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Financial Aid

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The Walden School believes every child deserves access to a quality education. That's why it's proud to offer a need-based Financial Aid Program, which enables many students to benefit from all that the school has to offer. We understand that every student is unique and has their own individual needs and talents. Our program aims to understand each student and provide them with the support needed to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Currently, 30% of families at The Walden School qualify for financial aid.

Our school uses Clarity Financial Aid to process financial aid applications. Clarity is an independent financial aid evaluation company. Clarity provides our school with a need-based financial analysis, allowing us to allocate our resources wisely and fairly. All information from Clarity regarding a family’s request for financial assistance is kept confidential.

Our Financial Aid Program is available to all families, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints. We believe that education should be a right, not a privilege, and we are committed to making it accessible to all. Through this program, we bring together a diverse community of students who contribute their unique perspectives and experiences to our school. Please note that to qualify for Financial Aid, the child must be enrolled in a five full-day program.

To be considered for our financial aid program, families must submit an application through Clarity and include their 2025 tax return (this is our standard documentation requirement). Please upload your documents through the application portal so the committee can review your materials. Clarity will verify all documentation (incomplete files may delay or limit consideration) and make a recommendation to The Walden School Financial Aid Committee. Our Financial Aid Committee will make the final determination regarding the amount of the financial aid award. The Financial Aid Committee will begin reviewing applications in December.

Once you begin the application, if you have any questions while completing the process, please call 1-206-210-3752 (Monday through Friday, 8 am-8 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9 am-5 pm). While the application process for families is extremely user-friendly, Clarity also provides a User Guide and help bubbles for each question within the application for added support. For additional support, attend the Family Application Webinar on Tuesday, December 9 at 8:30pm ET. Click Here to register for the webinar.

Financial Aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need, and any family in need of assistance is encouraged to apply. The Walden School does not discriminate in its financial aid allocations on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or gender identity, nor does it consider financial need when determining a student’s eligibility for admission. Furthermore, The Walden School does not set different standards of behavior or academic performance for financial aid recipients; high academic standards and exemplary citizenship are expected of all students.

Financial Aid is Available for Elementary-aged Students through a variety of sources. Eligibility Criteria for Families seeking financial aid through these Pennsylvania Tax Credit Programs must meet specific income requirements:

  • EITC Program: A household's annual income should not exceed $112,348, with an additional allowance of $19,775 for each dependent beyond the first. For example, a family with one child must have an income below $132,123, whereas a family with three children must have an income below $171,673. Other factors contribute to eligibility such as your overhead for your cost of living.
     
  • OSTC Program: This program specifically aids students residing within the boundaries of low-achieving schools, defined as those ranking in the bottom 15% based on standardized assessments. Eligibility criteria are similar to the EITC, focusing on income thresholds and residency requirements.

Walden families seeking financial assistance for their child(ren)’s education might consider contacting the following organizations:

  • Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP): CSFP provides partial scholarships for under-resourced families to attend independent schools. Families should apply directly to CSFP.
     

  • Children’s Scholarship Fund of Pennsylvania (CSFofPA): CSFofPA ensures access to quality education for all children in Pennsylvania. Families should apply directly to CSFofPA.

Families should apply to these organizations directly, not through their child(ren)’s school.