Affording

List of 21 frequently asked questions.

• Q: What is Flexible Tuition?

  We recognize that many families who might not expect to be eligible for “financial aid” still qualify for a tuition break. The Flexible Tuition Program allows families to apply for reduced tuition, which ranges from $700 to $46,200. Full tuition for this year is $54,800. The school encourages families to apply if they think they may qualify. LWHS is determined to keep the school accessible to families from a wide range of economic backgrounds, so we offer a wide tuition range that include books, course materials, daily lunch, yearbook, athletic uniforms, co-curricular activities, and grade-level retreats. Currently, $7 million is dedicated to the Flexible Tuition program and more than 33% of students attend LWHS on Flexible Tuition.

• Q: Is my family eligible for Flexible Tuition?

  There is a wide range of families who qualify, from those who can afford only minimal tuition to those who can afford almost full tuition. In calculating each family’s ability to pay, the school considers many factors. The complex formula used to calculate the exact Flexible Tuition level considers many factors that affect a family’s ability to pay. It is impossible for the school, or for a family, to determine the level of tuition for which they qualify unless the entire Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) application is completed.

• Q: Does an application for Flexible Tuition affect a student’s chances of admission to the school?

  A family’s financial need does not affect a student’s acceptance by the school. Flexible Tuition is determined separately.

• Q: How does LWHS determine a family’s Flexible Tuition award?

  Lick-Wilmerding high school uses School and Student Services (SSS) to assist with determining a family’s Flexible Tuition. After families submit their required financial information, SSS analyzes and recommends an amount a family should expect to pay. This is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).  The LWHS Flexible Tuition Committee uses the EFC as a baseline to further calculate tuition amounts for each family.

• Q: Does LWHS offer additional awards based on merit, athletic, or artistic ability?

  No, the Flexible Tuition Program is solely a need-based program.

• Q: When will a family learn if they have been offered Flexible Tuition?

  Admission acceptance letters sent in mid-March, will include a separate response regarding Flexible Tuition. Responses to families will fall into two categories: an offer of Flexible Tuition or notification that the family does not qualify for Flexible Tuition.

• Q: What if my family receives a Flexible Tuition amount that we feel we cannot afford?

  LWHS' Flexible Tuition program is determined by the demonstrated need of each individual family. We encourage each Flexible Tuition applicant to disclose as much information as possible so that we can find the tuition amount that works for your family.

• Q: If a ninth grader’s family participates in Flexible Tuition, does the student stay in the program until graduation?

  To continue in the program, the family must reapply each year. Families' tuition amounts are subject to any changes that have occurred in their economic circumstances (change in job, number of students in tuition paying schools, etc). Provided family circumstances remain the same and the school’s resources can continue to support the program to the same extent, the school intends to fund the student for four years.

• Q: Are all students who are offered admission also offered Flexible Tuition if their family qualifies?

  Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to offer Flexible Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and a reduced tuition.

• Q: If a family does not receive Flexible Tuition one year, can they reapply the following year?

  Although a family is welcome to reapply or apply for the first time for Flexible Tuition in any year, the school is seldom able to accept families into the program after ninth grade.

• Q: When is the deadline to apply?

  The deadline to apply for Flexible Tuition is Monday, February 13, 2023.

• Q: In the case of parents/guardians who do not live together (e.g. divorced, separated, never married), do both households have to submit financial information?

  Yes, each parent/guardian household must submit a Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) along with two years tax documents (1040, W-2, any relevant schedules) to be considered for Flexible Tuition. LWHS determines ability to pay by factoring in all available resources from both parents and step-parents, regardless of custody or other legal issues.

• Q: What if my family has unusual circumstances?

  If there is additional information that addresses your financial situation not taken into account by the Parent Financial Statement or the LWHS Supplemental Information Form, please upload a supplemental letter to the “Additional Documents” section of SSS.

• Q: What if I am unable to complete my taxes by the deadline?

  In most cases, we will ask you to upload a draft of your taxes if you are unable to complete and upload them to SSS by the deadline, however please contact us at admissions@lwhs.org to discuss your specific circumstances.

• Q: What if my financial circumstances change between January and March?

  Please contact us as soon as possible if your financial circumstances change between January and March. You can reach us via email at admissions@lwhs.org or by calling (415) 337-9990.

• Q: Will my information be kept confidential?

  Absolutely. LWHS maintains strict confidentiality regarding the financial circumstances of our families. No one outside of the Flexible Tuition Committee sees these documents or is aware of what families pay for Flexible Tuition.

• Q: What is included in the cost of tuition?

  Included in tuition are books, course materials, daily lunch, yearbook, athletic uniforms, co-curricular activities, and grade level retreats.

• Q: Do you offer payment plans?

  Yes, we offer payment plans for 1, 3, or 10 payments through the year. You can choose your payment plan when you submit your enrollment materials.

• Q: Are there costs in addition to tuition?

  LWHS tuition covers the majority of costs, however we have a bring your own device BYOD program which requires all students to have a laptop.

• Q: What if my income changes during the school year and I am having difficulty paying tuition?

  If your family is faced with economic hardship due to an income change, please contact Emily Fung, Financial Aid Officer, at efung@lwhs.org to discuss your financial situation and determine next steps. LWHS is committed to doing our best to support our families through difficult periods.

• Q: What is SSS and how do I login?

  SSS stands for School and Student Services. It is a safe and confidential program used by many schools in the Bay Area to collect sensitive information regarding a family's financial circumstances. You can login or create an account by clicking here. If you have trouble logging in or creating an account, contact SSS customer service by calling 800-344-8328 or emailing sssandtadsfa@communitybrands.com.