2020 - 2021 Lawrence Academy Financial Aid Guide

FINANCIAL AID

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2020-2021

Greetings, We recognize that the cost of an independent school education is a considerable investment for families, but we are committed to making a Lawrence Academy education available to students regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

Therefore, we have included this brochure to better inform families of our financial aid process and provide the steps required to apply for aid In the spirit of Lawrence Academy’s motto, Omnibus Lucet, we believe access to education through financial aid is of vital, equitable importance. Our Admissions Office mission charges us to create a vibrant, diverse, engaged, and inclusive community of learners. Each year, Lawrence Academy is deeply committed to bringing new and unique student voices into the school from across the United States and around the world.

Lawrence Academy subscribes to School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS) in determining a family’s financial need. All families, new and returning, applying for financial aid must complete and submit the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) to SSS. Please visit the SSS website (http://sssbynais.org) to begin the financial aid application process. The SSS Family Portal will open to accept the PFS for the 2021-2022 academic year in early October.

Thank you for your interest in Lawrence Academy. If you have any questions regarding financial aid, please contact the office at (978) 448-1527 or pblood@lacademy.edu. We look forward to assisting you through the financial aid process.

Sincerely, Phil Blood Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

Affording Lawrence Academy Lawrence Academy commits to ensuring access to an independent school education by bridging the gap between family resources and educational expenses. For the 2020-2021 academic year, 32 percent of our students received need-based financial grants, and we distributed $5 million in need-based financial assistance to 127 families in our school community.

Financial Aid Deadlines Timeline for New Candidates

By Jan. 31, 2021

Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) must be completed and submitted to School and Student Services (SSS). In addition, a copy of your 2019 Federal Tax Returns, including all schedules and W-2 and 1099 forms, must be submitted to SSS. The school code for Lawrence Academy is 4552.

By March 10, 2021 Lawrence Academy posts admission decisions. Financial aid candidates accepted to Lawrence Academy will receive their financial aid award with the offer of admission.

April 10, 2021

Deadline for new families to accept offers of admission and financial aid awards.

Timeline for Current Lawrence Academy Families

By Dec. 4, 2020

Current families must complete and submit the PFS. Additionally, copies of your 2019 and 2018 Federal Tax Returns, including all schedules and W-2s and 1099s forms, must be on file. Lawrence Academy will not provide financial aid to current families for the upcoming academic year until tuition and fees are fully paid.

By March 10, 2021 Lawrence Academy informs current families of financial aid awards during re-enrollment period.

April 10, 2021

Deadline for current families to accept financial aid award.

Frequently Asked Questions What is financial aid?

Financial aid is funding formulated on the basis of need and intended to decrease tuition costs for education. All students who receive financial aid are awarded aid due to demonstrated need according to School and Student Services for Financial Aid (SSS).

Who is eligible to apply for financial aid?

Anyone may apply for financial aid. For the 2020-2021 academic year, Lawrence Academy awarded $5 million in financial aid to 127 students.

How much does it cost to attend Lawrence Academy?

For the 2020-2021 academic year, tuition was $52,450 for day students and $65,925 for boarding students.

Does Lawrence Academy offer merit scholarships?

We do not offer academic or athletic scholarships. All financial aid is awarded based on demonstrated need.

Will applying for financial aid affect my child’s chances for admission?

Lawrence Academy will offer spaces only to those students we can financially assist. If we are unable to offer financial assistance to an admissible student, that student will be placed in the wait pool until funds and a space become available.

What happens if we are late to submit the financial aid application?

For new families, if you are unable to meet the Jan. 31 deadline, please contact the director of financial aid at (978) 448-1527.

As the Financial Aid Committee at

Lawrence Academy will be evaluating aid requests in early February, it is imperative that families submit all requested paperwork according to the deadlines.

How are financial aid decisions made?

The Financial Aid Committee utilizes the information provided by SSS as a guideline in determining financial aid awards. While LA has a robust financial aid program, the budget limits our ability to meet every family’s level of need. Admissible candidates whom we cannot fund will be placed in our wait pool.

What is the policy for divorced, separated, or never married parents?

We require that both natural parents complete the PFS and submit completed tax forms to SSS. Is financial aid available to international students?

Lawrence Academy does not offer financial aid to international candidates.

How do I answer Question 13 on the Parents’ Financial Statement?

The question asks what you can realistically contribute toward your child’s education.

Please do not leave it blank or answer zero.

It’s my first time filling out a PFS. Who can I speak to for clarification?

If you have questions as you complete the PFS, please contact SSS customer service at (800) 344-8328.

What is Lawrence Academy’s School Code?

The school code for Lawrence Academy is 4552.