Brewster Academy: Financial Aid

Is financial aid merit based?
No, eligibility for financial aid is determined on the basis of a family's demonstrated need. Academic achievement, scholastic ability, and the qualities of leadership and citizenship are also considered in the determination of awards.

What is financial aid and how is it different from loans?
Financial aid is a grant given to qualifying families to offset the cost of a Brewster education. Unlike a loan, which requires repayment, a grant does not have to be repaid.

Where does financial aid come from?
Each year Brewster's Board of Trustees establishes a financial aid budget which currently represents 11 % of the Academy's operating funds. Brewster is committed to a comprehensive financial aid program which exists to attract and allow for a broad selection of students to be a part of our community.

How will applying for financial aid affect my child's admission?
Financial aid determination is separate from the Admissions decision. However, timely completion of the financial aid paperwork may expedite the financial aid award decision.

Will my financial aid award change from year to year?
Brewster reviews financial aid awards annually and adjusts them, if necessary, to reflect changes in parent financial need and in the school's total financial aid budget. The amount of any assistance is determined by the demonstrated need of the student's family, the student's performance, and the availability of Brewster's financial aid funds.

When Should You Start, and What Should You Do First?

While we are eager to assist families at any stage of the admission process, we encourage you to begin planning as early as possible. Families who are beginning the admission application process should work with us to develop an affordability plan at the same time. The award of financial aid begins on a rolling basis from March 10th to September 1st.

Step 1: If financial planning assistance is desired, e-mail admissions@brewsteracademy.org for the Parent's Financial Statement Form (PFS).

Step 2: Complete this form and return it to The School and Student Scholarship Service (SSS), per the directions.

Step 3: The PFS report usually takes about two to three weeks to be processed and sent to the schools that you have requested. This report will indicate what a family's demonstrated need would be and is then used in the school's determination.

Step 4: Beginning on March 10th, families who have completed their application for financial aid and submitted current tax forms will be notified in writing of the decision. This is done in conjunction with the school's admission process when appropriate.

Required Financial Aid Information

Parents' Financial Statement Form (PFS)
Current Federal Income Tax Return and Schedules