Why is CSCS not using Family Financial Needs Assessment any more?

On January 1, 2010, Family Financial Needs Assessment (FFNA) was purchased by Independent School Management (ISM). This year, we will utilize the online service ISM provides - Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) to process applications. FAST will be the standard submission format for all applications.

What is Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST)?

FAST is a web-based system developed by ISM which provides a need-based financial assistance analysis service which includes a recommendation of what a family should reasonably contribute toward tuition.

Who Makes Tuition Financial Assistance Decisions?

It is important for you to remember that:

• FAST DOES NOT make decisions about the amount of tuition financial assistance awarded by CSCS
  nor does it provide any of the funding for this program.
• All information from FAST is kept confidential. Results are reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee who makes recommendations to the Superintendent based on next year's budget.
• Awards of tuition financial assistance are made under the direction of the Superintendent and Business Manager, based upon the suggestions received from FAST, and in consideration of the budgeted funds available. Upon approval by the Superintendent, financial assistance offers are then sent to families.
• Funds are provided from donations to underwrite this program.
• You should direct any questions you have about tuition financial assistance awards to the Business Manager or Admissions Coordinator at (719) 268-2188 and not FAST.

Who Will See the Financial Information on my FAST?

As you complete the FAST, you should know that:

• The information you provide will be received and held in complete confidence by FAST.
• The information you provide will not be sold or issued to any credit agency.
• FAST will issue to the Admissions Coordinator a statement which includes FAST's suggestion as to how much tuition you should be able to pay. CSCS will not be issued a copy of your determination.

CSCS 2010/2011 Tuition Financial Assistance Program Directions/Deadlines

Carefully read through guidelines below.

As a reminder, you must reapply each year. To start the process, please do the following:

*Go to the following web address - http://cscslions.org/FAST.

*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 e-mail and a 24/7 helpline is provided. Please do not call the school with questions.

*The charge for the application is $30.00 and to be paid by credit card at the end of the session. If you do not have a credit card, please call the Admissions Office at (719) 599-3553 for assistance.

*After completing the online application you will be required to mail your 2009 tax returns for both state and federal taxes with all schedules and W-2's to:

FAST Processing
ISM
1316 North Union Street
Wilmington DE 19806-2594

*Including the School's name on the outside of the envelope will ensure faster processing of your application.

*The online submission deadline for current families' application is 3/10/2010.

*Current families' tax returns must follow the submission and be postmarked by 3/24/2010.

*The online submission deadline for new families' application is within two weeks of when the New Student application was submitted.

*New families' 2009 tax returns must be postmarked within two weeks of the FAST submission.

*Make your tax appointment early if you have an accountant who prepares your taxes.

The goal is to have Enrollment Agreements (EA) issued as soon as possible so decisions can be made. The signed EA will secure your student's seat. This new process that has been selected should serve our school family well. Among its many features will be the ability to further secure your financial data and maintain the high degree of confidentiality that past recipients most appreciated.

If you have any questions, please call Kathy Turner at (719) 268-2188 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How do I secure consideration for Tuition Financial Assistance?

Returning Families:

1. The 2010/2011 Re-Enrollment Application along with the appropriate non-refundable fees per students must be filed with CSCS. Parents must indicate on the 2010/2011 Re-Enrollment Application that they want to apply for Tuition Financial Assistance while also indicating which Tuition Payment Plan they prefer.
2. The Family Aid for Student Tuition (FAST) Application must filed by March 10, 2010 and the 2009 Tax Returns must follow the submission of the FAST application and be postmarked by March 24, 2010.
3. If the family has any new students to be enrolled in 2010/2011, a New Student Application with appropriate non- refundable fee must be filed for each new student at the same time returning students are re-enrolled.

New Families:

1. The 2010/2011 New Student Application along with the appropriate non-refundable fees per students must be filed with CSCS. Parents must indicate on the 2010/2011 New Student Application that they want to apply for Tuition Financial Assistance while also indicating which Tuition Payment Plan they prefer.
2. The Family Aid for Student Tuition (FAST) Application must be filed within two weeks of when the New Student Application was submitted and the 2009 tax returns must be postmarked within two weeks of the FAST submission.

What happens if I miss the FAST Submission Deadline? 

If the FAST deadline of March 10, 2010 is missed, the request for financial assistance will be considered to the extent there are funds remaining after the initial awards for financial assistance are completed. Fewer funds will be available after the March 10, 2010 deadline.