Affording RE

List of 14 frequently asked questions.

• Is there a tuition discount for multiple children who attend Ransom Everglades?

  We do not offer a tuition discount for multiple children, but financial aid is offered in the form of annual need-based grants, which are determined through an analysis of family financial need.

• Are there payment plans available?

  The school has a plan that allows financial aid families to spread the cost over 10 payments without a fee. Full-pay families who prefer not to pay the tuition all at once can either pay in two installments or 10 installments with an additional fee.

• How is financial aid eligibility determined at Ransom Everglades School?

  A family's eligibility for financial assistance is determined through analysis of information provided on the financial aid application and the family's previous two years of tax returns. The application asks for financial information related to a family's total income and assets (taking into consideration income allowances and certain indebtedness). The tax return copies are used to corroborate information provided on the financial aid application. The Financial Aid Committee then analyzes a family’s financial picture and conducts a review. Clarity and our financial aid methodology help us determine a family's discretionary income. We will consider a portion of a family's discretionary income available for tuition and related fees.

• Do I need to re-apply for aid each year?

  Yes. We will ask you to file a new financial aid application and submit your tax returns each year. The school will continue to award a level of aid appropriate for your level of demonstrated need until your child graduates.

• My spouse is not currently employed. How will that affect Ransom Everglades' analysis of our financial situation?

  We typically consider the earning power of a non-working spouse if there are no legitimate, documented reasons for the spouse to be unemployed.

• What is the financial aid deadline?

  The financial aid application deadline is January 15.

• When will I be notified of my award?

  Admission decisions will be emailed on March 1. Financial aid decisions for new applicant students will be included with acceptance of admission.

• If our child is offered admission to Ransom Everglades with a financial aid grant in year one, can we expect to receive a similar grant in future years?

  Yes. Families of currently enrolled students must go through the financial aid application process each year. Assuming its financial picture remains largely the same, a family can expect to make a similar contribution to tuition and related fees in successive years. The Financial Aid Office will perform an analysis each year to determine eligibility for continued assistance.

• It would be difficult for us to afford Ransom Everglades School. Should I use up savings and/or borrow to make things work without aid for a year or two and then request aid if I cannot?

  We discourage this approach. When a family submits a “full-pay” application to the school, this communicates that the family will be capable of covering all educational costs for the upcoming year and foreseeable future. Although the school maintains some emergency funds for families who request aid after admission, those funds are reserved for families who encounter unforeseeable financial reversals.

• What do I do if my family can't afford the Clarity fee?

  Clarity uses family size, income and asset information in the application to assess a family's financial situation and automatically applies a fee waiver if the family qualifies. Qualifying families simply bypass all payment screens when their application is complete.

• What financial sacrifices does Ransom Everglades expect families to make when evaluating how much they can afford for tuition and school-related expenses?

  We believe the primary responsibility for financing education rests with families. Our Financial Aid Committee’s goal is to evaluate each family's financial picture in such a manner that the family accepts some financial sacrifice for a Ransom Everglades education. The committee differentiates between necessary expenses and money spent for lifestyle choices. Beyond a certain point, we will not provide aid to offset lifestyle expenditures that could be directed toward education. The parental contribution calculated by the school might differ from the Clarity calculation. The committee will, for example, consider the potential for income to be earned by a non-working parent who does not have small children at home.

• What if parents are divorced or separated?

  We believe both parents have an obligation to contribute, to the extent they can, to their children’s educational expenses. We take into account the assets and income of both biological parents. We cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed legally or otherwise responsibility for educational expenses. If either parent has remarried, we will consider the income of the step-parent, keeping in mind the obligation of that step-parent to that parent's biological children. If either parent lives in a household with another adult, we may consider the assets and income of that person, depending on circumstances. In view of this, both biological parents and their current spouses need to fill out separate financial aid applications.

• Are there exceptions to the above policy?

  Requests to consider extenuating circumstances (such as a missing parent or one who has not provided support and has not been in contact with the family for a lengthy period) should be explained in writing in a letter to the Financial Aid Office.

• What is RE's policy on school vouchers?

  Ransom Everglades does not participate in the Florida school voucher program (known as HB1 or the Florida Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options). This position is consistent with RE's longstanding policy of not accepting state-funded scholarships, vouchers or grants and is in alignment with other independent schools in our region. Ransom Everglades’ independence ensures that our faculty, administration and staff have the freedom and resources to create an unmatched educational experience for our students.  

   

  Private schools that participate in state programs and accept state funding must comply with state education requirements and submit to state oversight and reporting. They are also reliant on funding that could change based on conditions outside of the school's control. As an independent school, we stay abreast of current information and best practices through our regional organizations, the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), as well as the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).