Please see below for some frequently asked questions and answers about our tuition assistance program. You can also download our program brochure:
When do I have to apply to A+A@A?
Applications should be submitted by December for the following school year and responses are sent to families in May.
Do we need to inform Akiva during our registration process whether or not we will need and apply A+A@A?
Absolutely not. You do not need to mention it any time during the application/registration process. It will not be a factor in your acceptance into Akiva.
My situation has been the same for many years and it will likely stay stable for many years to come. Do I have to fill out the forms and submit all my income tax information every year?
As a general rule, we do require that you submit your paper work each year, so as to ensure that our process is transparent and fair. However, if your family income is foreseeably stable in the long-run, you may qualify for a multi-year A+A@A as we strive to give all families a sense of security on an ongoing basis. In such cases, although your family will still have to submit financial documents each year, a formal application will not have to be filed each year.
What happens if my family’s financial situation changes in the middle of the school year or after the deadline to submit the application has passed?
If your situation changes, you can apply for A+A@A at any time.
What happens with extra school costs that my family might have to incur?
If you are part of the A+A@A program, all Center for Learning and extended day fees are automatically absorbed by the school.
Can we participate in the Jewish Life and Learning events?
It is a pleasure for Akiva to have your family attend the Jewish Life and Learning programs as guests. Simply RSVP by email to the Director of Administrative Services and you will be registered in the program, no questions asked.
Do you have professional resources available to help our family?
Akiva has a network of community professionals which we would be happy to share with you. The Head of School, the Director of Administrative Services, and the Director of Student Services can refer you to community resources.
What happens if our family is not granted any or enough assistance and would like the committee to review our file?
If this is the case, we would invite you to write a letter stating the reasons why you would like your file reviewed. This request for re-evaluation should include the amount that you feel your family is able to pay for school fees, as well as all the information that could help better understand your family’s financial situation.
How is the amount of the Akiva A+A@A allocation granted?
An amount available for education is calculated based on the family income (refer to the guideline in this brochure), family expenses and the standard living allowance. This amount is calculated for the entire family and then separated amongst the number of children in the family.
Example:
Family A has 3 children and it was calculated that family A could spend $10,000 on private Jewish education. When the first child enters the school, the child will be charged full tuition if the situation remains the same; when the second child enters the school, the amount available for education will be divided into 2 ($5,000 per child) and the balance of tuition will be given as subsidy to the family. The same process would apply when the third child enters the school.
Who is aware that we as a family applied for A+A@A?
Akiva makes every effort to keep this process as discreet and confidential as possible. Only the Head of School, Director of Administrative Services, accountant and 2 highly trusted (committee members) are aware of the files. No parents, no teachers and no board members are aware of the families in the A+A@A program.
