Tuition & Financial Aid

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What should I know before applying?

  Applicants are accepted for admission on a need-aware basis. Once accepted, candidates for financial aid are referred to the Financial Aid Committee to consider the aid application. Each year the number of mission-appropriate and acceptable applicants demonstrating financial need outnumber those whom NCCS is able to support. As a result, some qualified students will be placed on the admissions waitlist because of financial need. When considering applicants who have been placed on the admissions waitlist, financial need is once again taken into account. If a spot becomes available, a student who qualifies for financial aid will be offered enrollment from the admissions waitlist only if financial aid is also available to be included as part of the offer.

• What is need-based financial aid?

  The primary responsibility for financing education rests with the family. After all of the family’s own resources have been exhausted, families are encouraged to apply for financial aid to make up the difference between the cost of education and the expected family contribution. Financial aid at NCCS is granted based on a family’s demonstrated financial need. 

• How is need-based financial aid determined?

  We determine a student’s financial need as the difference between Country School’s tuition and an estimate of what a family can reasonably contribute for education. To determine the most equitable estimate of family contribution, Country School uses the services of Clarity. The result of this computation is then used by Country School’s Financial Aid Committee as a guide for determining the amount of the grant.

• What kind of “lifestyle” choices are considered when granting financial aid?

  Country School does not provide aid to offset “lifestyle” choices such as luxury cars, second homes, expensive vacations, club memberships, high credit card debt, and expenditures that could have been directed to education. Additionally, unless a home or health situation exists, both parents/guardians are expected to be employed full time to contribute towards the cost of education.

• Does financial aid cover expenses beyond tuition?

  Yes, financial aid is awarded as a direct grant against annual expenses for tuition, transportation, lunch, and Extended Day costs. Families receiving need-based financial aid also receive proportionate discounts toward other school-related costs such as extended-day, class trips, instrument rentals, laptop purchases, etc.

• Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?

  Yes, while we are committed to renewing financial aid annually assuming that a family’s circumstances are largely the same, we nonetheless require families to submit financial aid application forms each year in order to capture the most accurate information.  If you are a Country School family currently receiving financial aid and wish to reapply for the 2026-27 school year, you must submit an application on the Clarity family portal by the deadline of December 1.

  
  Families can expect the same level of support throughout each child’s years at Country School if their demonstrated need remains the same. The financial aid grant is likely to change if the family situation changes significantly. If a family does not qualify for financial aid upon admission, it is unlikely they will qualify in subsequent years unless there is a significant change in family finances.

• Are there payment plans available?

  We offer three payment plan options to all families:
  

  • 1 Month: Payment in full via Blackbaud Tuition Management due by July 15
  • 2 Month: Interest-free semi-annual payments via Blackbaud Tuition Management due by July 15 and November 15
  • 9 Month: Interest-free monthly payment plan which allows you to spread your child’s education expenses over 9 monthly installments, beginning on May 15  and ending on January 15.

• How does Country School work with divorced or separated parents?

  Parents who are divorced or separated must each complete the Financial Aid Application provided by Clarity. If either parent is remarried, the assets of the stepparent are also considered.

• If our family does not receive financial aid, but we enroll our child at NCCS, may we apply for financial aid in future years?

  If a family does not apply for or did not qualify for financial aid upon admission to the School, financial aid will only be awarded in subsequent years if the family experiences a significant change in circumstances. Examples include an employment change, a large decrease in income, an increase in the number of children attending tuition-charging institutions, or a medical issue.

  
  If you are a current Country School family and are interested in applying for financial aid for the first time, please contact Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Beth O’Brien regarding next steps, (203) 801-5628 or bobrien@countryschool.net.

• What if any parent is not working?

  Typically the Financial Aid Committee will impute a wage for a parent who is not currently employed. However, the committee makes exceptions when a spouse has a significant reason for being unemployed, such as having non-school aged children at home, having children and/or parents who require substantial assistance, or is unable to work due to a medical condition.

• Can I get a loan to pay the tuition?

  While New Canaan Country School does not offer loans to parents, a loan program is available through Your Tuition Solution. Information can be found at www.yourtuitionsolution.com or by calling (800) 920-9777.