School contributions toward the cost of tuition are determined through a confidential annual analysis of a family’s application through Financial Aid through School Tuition (FAST), a fee-based service provided by Independent School Management (ISM). Many variables are considered beyond income (both U.S. and foreign). FAST provides the School with an objective estimated amount that a family can afford for school tuition. 

Requests for a school contribution toward the cost of tuition are considered separately from admission applications. The Stanley Clark School uses the following criteria when evaluating a family’s application for need-based financial assistance:

• Need-Based Awards: Eligibility and amounts are determined by the School’s Financial Aid Committee based on the Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) application processed by Independent School Management (ISM) and a copy of the family’s current and complete Federal Income Tax forms (or equivalent foreign documents), supporting schedules and W-2 forms. Applicants are expected to meet all application deadlines and must submit all paperwork on time. School contribution award letters are typically sent in early May, assuming all deadlines have been met. 

• Parental Responsibility: The primary responsibility for tuition rests with the family. In evaluating financial information, The Stanley Clark School’s Financial Aid Committee takes into account the number of children in the household, additional dependents, assets and all sources of income. In addition, the Financial Aid Committee considers lifestyle choices and discretionary spending patterns that may affect availability of funding for a child’s education. Vacation homes, luxury vehicles and similar lifestyle choices are typically viewed as disqualifying in the context of school contribution applications. The School is pleased to support qualified families living within or below their means.

• Confidentiality: The School upholds the confidentiality of personal financial data throughout the process and expects families to maintain the confidentiality of awards. Failure to maintain confidentiality risks future eligibility.

• Renewal: Financial support is evaluated annually and requires demonstration of continued financial need. Current families must be in good financial standing with the School’s Business Office before a school contribution will be considered.

• Priority: Priority is given to current families who previously received aid with demonstrated continued need, followed by currently enrolled families who are applying for aid for the first time and then families new to the school. 

• Available Funding: Eligibility for a school contribution does not guarantee that funds are available. Funding for school contributions is available on a per grade level basis. It is possible for funds to be fully extended and unavailable in some grade levels but not others. Families with more than one student enrolled should not expect a decrease in total tuition liability to the school upon graduation or departure of one child until such time as the full cost of tuition has been reached for currently enrolled children.

Divorce or Separation

• Full participation is expected from all biological parents, step-parents and/or the adults with whom the child lives or other adults with financial influence and responsibility in the student’s life.

• In the process of evaluating a family’s financial situation, the process requires complete documentation from all parties and full transparency of all those identified in the categories listed above, regardless of divorce, separation or estrangement.  A school contribution will not be considered unless all required information from all parties is provided.  

• The Stanley Clark School is not bound by any decrees, agreements or legal documents excusing a parent from financial responsibility for his or her child’s education.

Applications for contributions are reviewed following a student’s acceptance to the school.

How a Contribution is Determined
The Stanley Clark School utilizes Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) to collect the information necessary to create a contribution package. This program considers gross taxable income, assets, liabilities, family size, and the number of students in tuition-charging schools. While FAST does not decide whether a contribution will be given, it does provide a need-based financial analysis and recommendation of what a family could reasonably contribute to tuition. This information is considered carefully and handled confidentially. All contribution levels are determined in early spring (for the fall semester).

School Contribution Procedure
The FAST system is available for application submission beginning February 1.

The application process is self-guided. You may navigate in and out of the program allowing you to partially complete an application and go back to it at another time. Online email and a 24/7 helpline are provided. Please do not call the school with questions regarding navigation of this system. The helpline will provide you with the quickest response. FAST help: help@ismfast.com or 1-877-326-FAST(3278).

The application fee is $53 (non-refundable) per family and is to be paid by credit card at the end of the session. 

2023 tax returns and all required supporting documents must follow the submission of your application. To ensure faster processing, documents may be uploaded through the FAST website or mailed using the address below (must be postmarked by March 1, 2024). Award determinations will not be made until all tax documents are provided.

The following address may be used to submit tax documents.

Independent School Management
Attn: FAST Processing Center
RE: STANLEY CLARK SCHOOL
2207 Concord Pike #417
Wilmington, DE 19803

New families accepted to the school after the above date should complete FAST applications as soon as possible after admission to the school and contact the business office.

School contribution award letters are mailed to families by early May.

Questions? Please contact:
Ann Gazdick, Director of Finance
agazdick@stanleyclark.org or 574.999.4917.

The FAST application for the 2024-25 school year is available beginning February 1.