Financial Aid Waiting Pool

Financial aid funds are limited. Applicants whose needs cannot be met will be placed in a waiting pool. If funds become available at a later time (as funds are released from families on Financial Aid who leave the School or who do not qualify for continued assistance), they will be awarded to applicants who qualify. The Financial Aid Committee will decide on awards as funds become available.

Circumstances Affecting Parental Contribution

Given limited resources, the following policies are designed to promote the most fair and consistent division of available Financial Aid. The School adheres to these policies unless special circumstances allow deviation.

Non-Working Parent

The School expects both parents to contribute to tuition. If a parent makes the decision not to work, the School may impute an annual income for a non-working parent, after the youngest child in the family reaches kindergarten age.

Divorced and Separated Parents

In the case of divorce or separation, the School requires both parents to file an application for Financial Aid. Both parents file the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS). All current tax returns and supporting documentation are required from both parents. The School is not bound by any divorce agreement specifying a parent's responsibility for educational expenses. It is felt to be unfair for the School to subsidize a child's education if one of the parents is able, but unwilling, to contribute to his/her child's tuition. It is also the School's policy to consider the resources of a step-parent in making an award. Please contact the Director of Admission, Communication and Financial Aid for guidance in handling unusual circumstances.