List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• What if I'm past your deadline?

  Applications for financial assistance will be reviewed as funds remain available. You may contact Susan Trenkle at financialassistance@collegiate-va.org or 804.740.4895.

• Is there an income cut-off?

  We do not make general statements about income eligibility because there are several other factors which can impact demonstrated need outside of income. However, families of various income levels may be eligible for financial assistance. 

• How is need determined?

  An interested family completes a confidential Clarity financial assistance application which requests information about a family's financial situation. The analysis considers a family's income, various expenses, family size, number of children in tuition-charging schools, indebtedness, and assets. Tax documents are also collected as part of the application. Collegiate's use of Clarity allows for consistent and fair treatment of applicants and objectivity in application review. Collegiate considers the Clarity analysis along with a family's lifestyle choices in spending its financial resources and our own institutional discretion in making financial assistance awards. Available funds at any given time are also considered. 

• What does Collegiate require in addition to the application?

  • For business owners, federal business tax return and all supporting schedules such as Form 1120-S or Form 1165 and Schedule K-1.
  • Other documents may be required depending on a family's circumstances.
  • Note, as part of the application, you will authorize the Internal Revenue Service to provide your 2023 Form 1040 and Form W-2 to Clarity and Collegiate School. 

• What if I am divorced/separated or never married?

  We believe that both parents are responsible for contributing toward the educational costs of their children. Accordingly, both natural parents and/or guardians are required to complete the financial assistance application (if living in separate households) and provide the required additional documents. Exceptions are rare. No financial information will be shared with the other parent/guardian in the case of separate applications. If you have questions, please contact Susan Trenkle at financialassistance@collegiate-va.org or 804.740.4895.

• With whom is my information shared?

  All financial information is strictly safeguarded. Only those who are directly responsible for determining need will have access to your information. By necessity, the Student Billing Coordinator will also have knowledge of awards.

• What fees are there outside of tuition?

  Required Expenses:
  

  • Books and supplies for students not receiving financial assistance ($80-$650 depending on grade level)
  • A laptop computer is required for Grades 9-12 (minimum one-time cost of $900)
  • Athletic equipment/gear (sport specific)
  • AP Examinations/SAT/ACT

  
  Optional Expenses (among others):
  

  • Lunch plan (click here for lunch plan brochure)
  • Snack bar/Estes Café (separate from lunch plan)
  • Music lessons
  • After-school care
  • After-school enrichment programs
  • School-related travel
  • Athletic team apparel
  • Athletic camps

• Can I use my 529 funds to pay tuition?

  A 529 plan is a savings plan that helps families save for future qualified education expenses. In a 529 account, your money can grow free from federal taxes and be used to fund qualified K-12 and higher education expenses. Virginia taxpayers enjoy the additional benefit of a state income tax deduction on contributions to their Virginia529 accounts.

  
  Starting January 2018, with the passing of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 529 account owners can also use up to $10,000 per year in 529 funds toward a beneficiary's private K-12 school tuition.

  
  Anyone wishing to use 529 funds for K-12 tuition expenses will need to first open up a Virginia529 account as they would for a college savings account. If you already have a 529 account, you may use those funds, up to $10,000 per calendar year, to pay for K-12 tuition costs. If you do not already have an account and choose to open one, you can do so at https://www.virginia529.com/invest/getting-started/.

   

• What payment plans are offered?

  • One-Payment Plan: Pay tuition in full by July 28.
  • Two-Payment Plan: Pay 60% of the tuition by July 28 and the remaining 40% by Jan. 28. This is the most widely used plan.
  • Ten-Payment Plan: Pay tuition in 10 monthly installments, beginning July 28, with subsequent payments due by the 28th day of each month through April. A surcharge is added to the annual tuition and divided into 10 installments.
  • Twelve-Payment Plan: Families with three or more children enrolled at Collegiate may divide their payments into 12 installments, with the first payment due in July and subsequent payments due by the 28th day of each month through June. A surcharge is added to the tuition and spread over the 12 installments.

  
  Financing options are available through Your Tuition Solution. For more information, you may call Jennifer Quindoza, Controller, at 804-741-9754.