Financial Assistance: Affordability Within Reach

Private doesn’t mean exclusive. Administrators and alumni recognize they cannot provide a good education in a socio-economic bubble, and that the promising young minds they seek come from many walks of life. For these reasons, financial assistance is now a priority.

In a 2018 survey by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), 89 member schools reported 7,113 students – or 14.7% of students in those schools – received some financial aid. The average aid package was $10,995, up 16% since 2014. In total, schools allocated $77.9 million to financial assistance, up 31% since 2014.

Applications for financial assistance are generally evaluated by an outside agency that collects financial information and provides confidentiality. Recommendations are passed to the school, which then evaluates and allocates financial assistance according to budget and enrolment requirements. There is no stigma attached, and few staff members know who receives assistance.

A few examples across the country demonstrate the trend. Rothesay Netherwood in Saint John, N.B., consistently allocates 17% of a steadily rising budget, now awarding $1.5 million to 30% to 35% of students. At The Study in Montreal, about 20% of its 390 students receive assistance totalling $400,000. And Brentwood College School, north of Victoria, B.C., divides $2 million in aid among about a quarter of its 550 students.