When and How Can I Apply for a Scholarship for My Child?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When and how can I apply for a scholarship for my child?

Now. The application period for kindergarten through 8th grade for the 2017/ 2018 school year is now open. Please follow this link to apply: Paper copies of the application are available in the office, but please be aware that these take much longer to process.

Families currently receiving tuition assistance must reapply each year for the next school year.

Why must I apply through Smart Aid?

The Commonwealth of PA requires that a third party qualify families for eligibility on need based scholarships. Smart Aid is who The Archdiocese of Philadelphia now uses for this qualification process.

I have children at a diocesan high school also. Do I need to do an application for each of them?

No, one application can be completed for your entire family.

What are the qualifications to receive a need-based scholarship?

To qualify for an EITC scholarship, an eligible student is defined as a school age student who is enrolled in a school located in this Commonwealth, and who is a member of a household with an annual household income that meets the following guidelines.

These income guidelines are for EITC funding only. Income Guidelines for other funding sources vary.

We realize that sometimes families encounter financial difficulties even though their income exceeds the EITC guidelines.Since HFS does have non-EITC funds available for distribution, we suggest if this is the case, you fill out and submit the aid application forms anyway.

What will I need to complete the application process?

You will need our school code (11366), your $25 processing fee, and when available, you will need to submit documents related to your current year’s income in January (W2. K1, etc…).

I started my application, but Holy Family says it is not listed with their applicants.

The application MUST be completed in order for us to see your information. Parents should check their online application to make sure that it is marked “submitted”. Smart Aid will not contact you about unfinished applications.

How can I check the status of an application for a scholarship?

The status of your application can be checked by logging into your account on Smart Aid.

How are scholarship awarded?

Once an application has been submitted, Smart Aid (a third party) will decide if your family qualifies for need based scholarships. The list of qualified students is then sent to our school. The school then decides who will receive the need based scholarships. The application process is not intended to intimidate, rather, it ensures that the amount of aid given to each family is objective and that as many needy students as possible receive help. All information is confidential and is independently reviewed.

When will I find out if I received a scholarship for the 2017 / 2018 school year?

We will be notifying applicants by mid-July at the latest, but expect to provide information in early June.

If I receive a scholarship, when will my tuition statement be credited?

Once the award statement is finalized, your tuition statement will be adjusted. If tuition payments are due before you receive notice about your award, you may either call the Business Office for instructions, or make the first full payment as usual.

What if I have questions that are not answered here?

Questions about the application process should be directed to Smart Aid at 800-360-8027.

Questions on the timing of awards, tuition and other financial aid that you may qualify for, should be directed to our Business Manager, Marianne Wheatley.