Foote values diversity, seeking to include students of different races, religions, and economic backgrounds.  We understand that an independent school education for your child requires a major financial commitment.  It takes careful planning and considerable sacrifice for most families.  To assist in the planning process, Foote offers a number of financing options and a program of need-based financial aid.  Since most of the financial aid for a given grade is initially awarded in kindergarten, new financial aid for later grades is limited.

Payment Options

• One payment plus a reservation deposit.  Currently, this plan gives you a small
    discount off the entire tuition.  The $1,000 reservation deposit is due March 1
    (April 10 for new admissions) and the balance is due July 1.

• Two payments plus a deposit.  The $1,000 reservation deposit is due March 1
    (April 10 for new admissions) and the balance is due in two equal payments
    on July 1 and December 1.

• Ten payments plus a deposit. 
     The $1,000 reservation deposit is due to Foote by March 1 (April 10 for
     new admissions).  The Monthly Payment Plan is a budget plan administered
     by Tuition Management Systems Plan, which divides school costs into
     10 interest-free payments. It’s a simple, convenient and inexpensive alternative
     to lump-sum annual or semester tuition payments.

    A Direct Debit Option is available instead of monthly billing. This allows payments
    to be automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account. There is
    also the option of using a credit card for uition payments.
    All families may use this service regardless of whether they qualify for financial
    assistance or not. For more information about the Monthly Payment Plan and
    the Direct Debit Option and online applications click here.

In support of economic diversity, Foote has awarded more than $1.3 million for the current academic year in need-based aid to 21 percent of the student body.  These grants range from $1,000 to nearly full tuition, with the median grant being about 77 percent of tuition.  The school’s monies come from current operating funds, from restricted endowment, and donations to the Annual Fund designated for financial aid.

Important Dates (for more detail see Financial Aid Timetable)

For families applying for financial aid, the enrollment contract and reservation deposit are due March 1 (April 10 for new admissions). The deposit will be refunded if a family chooses not to attend Foote after the financial aid decisions have been made.

To help assess the financial strength of each family, Foote participates in the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS).  Parents complete a  Financial Statement and mail it, along with the appropriate fee, to SSS.

For returning students, the Parents' Financial Statement should be mailed to SSS by March 1 and the current tax forms sent to Foote by March 15.

For new students, the financial aid packet should be requested when you submit your admission application.  By February 15, the Parents' Financial Statement should be sent to SSS and a copy of the current tax form sent to Foote.

The SSS applies a uniform methodology that considers taxable and non-taxable income, assets, liabilities, family size, the number of students in tuition-charging schools or colleges, and the student’s assets.  After a standard allowance for basic necessities and required taxes, the remaining family resources are considered available for education on a sliding scale.  SSS sends this information to Foote.

Financial Aid Committee

The four-person Financial Aid Committee (Head of School, Director of Admissions, Business Manager, and Director of Financial Aid) treats applications in the strictest confidence.  This committee reviews the information from SSS in conjunction with the IRS tax forms that were sent to the school and makes the final determination of grants based on comparative need as well as demonstrated need.  Financial aid offers will be made by March 10 for new students and by the end of April for returning students.

Financial aid grants are made for one academic year and awarded in subsequent years based on continued need; financial aid recipients must reapply each year. The size of the award may vary as a family’s financial circumstances and tuition change.  A family’s current finances with the school must be in good standing before a financial aid award can be made.

In case of separated or divorced parents, Foote requires information from both natural parents and any step-parents and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. 

Naturally, each family's situation is unique and may require further clarification and communication with the Financial Aid Office.  Please do not hesitate to call and discuss your situation.

The financial aid committee welcomes any family’s inquiry about our offer of financial assistance.  Although the school cannot meet every family’s request for assistance, each family’s situation is reviewed thoroughly and carefully.

The financial aid and business offices are eager to help and will keep all inquiries confidential.  Should you have questions about financial aid or require assistance in completing the SSS form, please contact Donna Batsford, Director of Financial Aid.  Should you have questions about payment plans, please contact Jay Cox, Business Manager.