Admissions
Financial aid
What is NOVA's philosophy toward financial aid?
The school has a philosophical commitment to providing financial assistance for students who have met our admissions standards,but who, without financial aid, would not have the opportunity to attend NOVA. The financial aid application process is the means to allocate financial aid in as fair a manner as possible. Independent school education is a choice for families. Both the school and families make significant financial sacrifices to support this choice. NOVA's funds are limited. Parents are expected to seek whatever might be available from grandparents or other willing family members. Our policies and philosophy attempt to ensure that each family is subject to the same guidelines as we evaluate the needs of your family relative to the needs of other families in our school community.
What is the range of aid awarded?
Our policy is to provide financial aid awards based on the demonstrated need of the family. Therefore, our awards range from a small amount of assistance up to virtually the full cost of tuition.
How is financial aid determined?
We use FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) tools to help us determine the contribution your family should make towards educational expenses. The FAST application process requires families to provide tax information, a letter requesting the amount of aid needed, as well as a parent information form. Our financial aid award committee uses the results as a guide in allocating your family's aid award based on need, the school's policies and resources.
Should I apply for aid?
If, after reviewing your family finances and considering all available resources, you are simply not able to afford the tuition, your family should consider applying for aid. Income is certainly a consideration; however, those families that have substantial assets in savings or investments, have more than one piece of real estate, have one parent with earning power not choosing to work, or have chosen voluntary salary reductions should understand that they may not qualify.
If my child receives aid this year, what will happen next year?
Families must apply for financial aid each year. Priority for financial aid goes to returning students who were on financial aid in the prior school year. If your family qualifies for aid at the time of admission but all the financial aid money has been awarded, you may reapply for aid in the following year as a current family.
What if our family has paid full tuition in prior years but now find we need to apply for aid? Can we apply?
If your financial situation has changed and you find you cannot pay the full tuition for the following year, you may apply for financial aid. Please contact office and request information. If the financial aid award committee determines your family needs aid as a returning family, you are given a higher priority for aid than most new students.
Our family reviewed the financial aid offered to us and still find we cannot pay tuition. Can we appeal the award?
Yes, NOVA has a process that reviews the family's appeal, asking for additional information that will allow the award committee to adjust the financial aid granted. At times, we find families have not included some financial information that would have helped the award committee grant a higher level of aid. Unfortunately, in other cases, the aid award decision does not change. When you appeal it is helpful if you submit a listing of the family's monthly expenses, copies of recent pay stubs and unusual expenses your family may not have included on your original application.
Note: If you desire to apply for financial aid, please begin your online application by clicking here:
