2024/25 Application Process is now CLOSED.

Check back soon for application details for the 2025/26 school year.

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Introduction

Each year, Timothy Christian School (“TCS”) makes available several bursaries to our families to help those who are financially unable to pay the full tuition rate.  Bursaries are awarded by the Bursary Committee, whose goal is to support the opportunity for Christian education to children from Christian families with varying incomes and personal situations.   Bursaries are provided to ensure that finances are not an impediment to providing Christian education to those who desire it for their children.

Process

These bursary funds are available to new and returning families of TCS. Families must be enrolled prior to submitting bursary applications. Please see the Admissions section of our school website to begin the enrolment process.

 

We utilize Independent School Management’s (“ISM”) Financial Aid for School Tuition (“FAST”) to process applications. FAST is the standard submission format for all applications.

FAST does not decide whether financial assistance will be given or how much to give; rather FAST provides a need-based financial aid analysis service which includes a recommendation of what a family should reasonably contribute toward tuition. The Bursary Committee makes the final determination of dollars awarded per family per year. Ultimately, FAST is an effort to impartially compare like financial data between families with without regard to previous history or connections within the school community. All information submitted to and coming out of FAST is kept confidential.

Before beginning the application process, it is important to understand that the intent of the bursary program is to ensure that finances are not an impediment to providing Christian education to those who desire it for their children. Please honour the intent of this program by agreeing with the following:

  • You will fill out the bursary application (FAST) fairly and honestly.

  • You have reasonably pursued other sources of funds for tuition beyond your current income.

  • You will live a prudent and responsible lifestyle with respect to your finances.

  • You will make every effort to be fully employed.

  • Bursary applicants will request only what they really need.

  • If divorced, both parents are expected to fill in a FAST application.

Bursaries are granted on an annual basis and therefore an application must be submitted each year.

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. FAST has a helpline available to you should you have any questions, which can be reached by calling 1-877-326-FAST (2378). To begin your application, or to find out additional details about the FAST application process, please click here.

The charge for the application is US$53.00 and is to be paid by credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express) after all sections have been completed. If you do not have a credit card or if paying the application fee will cause financial hardship, please reach out to our financial administrator (finance@timothycs.com).

After completing the online application, you will be required to scan or mail your most recent tax documents (T1 and Notice of Assessment) to FAST for verification purposes. (If mailing: Independent School Management, Attn: FAST Processing Center, 1316 N. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19806).

Deadlines

Returning Families:

For returning families, the application deadline for the 2024/25 school year is January 31, 2024. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, late applications from returning families will be reviewed at the discretion of the Bursary Committee and awards will be reduced by 10%.  Returning families should expect to hear back on awarded bursaries prior to the end of February 2024..

New Families:

The Bursary Committee will accept applications from new families until August 31, 2024. The deadlines for submission are as follows:

1st round: April 30, 2024

2nd round: May 31, 2024

3rd round: August 31, 2024

Deadlines for new families may be extended in the case of extenuating circumstances. New families should expect to hear back on awarded bursaries within one month of the deadline.

Available Bursaries

TCS budgets approximately 5% of tuition for bursaries each year.  For 2023/24, this totaled $75,000 and we hope to have a similar budget available for 2024/25.

All bursaries are provided to ensure that finances are not an impediment to providing Christian education to those who desire it for their children.  As a Christian community, we strive to support and love each other by providing financial assistance to those who need it.  As a result, all bursaries are needs-based.  Below are the specific application criteria for each Bursary available.

Applicants should apply for the bursary that best fits their situation and needs.  The Bursary Committee will make final determinations on the appropriate source of funding and TCS may apply for a grant from the Christian School Foundation to subsidize a portion of bursaries provided to families.

First-Time Families Bursary:

Amount available: up to a maximum of $3,500*

This bursary is intended for new families to TCS.

Double Tuition Bursary:

Amount available: up to $3,500*

This bursary is intended for families who are also paying for Christian high school tuition.

Community Bursary:

Amount available: up to $5,700*

This bursary is intended for returning families to TCS. Note that TCS may apply for a grant from the Christian School Foundation to subsidize a portion of this bursary.  While families will need to apply annually for this bursary, the Bursary Committee will endeavor to continue to provide support for families who need it.

Extenuating Circumstances Bursary:

Amount available: up to $5,700*

This bursary is intended for returning families to TCS who would normally be able to afford tuition but have had an extenuating circumstance in their personal lives (such as, but not limited to: job loss, unexpected costs, medical costs or challenging family situations) that is expected to be short-term in nature.  Note that if a family expects that their financial need is longer-term in nature, they should apply for the Community Bursary.

*In certain circumstances and based on extraordinary need, the Bursary Committee may increase the maximum award by up to 25%.

If you have any questions, please contact Asher Roffel (asherroffel@gmail.com).

Sincerely,
Bursary Committee