FINANCIAL AID FAMILY GUIDE 1
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MISSION & PURPOSE At The Webb Schools, we believe exceptional education should be accessible to families from a wide range of economic backgrounds, and that economic diversity strengthens our learning community. Guided by our mission to think boldly, mindfully, and creatively, act with honor and moral courage, lead with distinction, and serve with a generous spirit, Webb offers a financial aid program designed to support families in making an investment in an education that lasts a lifetime. Webb’s financial aid program is a partnership between families and the school to remove financial barriers through a transparent and personalized process. We work closely with each family to understand their unique circumstances and ensure that a Webb education is a viable and sustainable investment. 3
FINANCIAL AID OVERVIEW Financial aid at Webb is need-based and designed to bridge the gap between a family’s available resources and the total cost of a Webb education. We understand that each family’s situation is unique, and we review every application with thoughtfulness and care. At Webb, we recognize that investing in an independent school education is a significant commitment. As part of our financial aid process, we thoughtfully partner with families to ensure that available resources are prioritized to support their students’ education. We encourage families to reflect on how discretionary spending and lifestyle choices align with this shared goal. In our review, the Financial Aid Committee looks for evidence that a student’s education is a top family priority. This may include meaningful adjustments to discretionary spending to help make a Webb education possible. Our aim is to support families in making informed, values-based financial decisions in preparation for and during their time at Webb.
TOTAL FAMILY PHILOSOPHY Webb values open, respectful, and collaborative relationships with all parents and guardians. We believe that financing a Webb education is a shared responsibility, and we require the active participation of a student’s full family in supporting this investment. To ensure fairness and consistency in our financial aid process, Webb considers the financial capacity of all adults who are responsible for or contribute to the student’s well-being. This includes parents, guardians, domestic partners, and stepparents, regardless of any legal agreements such as prenuptial arrangements, custody agreements, or divorce decrees. In households where adults cohabitate, Webb assesses total household income, regardless of marital or legal status. 4
Our financial aid decisions are made on a total family basis. As such, Webb requires all parents, including noncustodial parents, to submit a financial aid application, unless exceptional circumstances are documented and approved by the Financial Aid Office.
CURRENTLY ENROLLED FAMILIES NEW TO THE FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM Webb understands that a family’s financial picture can evolve over time. For currently enrolled families who did not receive financial aid in previous years, new applications will only be considered if there has been a significant and verifiable change in financial circumstances. In alignment with our total family approach, this expectation remains in effect regardless of changes in family structure, including divorce. Families must demonstrate both a substantial reduction in income and corresponding adjustments in lifestyle that reflect that change. If tuition was previously paid by extended family or other contributors who are no longer able to assist, the family must provide documentation confirming this change—such as a detailed letter from the contributing party explaining their inability to continue support. Additionally, families who enrolled at Webb without financial aid in their first year and earn income outside of U.S. are required to explain how they financed that first year. At Webb, financial aid is awarded based on a family’s demonstrated need. While we understand that families may use personal savings to support the first year, our policy does not accommodate plans to apply for aid in subsequent years based on earlier financial choices.
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UNDEREMPLOYED OR NONWORKING PARENTS AND GUARDIANS Webb is committed to a fair and consistent financial aid process grounded in transparency and shared responsibility. As part of this process, the Financial Aid Committee considers the earning potential of all parents or guardians, not just current income. This ensures equity among families and honors the contributions of those making intentional financial sacrifices to prioritize their child’s education. Families in which one or more adults are unemployed or underemployed by choice may have an imputed income assigned. This does not apply when unemployment is due to health, caregiving responsibilities, or other substantiated constraints. If a parent is selfemployed and reports income that is significantly below the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual mean wage for their profession, the Committee may impute a more appropriate level of income unless there is a clear and documented reason for the discrepancy. Webb is unable to subsidize lifestyle decisions that significantly reduce a family’s capacity to contribute toward tuition. In addition to employment history, the Committee may review lifestyle indicators such as housing, travel, and vehicle ownership to ensure alignment between reported income and actual financial choices. A financial aid request may be declined or adjusted if the family’s financial profile does not reasonably support the level of aid requested.
CARING FOR OTHERS At Webb, we uphold the value of serving with a generous spirit— a guiding principle in how we learn, lead, and care for others. We understand that many families extend this spirit of generosity beyond their immediate household, providing emotional, physical, and financial support to loved ones. These choices reflect deep 6
commitments to family and community, and we honor them. In this section, we outline how various caregiving responsibilities may be considered in the financial aid review process. While we recognize the importance of caring for others, we also must ensure that available resources are distributed equitably and in accordance with Webb’s financial aid policies.
Caring for Adult Children Webb recognizes that adult children may sometimes need continued family support as they transition into independent adulthood. However, in line with our policy and standard financial aid practices, we generally do not consider support for adult children over the age of 24 in determining financial aid eligibility, unless the child is legally disabled and unable to work. In such cases, Webb will consider the associated caregiving expenses with appropriate documentation.
Caring for Aging Parents We understand that caring for aging parents can bring emotional and financial challenges. If your family is providing regular financial assistance to support an aging parent—such as covering medical care, housing, or daily living expenses—please include this information in the “Additional Comments” section of your financial aid application. The Committee may request supporting documentation to better understand the nature and scope of this support.
Supporting Family Members in Other Countries We also understand that many families support loved ones abroad, especially in times of hardship or instability. If your family regularly provides financial assistance to relatives in another country, please include a description and documentation of this support in your application. This helps the Financial Aid Committee better assess your financial responsibilities in the context of your full family picture. 7
TUITION AT OTHER SCHOOLS Webb understands that families may be supporting the education of more than one child, including those attending other tuitioncharging schools or colleges. To ensure consistency and fairness, we require families to apply for financial aid at each tuition-charging institution their children attend. While Webb remains committed to supporting families as they make important educational investments, we are unable to subsidize tuition costs at other institutions, including independent K–12 schools, colleges, or universities. As part of the financial aid application, families must submit copies of all financial aid award letters from these schools—including colleges—to provide a complete financial picture. Please note that tuition paid for children enrolled in graduate or professional programs is not considered in Webb’s financial aid calculations.
STUDENT ASSETS, TRUSTS, COLLEGE FUNDS, INHERITANCE At Webb, we strive to understand the full scope of a family’s resources to ensure financial aid decisions are equitable and needbased. As part of this process, all assets held in a student’s name, including savings, investments, trust funds, 529 plans or inherited funds, must be disclosed in the financial aid application, regardless of restrictions placed on those assets. These funds are considered available resources for the purpose of helping finance a student’s education at Webb. We encourage families to provide complete and transparent information so that the Financial Aid Committee can make the most informed and fair assessment of need.
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RETIREMENT ASSETS AND FAMILY FINANCIAL PLANNING At Webb, we respect the importance of long-term financial planning, including saving for retirement. Qualified retirement accounts—such as 401(k), 403(b), IRAs and pensions—are not expected to be used to fund a student’s education and are not included in our calculation of available assets. However, non-qualified accounts, including brokerage accounts, general savings, and equity in additional properties, are considered accessible resources and will be included in the financial aid assessment. While we recognize that families may be planning for future retirement needs beyond qualified plans, Webb is not able to subsidize those choices when determining financial aid eligibility. Our goal is to ensure that Webb’s financial aid resources are directed to families with demonstrated need, while maintaining fairness across our community.
HOME EQUITY, HOUSING EXPENSE, GENERATIONAL WEALTH At Webb, we understand that purchasing a home and building assets are important long-term goals for many families. Our financial aid process, using Clarity, considers equity in a family’s primary residence, as well as other assets and property holdings, to ensure a full and fair evaluation of available resources. It is not our expectation that families will sell their home or take on home equity loans to afford tuition. However, when a family holds substantial home equity, we may ask for additional information to understand how housing and lifestyle expenses are being met, especially if reported income appears inconsistent with the level of assets or home ownership.
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Families who have allocated significant discretionary income toward investments, such as additional properties, extensive home renovations or business purchases, rather than educational costs, may be expected to contribute a larger portion of their current income toward tuition. Webb also reviews generational wealth contributions, such as unusually large down payments or assistance with home purchases. If a home appears to be beyond the financial reach of a family based on reported income, the full value of the equity may be considered in the financial aid assessment. Likewise, if a family’s overall lifestyle, including housing and spending, does not align with income, the application may be adjusted or declined. Our goal is not to penalize thoughtful financial planning, but rather to ensure that Webb’s limited aid resources are directed toward families with clearly demonstrated need.
FAMILY LIFESTYLE DECISIONS At Webb, we respect that each family makes personal choices about how to allocate their discretionary income, whether toward travel, home improvements, extracurricular enrichment, vehicles or club memberships. These decisions reflect individual values, priorities, and circumstances. The Financial Aid Committee has a responsibility to ensure that Webb’s limited resources are directed to families who demonstrate a clear commitment to prioritizing education over other discretionary spending. We encourage families to thoughtfully consider how their financial decisions align with the shared goal of investing in their student’s Webb experience. Our process is designed not to pass judgment, but to maintain equity and transparency for all families seeking support.
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BUSINESS INCOME AND STARTUPS Webb welcomes applications from families with a wide variety of financial and professional backgrounds, including those who own or operate businesses. To ensure a complete and accurate understanding of available financial resources, all parents who own a business are required to submit the last two years of business tax returns as part of the financial aid process. Depending on the business structure, this may include (but is not limited to) IRS Form 1120S for S Corporations or Form 1065 for partnerships. The Financial Aid Committee also requires relevant financial documentation such as cash flow statements, profit and loss summaries and balance sheets, where available. Please note that Webb does not consider non-cash losses such as depreciation or reported rental losses in determining financial need. These figures do not reflect actual out-of-pocket expenditures and will be adjusted accordingly in our financial aid assessment. In order to ensure equitable distribution of Webb’s resources, the Committee must be able to construct a financial picture that aligns with reported income and observed lifestyle. If submitted documentation does not provide a clear, credible explanation of how the family supports their current lifestyle, the application may be denied. Webb is unable to underwrite personal business decisions, including the choice to launch a startup or absorb losses associated with business decline, bankruptcy, unresolved tax obligations, or legal action. These circumstances, while often complex and challenging, do not qualify as a basis for subsidized tuition support.
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OTHER TYPES OF INCOME Negative Income Families should be aware that reporting income to the IRS is not the same as the cash flow available to cover everyday living expenses. Clarity’s methodology focuses on actual income and cost-of-living realities to create an accurate financial picture. If a family reports negative income on tax returns, the Financial Aid Committee will carefully review housing, lifestyle, and other indicators to determine whether the reported figures align with observed financial circumstances. Adjustments may be made to reflect a more accurate income assessment.
Loss of Income Webb understands that job loss or emergency events can significantly affect a family’s financial stability. If a parent experiences a sudden loss of income, we ask that the family exhaust all available options to cover educational expenses before requesting additional support. While Webb will make every effort to assist during times of transition, financial aid cannot be used to retroactively cover tuition already billed. We expect that families experiencing employment disruption will be actively pursuing new income sources as part of their commitment to supporting their child’s education.
Income Earned Outside of the U.S. For families earning income outside the United States, Webb requires income verification to determine financial aid eligibility. Financial aid cannot be awarded without documentation. In cases where one parent files U.S. tax returns and the other earns foreign income, documentation must be provided for both. If sufficient documentation is not available, Webb will impute income based on available information to ensure consistency and equity in the financial aid review process.
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THE APPLICATION PROCESS Financial aid grants at Webb are awarded on an annual basis, and families must demonstrate continued eligibility each year their student is enrolled. To ensure fairness and consistency across all applicants, Webb requires all families seeking aid to complete a new financial aid application through Clarity each year. A completed application includes submission of the most recent tax returns and any requested supporting documents. Webb reserves the right to amend or rescind a financial aid award if updated or newly discovered information materially changes the financial picture after an award has been made. It is the family’s responsibility to notify the school of any significant change in financial circumstances, whether positive or negative, during the application process or the academic year. For returning families, please note that Webb may withhold the enrollment agreement and/or financial aid award for the upcoming school year if a financial aid application is not submitted by the required deadline. We are here to support you through each step of the process and encourage open, timely communication as we work together to make a Webb education possible.
Clarity Financial Aid Application The Webb Schools partners with Clarity, a modern, secure, and intuitive platform designed to make the financial aid process faster, easier, and more transparent. Here’s why families appreciate using Clarity: T akes Just 30 Minutes – Most families complete their application in under half an hour. M obile-Friendly – Apply directly from your phone 13
or tablet—no paperwork or scanning required. S ecure Data Syncing – Clarity connects safely to your tax documents, reducing manual entry and minimizing errors. O ne Application for Many Schools – If you’re applying for aid at multiple schools that use Clarity, you only need to submit one application. C lear, Supportive Guidance – Clarity walks you through every step with helpful prompts and access to live support when needed. At Webb, we believe that financial transparency and ease of access should never be barriers to opportunity. With Clarity, families can confidently apply for aid in a streamlined, supportive environment— so you can focus on their child’s future, not the forms.
Application Requirements To ensure a complete and timely review of your financial aid application, all families must submit the following: C larity Financial Aid Application – Required for all applying families. I RS Tax Forms – Pulled directly through Clarity when possible; manual uploads may be requested. B usiness Tax Forms – If applicable, include forms such as 1120S (S-Corp) or 1065 (Partnership). A dditional Documentation – The Financial Aid Committee may request supplemental materials to clarify your financial situation. We encourage families to apply early and respond promptly to any follow-up requests to avoid delays in processing.
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Application Deadlines Timely submission is critical to ensure your application receives full consideration. For the most current deadlines, please check https://www.webb.org/admission/tuition-and-financial-aid.
Applications submitted after these dates will be reviewed as funds allow.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Should I apply for financial aid if I’m unsure about my eligibility? Yes. Webb encourages all families for whom tuition would be a significant financial impact to apply. Our Financial Aid Committee reviews each application thoughtfully, and applying will not negatively affect your child’s admission. Will applying for financial aid affect my child’s admission? No. Admission decisions at Webb are made independently from financial aid status. However, in rare cases when the pool’s overall need exceeds our budget, demonstrated need may be one of many factors considered. When will we receive our financial aid award notification? For newly admitted families, financial aid award notifications are emailed along with the admission decision. For returning families, both those reapplying for aid and those applying for the first time; award decisions are provided with the enrollment agreement for the upcoming school year. We encourage families to meet all deadlines to ensure timely 15
processing and notification. Do I need to reapply for aid each year? Yes. Financial aid grants are awarded annually, and families must re-submit a Clarity application— including current tax returns and supporting documentation—each school year. Will I receive the same award in future years? While a family’s financial circumstances often remain stable, each year’s award is evaluated anew. Continued eligibility depends on updated information and need. Can I receive aid if one income comes from outside the U.S.? Yes, international income can be considered if properly documented. Families must provide official employer statements or equivalent documentation—and Webb may impute income when verification isn’t complete. Aid cannot be offered without documentation. Does Webb assist with expenses beyond tuition? In some cases, yes. Webb may include support for costs such as computers, travel, and incidentals, as funds allow, to ensure equitable access. What happens if family income changes after aid is granted? Families must notify the Financial Aid Office of any significant change in income or circumstances during the school year. Aid may be adjusted or rescinded based on updated information.
What documents are required with my Clarity application? • Completed Clarity financial aid application (required annually) • Most recent tax returns—pulled through Clarity or manual upload • Business returns (e.g. 1120S, 1065), if applicable • Additional documentation may be requested depending on circumstances
Are divorced or separated parents both required to apply? 16
Yes. Webb uses a total family approach, meaning all contributing adults, including non-custodial parents, must submit financial information unless there are documented exceptions approved by the Financial Aid Office. Is there an appeal process if we disagree with our financial aid award? Yes. Webb offers an appeal process for families who believe their initial award does not reflect their current financial reality. To request a review, families must submit: • A detailed letter of explanation outlining the reason for the appeal and any new or additional information not included in the original application. • A monthly cash flow report to help the Financial Aid Committee better understand current financial circumstances. The Committee will carefully consider all new information submitted. While we cannot guarantee that additional aid will be available, we are committed to reviewing each appeal with thoughtfulness and transparency.
CONTACT & SUPPORT 17
Need Help with Your Clarity Application? If you encounter technical issues or need assistance while completing your Clarity financial aid application, Clarity offers real-time support: • Visit: https://www.claritytuition.com • Email: support@claritytuition.com • Live Chat: Available directly within the application portal Clarity’s support team is responsive, knowledgeable, and ready to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Questions About Financial Aid at Webb? The Webb Schools’ Financial Aid Office is happy to help with any questions related to your application, documentation, timelines, or policies. • Email: affordingwebb@webb.org • Phone: (909) 482-5214 Whether you’re just beginning the process or have a specific question, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re committed to partnering with you in making a Webb education possible.
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1175 WEST BASELINE ROAD CLAREMONT, CA 91711 webb.org
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