Affordability
Holy Child Academy (HCA) demonstrates a strong commitment to need-based financial aid for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight. While HCA is fortunate to provide financial aid for independent schooling, it believes that families bear the primary responsibility for financing education to the extent that they are able. The financial aid program exists to help families with demonstrated need to provide an HCA education for their child(ren).
HCA’s resources for financial aid - Each year, HCA has a limited amount of financial aid available through the generosity of parents, alumni, the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, and other benefactors. There also are limited Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) dollars for financial aid. These funds are available to families who qualify financially and geographically (OSTC), according to Pennsylvania guidelines. In awarding financial aid grants, the Financial Aid Committee focuses on families who are most in need, and it applies the school’s limited resources to help as many children attend HCA as these funds allow. New or returning families whose children will be attending pre-kindergarten or kindergarten five full-days per week through grade eight may apply for aid.
What Payment Plans are Available?
HCA offers four different payment plans:
• A one-time payment with a 1% tuition discount.
• A two-time payment.
• Ten monthly payments.
• Seven monthly payments.
Must I Re-Apply for Financial Aid Each Year? - Yes, families must re-apply for financial aid each year. Changes in income, family status, etc. may result in increases or decreases in aid. Each application is reviewed annually.
When Will I Be Notified of my Financial Aid Award? - Returning families who apply by the priority deadline of January 1st will be notified of the financial aid decision prior to being offered an enrollment contract in January. Families who apply after the priority deadline risk receiving lower awards and will be notified when an award decision is reached. Families new to Holy Child Academy should apply by the January 1st priority deadline. After January 1st, application for financial aid should be made at the same time that the family applies for admission to the school.
Do I have to pay back Financial Aid?
No. All aid is awarded as grants which do not require repayment, if payment terms are met.
Does applying for financial aid influence admissions decisions?
No. HCA accepts students based on academic merit, teacher evaluations, classroom visits, and test scores. Financial aid files are reviewed independently of the admission process.
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
Holy Child Academy uses the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts. Financial information from both responsible parents or guardians is required when filing for financial aid.
To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit.
Applying for financial aid is not difficult but this Quick Reference Guide and a more detailed Family Application Guide are available to guide you through the application.
If you have questions about the financial aid process, please contact the business office by phone (610-259-2712) or email (business@holychildacademy.com).