Think again. Smithtown Christian School proudly offers Variable Tuition. This means that tuition at Smithtown Christian is not a “One-size-fits all.” It’s a range. A range that spans from 35-70% of the full cost of education since our Church, Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle and donated funds cover 30% of the cost right from the beginning! Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates further to meet your family’s unique financial position. Consider a Christian Education at SCS today!

What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their families’ financial situation. Thus, this makes a Smithtown Christian education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.

How Does Variable Tuition Work?
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through 12th grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Smithtown Christian School, and they think they may qualify for the program. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at Smithtown Christian School.

An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admissions process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for re-enrollment or admission to the school.

It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family may or may not qualify without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to FACTS, a third-party agency. FACTS evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify via email from the FACTS system.

Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.

Do I need to apply to Smithtown Christian School to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Yes.

Upon completion of my Variable Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Awards are communicated to applicants within about 3 weeks of the time that our vendor receives the Variable Tuition application and necessary supporting documents.
The SCS Variable Tuition Committee begins accepting applications early in the new calendar year, usually some time between January and March 1. Interested applicant families who have applied for admissions will be notified once Variable Tuition opens and they can apply. Determinations for the upcoming school year are typically given to parents by May 30 or early summer. Please note: The committee may receive applications after May 30; however, funds are limited.

What is the cost to apply for Variable Tuition?
The cost to apply for Variable Tuition is $35, paid through FACTS upon application.

Should every new Smithtown Christian family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to Smithtown Christian School and an application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. First, the Admissions Application for the student must be submitted. Second, the parent can apply for Variable Tuition next. The remaining steps of the admissions process (entrance exam, interview, etc.) can continue while the parent completes the Variable Tuition application. This second application does not slow or hinder the admissions process.

Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is less than our published range.

Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The Smithtown Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?

Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:
Lisa Eichenlaub, Director of Admissions and Advancement
leichenlaub@scsemail.org
631 . 265 . 3334 ext. 203

Should every returning Smithtown Christian family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

I’m currently receiving a need-based scholarship. How does this work for Variable Tuition?
Smithtown Christian no longer provides need-based scholarships for financial aid. Variable Tuition will take the place of this program.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is less than our published range.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The Smithtown Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.

I see that the Variable Tuition ranges don’t include a “multi-student discount.” Where did this go?
For simplicity, the chart on this page shows tuition for one student. Please consult our tuition rate sheet in the resources page for the multi-student discount ranges.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:

Lisa Eichenlaub, Director of Admissions and Advancement
leichenlaub@scsemail.org
631 . 265 . 3334 x203

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Tuition Fees and Admissions Calendar
Financial Aid Information