Tuition Assistance Program

Pacific Crest School is committed to nurturing the optimal development of every child in our care by creating a warm, joyful, and respectful Montessori program and community in which the love of learning and joy in connection blossoms.

We reach out to our whole Seattle community, so that we can build a school community that reflects the richness and diversity of our neighborhood and city.  

While we believe that every family bears the primary responsibility for meeting the costs of providing their child with an independent school education, Pacific Crest does not expect that every family in our community can afford full tuition.

All admission decisions are made without regard to a family’s application for Tuition Assistance.  Admissions decisions are based upon whether Pacific Crest School is best suited to meet a student’s education needs and a family’s commitment to our Montessori programs.  Tuition Assistance is provided to families who are committed to securing a Montessori education for their children and who demonstrate a gap between the amount their family is able to contribute to the cost of education and the actual cost of attending Pacific Crest.

Through our Tuition Assistance program, Pacific Crest strives to extend aid to families who demonstrate financial need as determined by Pacific Crest Tuition Assistance Committee.  The Tuition Assistance Committee consists of the Head of School, the Director of Operations, the Business Manager and any other appointee deemed necessary and appropriate by the Head of School.  The school and this committee safeguards the confidentiality of financial applications, records, and decisions.

How do I apply for tuition assistance?
Download Application Here
Tuition Assistance is awarded annually in the spring; families must reapply each year that assistance is needed.  All tuition assistance applicants must have a complete admissions application on file to be considered for tuition assistance.  You must submit the Request for Tuition Assistance form and all financial documentation, including two years tax returns, to receive a final tuition assistance determination. Tuition assistance applications are due by March 15 for the following school year. All submissions are confidential and only reviewed by Pacific Crest School’s Tuition Assistance Committee.  Processing Tuition Assistance awards is contingent upon receipt of tax documents.

How is need determined?
Financial need is determined by the school’s Tuition Assistance Committee, which uses the confidential personal and financial information that is submitted by parents to PCS. Pacific Crest School is committed to making impartial tuition assistance grants available to as many eligible applicants as possible.

What criteria is used in determining tuition assistance awards?
The availability of school resources, the number of qualified applicants, and overall budgetary constraints influence tuition assistance decisions, therefore an individual’s demonstrated financial need does not guarantee that he or she will be awarded aid. The Tuition Assistance Committee may give preference to returning students and siblings of returning students. The Tuition Assistance Committee may also give preference to students with prior Montessori school experience and/or to students in levels where enrollment is low and/or to students who would enhance the diversity and balance of our community.

How much tuition assistance may I expect to receive?
Each award is individualized, based on the demonstrated financial need of each applicant. Typically, only partial awards are given in order to assist as many eligible applicants as possible.  The average award per child, excluding full scholarships, is $3,350.

What if my financial situation changes?
Each year a family must reapply for tuition assistance. If the family’s financial circumstances change or remain the same, the school will make every effort to assist a family at the level required, utilizing the same determination processes described above.

Must I repay this award?
No, these awards are made possible by donations to our Annual Fund. It is hoped that each recipient will consider gifts to the Annual Fund at an appropriate time in the future, so that we may continue this assistance program.

Are decisions regarding admission and tuition assistance related?
All admission decisions are made without regard for financial need.

Required documents
The Pacific Crest School Tuition Assistance committee requires the following from each applicant:
- Completed PCS Request for Tuition Assistance Form
- Copies of tax returns for the past two years

Submitting an application
You may submit your paperwork to our front desk at the Bright Street building.
Send them by mail to 600 NW Bright Street Seattle, WA 98107.
Or via email to finance@pacificcrest.org
Contact Sue Linnell for more information.

Deadline Information:
Application deadline - March 15
Tax forms deadline - April 17