Financial Assistance Information
Central to Urban School's mission is a commitment to socio-economic diversity among our students. Urban offers financial assistance based on both a family's need and the availability of funds. Families should not hesitate to complete the application process if you believe that you may qualify for tuition assistance.
Please see the Financial Assistance Checklist for details on how to apply and the Financial Assistance FAQ for answers to your questions in the tabs below.
We understand that applying for assistance may be confusing and overwhelming. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the Urban Admissions Office by calling 415 593 9555 or email admissions@urbanschool.org.
Financial Assistance Checklist
Click on the steps below to understand how to apply for financial assistance. Please note that all supporting documents must be uploaded to the SSS website. We are unable to add paper or emailed copies of financial assistance application elements to a student's file.
Here are two documents that will assist you in applying for assistance via SSS for the 2022-23 school year:
ENGLISH
SPANISH
Other resources from SSS may be found here. If you do not have consistent internet access or need guidance with any of the steps below, please contact the Urban Admissions Office by calling 415 593 9555 or email admissions@urbanschool.org.
- Step 1: Complete the Parent Financial Statement (PFS) Online with SSS by 1/6/22
- Step 2: Submit 2020 Federal Tax Form 1040, Supporting Schedules and W-2s OR 1099 to SSS by 1/6/22
- Step 3: Submit 2021 Federal Tax Form 1040, Supporting Schedules and W-2s OR 1099 to SSS by 2/3/22
- Step 4: Optional - Upload a Letter of Family Circumstances by 2/3/22
Step 1: Complete the Parent Financial Statement (PFS) Online with SSS by 1/6/22
Urban School subscribes to School and Student Services by NAIS (referred to as SSS by NAIS). After families submit detailed financial information online, SSS analyzes the data and recommends to the school an amount that each family can expect to pay for educational expenses. All families must complete a Parents Financial Statement (PFS) online. In the case of separated or divorced parents, both parents must complete the full PFS.
Begin the financial aid process at SSS by NAIS here.
Step 2: Submit 2020 Federal Tax Form 1040, Supporting Schedules and W-2s OR 1099 to SSS by 1/6/22
By Thursday, January 6 2022, new applicants to Urban School must submit 2020 Federal Tax Form 1040, all supporting schedules, and W-2s OR 1099 (whichever is applicable) to SSS by uploading or mailing the documents to SSS. If you receive a W2 instead of a 1099, please click the "NA" button for 1099. Please do NOT include state taxes or worksheets.
In the case of separated or divorced parents, both households must submit federal tax forms and W-2s or 1099.
To submit documents to SSS you may:
Upload documents directly to SSS, following the instructions on the SUBMITTING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section on the SSS website. Note: Files should not be larger than 4 MB.
or
Print the cover sheet in the SSS portal and mail to the address listed on the sheet.
IMPORTANT: If sending documents via mail or overnight delivery, be sure to print out and include the SSS REQUIRED DOCUMENTS COVER SHEET located on the SSS website.
Step 3: Submit 2021 Federal Tax Form 1040, Supporting Schedules and W-2s OR 1099 to SSS by 2/3/22
By Thursday, February 3, 2022, submit 2021 Federal Tax Form 1040, all supporting schedules, and W-2s OR 1099 (whichever is applicable) to SSS by uploading or mailing the documents to SSS (see step 3). If you receive a W2 instead of a 1099, please click the "NA" button for 1099. Please do not include state taxes or worksheets.
In the case of separated or divorced parents, both households must submit federal tax forms and W-2s.
Step 4: Optional - Upload a Letter of Family Circumstances by 2/3/22
Financial Assistance FAQ
Who should apply for financial assistance?
Parents/guardians who have thoroughly pursued all other financial avenues (for example, help from extended family, reasonable equity loan, etc.) in planning for educational costs and who can document their need for further assistance may apply.
Who is awarded financial assistance?
During the 2021-22 school year, 30% of Urban’s student body will receive $4.65 million in financial assistance. Assistance is based solely on a family’s proven need.
How is a family’s need determined?
Urban School subscribes to School and Student Services. After families submit detailed financial information, SSS analyzes the data and recommends to the school an amount that each family can expect to pay for educational expenses. Urban’s Financial Assistance Committee uses this figure as the starting point for its financial assistance calculations. For applicants with divorced or separated parents, the assets and income of both households will be considered before any award is made.
What if parents are divorced or separated?
Families with divorced or separated parents must have both parents complete the PFS and the financial assistance application process. The income and assets of both parents, as well as step-parents, will be considered before any award is made.
When will decisions about financial assistance be made?
Notice of financial aid decisions will accompany letters of acceptance to Urban School.
Does my family need to reapply for financial assistance each year?
Urban families reapply for financial assistance each year through SSS so that any major changes to a family's financial situation can be reflected in the student's award, though most students receive a similar amount each year if the need remains the same. Current families use the same process that prospective families complete, listed on the Financial Assistance Information Checklist. Awards are calculated based on two years of tax returns, the updated Parent Financial Statement and special circumstances. Some factors that may change a student's financial assistance include change of job status, and the number of children in a family attending tuition-charging schools.
What if my income changes during the school year and I am having difficulty paying tuition?
Urban has a limited pool of funds available to support families with changing economic circumstances. If you find yourself facing an economic hardship, contact Diane Walters at 415 593 9535 or via email to discuss your new financial situation and to determine the next steps for updating your SSS profile, writing a statement of need, and preparing additional information as needed for the Financial Assistance Committee. To the extent possible, Urban is committed to supporting our families through difficult periods.
If our family takes money out of savings to afford Urban for our student’s 9th grade year, can we hope to get financial assistance during 10th grade?
Since Urban School allocates an equal amount of assistance for each enrolling class, it is highly unlikely that a family who did not receive financial assistance upon entering the school will receive aid in successive years.
What expenses are covered by financial assistance?
A family that receives financial assistance can expect some additional costs beyond the family’s tuition contribution. Financial assistance is applied to the cost of the student’s tuition, books and laptop. Some financial assistance is available for extracurricular needs and trips as well.