Open Window - Financial Aid

Financial Aid Information

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of a family’s financial need. A variety of criteria are considered, including income (taxable and nontaxable), assets, number of dependents, age of parents, number of children attending tuition-based schools, number of parents who are working, etc. This information is balanced with data about living expenses, medical costs, indebtedness, and other factors such as child support and legal expenses. Financial aid applications are due February 8, 2008.

To gather information and objectively evaluate it, OWS subscribes to School and Student Service (SSS) for Financial Aid, a service provided by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

All discussions and decisions about financial aid applicants are kept strictly confidential.

What is the range of income of current OWS Financial Aid recipients?
The income level ranged between $20,000 and $140,000.

What percentage of tuition is awarded?
In past years, financial aid awards met 5% - 80% of an individual tuition.

Do families get financial aid every year?
Families must apply for financial aid each year. The size of awards will depend upon demonstrated need and the number of applicants.

Accepted students will be notified of their financial aid award when they receive their letter of acceptance and contract.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

By February 8, 2008:

Submit directly to the "School and Student Service" (SSS):

Parents' Financial Statement (PFS)* – Original (be sure to complete all applicable fields and schedules and provide the required explanations). Use SSS school code 1083 for Open Window School/Vista Academy.
- You may complete the PFS on-line by going to www.nais.org and selecting SSS On-Line, or you may request paper forms by contacting businessoffice@ows.org.

Submit directly to the Open Window School/Vista Academy Business Office:

Copies (not originals) of your 2007 Income Tax Return (including all schedules)
Copies (not originals) of your 2007 W-2 form(s)
Copy of the PFS
If applicable, the SSS Business/Farm Statement should be submitted to the Open Window School/Vista Academy Business Office.

* If you are separated or divorced, a separate PFS from each parent is required. The PFS from the parent not submitting the primary application, should be sent directly to the Open Window School/Vista Academy Business Office – not to SSS.

Please contact Marja Ziuzin, Controller, at 425.747.2911 or businessoffice@ows.org if you have any questions.