Tuition Assistance

Please read this information carefully if you are interested in applying for Tuition Assistance.

The Westside Waldorf School is determined to make Waldorf education accessible to families from a wide range of economic backgrounds. Among our families are those who can afford tuition at the highest level and whose philanthropic generosity provides a vital component of annual operating expenses. There are also those families who manage to pay full tuition only by making a substantial sacrifice, those who are able to afford only minimal tuition and a full spectrum in between.

Additionally, circumstances such as loss of employment, new business starts or unusual medical expenses may impact a family’s financial means dramatically from one year to the next. At Westside Waldorf, we understand that change is a part of life and that continuity of your child’s educational environment is critically important during times when other factors may put unusual stress on parents and guardians.

As a LAIS and AWSNA accredited school, it is important that Westside Waldorf follow the “best practice” guidelines determined by the Los Angeles Independent Schools (LAIS) and FACTS program. Please keep in mind that timing and careful compliance with our process is important in receiving financial aid. Qualification for financial aid does not ensure that funding will be available for your student. Financial aid is funded completely out of the school’s operating funds, so our budget is limited. Additionally, because assistance is limited to tuition and does not cover fees, parents must be able to demonstrate the ability to pay the fees not covered by the assistance offered to them.

You must submit your completed application prior to the published deadline or your enrollment contract will automatically be issued at the full-tuition rate. You are required to re-qualify annually, even if you already receive a reduction in your tuition in the current school year and/or past years. Also, you are required to substantiate the information submitted on your application by providing the school with a copy of your tax return by the school-determined deadline. IRS granted return deadline extensions are not acceptable qualification for late tax submission to the school.

Applicants should apply online at FACTS website here. The deadline to apply for Tuition Assistance is February 1, 2023. If you are applying to the school for the first time, late Tuition Assistance applications are reviewed based on need and available funds. The cost to apply for assistance is $55 per application submitted. You only need to submit one application for all students for which you are requesting tuition assistance. If you are a business owner, you must complete the Business/Farm section of the Parents’ Financial Statement.  All financial information submitted as a part of the process is held in strict confidence by the school.

Both requirements must be completed before a financial aid award is considered final:

1. Completion and submission of the FACTS online financial aid application no later than February 1, 2023.
2. Submission of 2022 income tax returns by the deadline of April 14, 2023.