Financial aid awards at GDS are in the form of grants that require no repayment. During the 2022-23 school year, financial aid awards range from $500 to full tuition, with the average award at approximately $32,400. Although the school does not offer loans to families, for a nominal fee, parents may spread their tuition payments throughout the academic year by registering with The Family Portal. Detailed information about payment options is available from the business office and is included with letters of acceptance.

Our financial aid awards are based solely on demonstrated need, which we define as the difference between the cost of a year’s tuition and what a family can realistically afford to pay towards that cost. Because the purpose of our financial aid program is to provide equitable access and support socioeconomic diversity, GDS does not provide non-need-based scholarships based on academic qualifications, athletics, or any other considerations.

The Family Portal assessment takes into account factors such as income, assets, liabilities, family size, and living costs. Once The Family Portal assessment is complete, the financial aid committee, composed of the Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid, Head of School, and Chief Financial Officer, then determine the level of demonstrated need that will be met with financial aid funding.

The admissions committee makes its initial decisions without regard to financial need. However, because the school has limited resources, the admissions committee may ultimately have to make difficult decisions about the number of financial aid applicants who can be accepted within the limits of the budget.

Yes. GDS assumes that you will seek financial assistance from each of the schools your children attend, including pre-school and college.

In general, yes. Although circumstances may differ from one family to the next, the addition of another adult often alters a family’s financial circumstances. Like most independent schools, GDS considers total family resources in its financial aid calculations.

GDS is committed to its enrolled families. Although financial aid funds are limited, the School will do what it can to help families who experience unforeseen financial hardship.