Financial Aid

We believe in providing an exceptional and inclusive education for all students, reflecting our founding Quaker beliefs that every child is deserving of a nurturing and inspiring learning experience.

A community of students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds enhances the educational experience of all. Our goal is to provide pathways for accessible and affordable tuition so that families from diverse backgrounds can benefit from an FSW education. We understand that each family's financial circumstances are unique, so we work closely with applicants to calculate a financial aid package that reflects your specific financial profile. Our financial aid process is guided by our Mission and Diversity Statements, and we abide by the National Association of Independent Schools Principles of Good Practice.

We use an outside vendor, FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, to determine a family’s financial need. Based on the financial information families submit, FACTS provides us with its estimate of the amount each family can contribute to educational expenses. This estimate provides a starting point to help us make a fair and objective decision on financial assistance.

Begin Your Financial Aid Application

Financial Aid Steps

Prospective Families
Current Families

Prospective Families

Step 1: Begin Admissions Application

The financial aid process and the application process occur at the same time but are independent of one another. Once you begin the admissions application, you may also apply for financial aid. Please do not wait for your admissions decision. In doing so, available monies may be already allocated. An applicant’s financial situation is never discussed in any admission deliberations.

Admissions Application

Step 2: Create Username & Password

Step 3: Complete Application

Many factors are reviewed and evaluated and include things such as annual income expenses, liabilities and debts, family size, and any unusual expenses. One particular noteworthy element of our financial aid program is that asset accounts such as a 401(k) are not part of a financial decision. However, since family circumstances vary widely, differences in circumstances other than income often result in families with similar incomes having different financial need.

The FACTS Grant & Aid application is open for online submissions but prospective family applications will not be considered until February 2 for the following academic year.

Please do not mail or email any materials directly to FSW.

Step 4: Receive Financial Aid Decision

Step 5: Accept Financial Aid & Confirm Enrollment

Should you accept the award, your tuition obligation will be automatically updated to reflect the new amount, the payments due recalculated, and a confirming email sent to you.

Please Note:
Prospective families awarded financial aid are not considered enrolled until the financial aid package has been accepted, a formal offer of admission has been extended, and the family then completes the subsequent online enrollment packet.

Current Families

Step 1: Create Username & Password

Step 2: Complete Application

Currently enrolled families will receive priority consideration provided they complete the application process by February 2. Applications received after that date will be considered along with prospective family applicants.

Please do not mail or email any materials directly to FSW.

Please Note:
Families currently enrolled and receiving financial aid will need to submit an updated application each year. Families currently enrolled and NOT receiving financial aid whose circumstances indicate a potential need for assistance should let the Business Office know as soon as possible and then submit an application.

Step 3: Receive Financial Aid Decision

Step 4: Accept Financial Aid & Confirm Enrollment

Marla Schoolmeester

Frequently Asked Questions

Does FSW offer financial aid?

How is a family’s tuition calculated?

The Friends School of Wilmington Financial Aid Committee takes great care to assess each family’s unique financial profile and partners with a third party organization, FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, to determine need-based award. Many factors are reviewed and evaluated and include things such as annual income expenses, liabilities and debts, family size, and any unusual expenses. One particular noteworthy element of our financial aid program is that asset accounts such as a 401(k) are not part of a financial decision. However, since family circumstances vary widely, differences in circumstances other than income often result in families with similar incomes having different financial need.

Is my financial information confidential?

When would I know my tuition amount?

Does applying for financial aid affect my enrollment application?

If I don't receive financial aid, can I apply again another year?

FSW is happy to consider applications from returning families who have a significant change in their financial profile. Families who do not receive financial aid rate during their initial year should not expect their tuition to be less in subsequent years unless they have experienced a significant change in circumstances. Increased expenditures such as having an additional child in a tuition-paying school could qualify as a significant change in circumstances.

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