Financial Aid
The affordability of a Tallulah Falls School school education should not deter families from enrolling a talented, motivated student.
We are committed to making a quality, college-preparatory education financially viable. Annually, Tallulah Falls School awards more than $4 million in need-based financial aid to 75 percent of our students. Decisions about admissions and financial aid are made independently.
New & Returning Domestic Students
All families applying for new student admissions must complete the FACTS financial aid application.
All families applying for financial aid for returning students must submit required tax documents via the secure document upload.
New & Returning Dual Citizen/International Students
Student parents (citizens of the United States (nonfilers) or non-citizens) must complete the International Aid application annually.
Additionally, families will be required to upload a letter of employment from each parent's employer(s), including income, via the secure document upload. (Documents must be in English)
Tuition Assistance Policy
I. Purpose
A. Tallulah Falls School is committed to providing a generous need-based tuition assistance program to students who desire an independent school environment, regardless of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, or religious background. The Financial Aid Committee relies primarily on the financial aid application and submitted tax information to determine the amount of financial assistance. Recognizing that circumstances affect parental contribution, Tallulah Falls School adheres to policies that promote the fairest and most consistent tuition assistance allocation.
II. Eligibility
Students qualify for aid based on demonstrated financial need. Families must complete the annual requirements to apply and demonstrate need. The Financial Aid Committee determines the award amount. To qualify, families must be current with all school financial obligations.
III. Parental Responsibility
A. The primary responsibility for financing a student's education rests with the family.
IV. Admission Decision
A. Tallulah Falls School admits students that fit the criteria set by the Admissions Committee. Tallulah Falls School does not use financial need to determine a student's eligibility for admission. After completing the admission process, the Financial Aid Committee awards the financial aid package.
V. Confidentiality
A. Tallulah Falls School safeguards the privacy of all financial information and does not publicly identify tuition assistance recipients. Families must keep financial aid awards confidential to remain eligible for financial assistance.
V. Evaluation of Financial Need
A. New & Returning Domestic Students
1. All families applying for new student admissions must complete a financial aid application.
2. All families applying for financial aid for returning students must submit required tax documents annually via the secure document upload.
B. New & Returning Dual Citizen/International Students
1. Student parents (citizens of the United States (nonfilers) or non-citizens) must complete the International Aid application annually.
2. Families must upload a letter of employment from each parent's employer(s), including income, via the secure document upload. (Documents must be in English)
VI: Re-evaluation of Aid
A. If a family's financial circumstances change after the initial financial aid award, families may request a reevaluation of their financial aid, providing appropriate documentation supporting the change.
VII: Non-Typical Households
A. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) methodology and principles, it is the responsibility of parents to finance their children's education. Both custodial and non-custodial parents (regardless of legal settlements) who are divorced, separated, or never married should contribute to educational costs. In exceptional cases, where one parent cannot comply, the custodial parent should submit the Statement of Explanation Form.
1. The conditions under which we may consider waiving the non-custodial requirement are:
a. The non-custodial parent's whereabouts are unknown.
b. The non-custodial parent has not had contact with the applicant for an extended period.
c. The non-custodial parent provides no financial support to the student.
B. At Tallulah Falls School, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse educational environment for all students. We understand that families go through various life circumstances, including divorce. To support divorced parents who wish to provide their children with quality education, we have developed the following policy specifically designed to address the needs of divorced families.
1. Definition of Divorced Parents
a. Divorced parents refer to legally separated or divorced parents with joint or sole custody of their child.
2. Financial Aid Eligibility
a. Divorced parents are eligible to apply for financial aid following the standard financial aid application process.
3. Non-Custodial Parent's Financial Information
a. It would be unfair for the school to subsidize a student's education when one parent is capable but unwilling to contribute to the student's education expenses. Instead of both parents submitting the required documents, the school may consider an amount equal to three-quarters of the student's child support.
b. A divorce agreement does not negate a parent's responsibility for educational expenses. The application should reflect each household's income.
c. If a student has a guardian who is not their parent, the school requires letters of guardianship.
4. Documentation of Financial Support
a. Families must document court-ordered child support, alimony, or other financial assistance.
5. Award Determination
a. Awards for divorced families will be determined based on a comprehensive evaluation of their financial needs, as assessed by the school's Financial Aid Committee.
b. The review will consider both parents' financial information, any financial/child support received, and any exceptional circumstances affecting the family's financial situation.