FAQ

How do I apply for Flexible Tuition? Hide

Submit the card included in your application packet, or call or write to the Brandeis Hillel Day School Business Office to receive the appropriate forms. The school requires that you file a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS), the official application provided by the School and Student Service (SSS). In addition, the school requires a copy of the most recent 1040 form and schedules.

What is the deadline for applying for Flexible Tuition? Hide

Brandeis Hillel Day School asks that parents send their Parents’ Financial Statement forms to the School and Student Service for Tuition assistance as early as possible after January 1. The copy of form 1040, tax schedules, and the request for consideration should be sent directly to Brandeis Hillel. The School begins to review requests in January. Applications for Flexible Tuition are not considered until all required forms are submitted to the school. Priority is given to families who have completed and submitted all forms to the school by January 31, 2008.

Are there payment plans for tuition and fees? Hide

Brandeis Hillel Day School offers several payment plans, ranging from making one payment to paying over several months, to accommodate each family’s financial situation and to make a Brandeis Hillel Day School education accessible for all.

Are there other ways of paying school expenses? Hide

Many families arrange loans through personal banks or through education payment programs. BHDS has established a relationship with Hebrew Free Loan to work with families who are interested in applying for a Hebrew Free Loan. Once your child has been accepted, if you are interested in applying for a Hebrew Free Loan, please contact the Head of School who will support you with your applications.

Does Flexible Tuition continue throughout a student's years at BHDS? Hide

BHDS asks families to resubmit financial information each year. It is reasonable to expect to pay reduced tuition each year, providing the family’s financial situation has not changed substantially and the student is in good academic and social standing.

Will submission of Flexible Tuition materials influence the admissions decision? Hide

Determination of tuition levels is a separate function from the admission process. Families should not hesitate to ask to be considered for reduced tuition because they are concerned that it might impact their child’s application.

Is Flexible Tuition available for all eligible students? Hide

Unfortunately, no. Priority consideration is given to currently enrolled families, and the number of students whose families are eligible may exceed the school’s flexible tuition budget. While BHDS strives to offer Flexible Tuition to a high percentage of accepted students whose families are eligible, the school cannot guarantee that resources will be adequate. Funds for the BHDS Flexible Tuition come from endowment, gifts to the School and operating income.

Does a change in family financial circumstance result in a change in the tuition level? Hide

Significant changes during the year or from one year to the next may influence the amount of tuition assistance awarded for the following year. Changes could result in either an increase or decrease in tuition, depending on the individual circumstances. When will we find out the tuition determination for our family? For students newly accepted to BHDS, tuition will be indicated on the enrollment agreements enclosed with the admission decision letters sent in March. For currently enrolled families, tuition will be indicated on students’ re-enrollment contracts, which are mailed in February.

Does every BHDS family submit financial forms? Hide

All families are invited to submit financial information to determine the tuition level for which they are eligible. Families who elect not to submit financial forms will pay full tuition. What kind of economic situation is typical for families paying reduced tuition? Family circumstances range widely. While some families can afford only minimal tuition, others can afford to pay close to the full amount. In calculating each family’s ability to pay, BHDS considers all of the factors listed above.

What happens if the parents are divorced or separated? Hide

Flexible tuition is based on the family’s ability to pay as demonstrated by the information submitted in the Parent Financial Statement. In cases of divorce or separation, BHDS considers financial resources of both custodial and non custodial parents (regardless of legal settlements). Financial information for both natural/adoptive parents must be provided to the school. If either parent remarries, the school will consider the obligations of the parent to the new family. Requirement of financial information from the non custodial parent may be waived if the whereabouts of the parent are unknown, or if the parent has given no financial support to the student for more than three years, and has had no contact with the student during this time. Lack of information from either parent may prevent determination of eligibility for flexible tuition or significantly affect the tuition amount.

Number of Independent School or College Tuitions Currently Being Supported Hide

The ability to pay is divided by the number of tuition-paying family members at any elementary school, high school, or college (including adult students) to determine the Flexible tuition rate for any one student.

What are the Major Factors that Determine the Flexible Tuition Range? Hide

Income. Income refers to pre-tax income from wages, business, or investments. The formula considers certain costs against this income in calculating a family’s ability to pay, but they are not exactly the same factors as used by the IRS to calculate taxable income, so all the data must be submitted. If two parents reside in separate households, the income and expenses of both households are considered in the calculation.
Assets. If a family has major assets, savings, and/or investments, the formula will compute an income supplement that will be added to the calculated gross income. Should the student have assets (savings, trust accounts, etc.), the formula would include these assets in calculating the amount that parents can pay. The treatment of home equity is not matched to actual market value in the Bay Area, but calculates a value based on the price paid for the home and the years it has been owned. The income assumed to be generated by assets also takes parent age into account with respect to consideration of retirement savings.
Family Size. Living-allowance estimates take into account the number of people in a student’s household(s) and base estimated necessary expenditures for housing, food, medical needs, etc., on this number. Income is adjusted by these expenses to calculate the available discretionary income.
Cost of Living. The high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area is factored into the calculation of the estimated family contribution for educational expenses.
Unusual Expenses. The formula for determining the family contribution for educational expenditures takes into account certain “unusual expenses” such as expenses for the care of an aging grandparent, parent educational loan payments, and a number of expenses listed in the Parent Financial Statement.
Other Discretionary Costs. The formula expects a family to allocate to tuition only a portion of funds available for discretionary spending.

Should I apply for Flexible Tuition? Hide

The amount that your family should be expected to pay is based on the demonstrated financial need of your family. Financial need is defined as the difference between your family’s resources and your child’s total educational expenses. The formula used to calculate the tuition level is complex, and considers many factors that affect a family’s ability to pay. In order for BHDS to determine the exact level of tuition the entire Parent Financial Statement (included in the Flexible Tuition packet) must be completed. The School and Student Service provides a common base by which each family’s needs can be measured fairly and equitably. Each family’s financial situation is considered thoroughly and confidentially on an individual basis to ensure attention to special circumstances. If you believe that your resources are not sufficient to meet tuition costs, you are encouraged to apply for the Flexible Tuition Program.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions? Hide

Please write or call Ron Bannerman, Director of Finance/Administration, Brandeis Hillel Day School, 655 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA 94132; tel. (415) 406-1035, fax (415) 584-1099. You may also e-mail Ron at rbannerman@bhds.org.