
Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance - FAQ
What does FISW offer tuition assistance?
FISW allocates 10% of the school's tuition budget to tuition assistance to support an economically diverse community. As an organization, our goal is to meet a family’s demonstrated financial need so that finances are not a barrier to access our program.
​
Who is eligible for Tuition Assistance?
Tuition Assistance is available to families whose FAST application demonstrates financial need. Priority is given to applicants who meet the first deadline in January, as the majority of the budget is distributed during this period. The Tuition Assistance Committee, consisting of a non-parent board member, Head of School, CFO, and Director of Institutional Advancement reviews recommendations to determine the final award, taking into account available budget, as determined annual by the Board of Directors.
​
What does Tuition Assistance cover?
Tuition Assistance primarily covers tuition and before and after-school care (garderie). However, it does not include fees for after-school enrichment programs, the new family fee, late payment fees, or other incidental charges.​​
​
What percentage of families currently receive Tuition Assistance?
Currently, (17%) of students receive financial aid. In addition, 64 students (32%) benefit from other types of tuition assistance, such as sibling discounts or remission for children of school employees.
​
What is the average amount awarded?
The average Tuition Assistance award is $11,371, which covers approximately 45% of tuition costs. Awards range from 5% to 90% of tuition, depending on the applicant’s demonstrated financial need.
​
How do families pay their portion?
Once Tuition Assistance is granted, it is reflected in the student’s enrollment contract. Families then pay the remaining fees net of the Tuition Assistance award through the FACTS billing process.
​
What documents are required to apply for Tuition Assistance?
Applicants need to provide the following:
-
Recent tax filings
-
Detailed information about income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
-
Any special circumstances relevant to their financial situation
(For a complete checklist, refer to the FAST application link provided during the application process.)
​
Does Tuition Assistance cover after-school programs?
Tuition Assistance covers aftercare but does not include after-school enrichment programs.​
​
For additional information or assistance, please contact the Admissions Office.
​
The school offers Tuition Assistance to families with demonstrated need.
Starting January 9th, 2025, the application will be open and available here on FAST.
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are due January 20, 2025.
If your 2024 tax return is not available at the time of submission, application needs to include latest proof of income (W2, 1099). Your 2024 tax return needs to be submitted before April 13, 2025.​​
​
You may find these helpful resources as you navigate through the application process:
​
Video Resources
​
Family Support:
​
As of January 1, 2025, we will no longer direct families to a third-party call center for inquiries. Instead of calling the center, families should email familysupport@ismfast.com to connect directly to one of our in-house expert Support Team Members for assistance.
​​
​
​French Government Scholarship​​ (La Bourse scolaire)
​
French families can apply to the French Government Scholarship. Please ask the school for the relevant paperwork.
Pour effectuer une demande de bourse scolaire au Consulat Général de San Francisco, vous pouvez vous connecter sur leur site ici.​
​
Les agents du consulat sont à votre disposition pour toute demande d’information :
bourses-scolaires.san-francisco-cslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr
Mme Françoise OUAPEU – (415) 616 4914
Mme Eva VILLANUEVA – (415) 616 4920

