Affording CFMS
Affordability is fundamental to CFMS. We intentionally keep tuition low and offer need-based tuition assistance to enable moderate and low-income families to access the lifelong benefits of a Montessori education.
Families with a wide range of income levels apply for aid. We welcome applications for tuition assistance and offer a variety of payment plans. At least 35 percent of our students receive some form of tuition assistance each year. CFMS also participates in several external programs that provide tuition assistance. (See below for details.)
If you are interested in CFMS for your child and have concerns about affordability, please contact our Director of Student Support, Kristi Medley, by phone or email. (Kristi@cfmschool.org 202-722-1520)
Timeline
In order to be considered for tuition assistance for the upcoming school year, applications must be received no later than January 31.
Supporting Tax Documents are due by March 15th.
Families will be notified of financial aid award decisions by April 30th.
Applying for Financial Aid
We understand and appreciate the financial commitment families undertake in deciding to send their children to Christian Family Montessori School. We devote significant funds each year to a financial aid budget to assist families. To help us objectively assess what a family is able to contribute to its student(s) education expenses, we use Clarity as a trusted third party.
The Christian Family Montessori School Tuition Assistance Program is designed to make a CFMS education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. CFMS is proud to use the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts.
To get started, please go to the Clarity Application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools.
The deadline for completing the financial aid application including relevant supplemental documents is January 31, 2024.
If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.
If you have any other questions about the application or the financial-aid process, please call the CFMS office at CFMS@cfmschool.org; (202) 722-1520
Additional Resources
CFMS participates in several external programs that offer tuition assistance. The assistance provided may cover all tuition and fees for accepted students. We are happy to help families navigate these programs. For more information or assistance, please contact our main office.
Opportunity Scholarship Program The OSP provides tuition assistance to D.C. residents whose families meet the program's financial criteria.
Latino Student Fund Latinx students enrolled at CFMS and eligible for financial aid may apply for competitive scholarships from LSF.