Children’s Community School is committed to fostering a community that reflects the diversity of Los Angeles.

Since its founding in 1981, Children’s Community School has been committed to equity, access, and socioeconomic diversity. Our mission is supported by the belief that everyone in the school community benefits from the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. Tuition assistance is one of the tools for developing and maintaining that diverse environment and, because of this, CCS is committed to making financial aid grants available to as many eligible applicants as possible.

We dedicate a significant portion of operating revenue to support our financial assistance program, with 30 to 40 percent of our families paying less than the maximum tuition level. While we wish we could provide aid to all of those who qualify, the availability of school resources, the number of qualified applicants, and overall budgetary constraints do influence financial aid decisions.

If no financial aid is given to a family in their first year at CCS, they will have to demonstrate a substantial change in income in order to be considered for financial aid the following year.

Children’s Community School uses the Clarity Application to determine a family’s tuition assistance and ability to pay. For families who submit a complete application and meet the established criteria, we will determine a financial aid award based on their unique economic situation. For more information on Clarity and our financial aid procedures, please click here.

Below is a list of FAQ which explain our policies and evaluation. If you have additional questions, please reach out to our CFO, Andrea Blanco. For Clarity’s own application guide, click your language preference below.

DUE DATES FOR 2025-2026 school year:

The financial aid application opens on November 1, 2024.

Returning Families – Financial Aid Application is due on January 3, 2025.

New Families – Financial Aid Application is due February 7, 2025.

 
 

  • The primary responsibility for financing a student’s education rests with the family. CCS believes a family should invest in their child’s education before elective expenses, for example, secondary home ownership, club memberships, and expensive car leases/purchases. Financial Aid is awarded to families who demonstrate financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Committee using Clarity – a financial aid analysis service.

  • Not necessarily. Financial aid is granted one year at a time. All families must reapply each year.

  • No, a family that does not apply for financial aid in their first year at CCS will only be considered for aid the following year if a substantial change in income can be demonstrated.

  • When distributing available aid, renewal of financial aid for existing families is given first priority. Existing families with documented changes in circumstances are the next priority, after which new family applications are considered. Financial aid contracts will not be issued to families with a balance due on current tuition payments.

  • To promote a fair and equitable process, each parent is required to submit a separate and complete financial aid application through Clarity when the parents maintain separate households. If the student’s parents do not live together, whether separated, divorced, or never married, each should complete an application that is reflective of his or her own household and financial picture. CCS cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses.

    If there is a non-custodial parent who has little or no contact with their child for a significant period of time, and provides no financial support, the requirement may be waived and you will be asked to submit a verified form stating such.

    If one parent has remarried, the stepparent information must be included in the application as well, since the stepparent is a contributing member to supporting the household’s needs. CCS determines the ability to pay that each household exhibits and financial aid amounts are based on the combined determination.

  • If a family has no children under the age of six, both parents are expected to be gainfully employed. If a spouse chooses not to work, we will impute an appropriate amount to the income calculations for evaluation. Some circumstances may exempt a family from this policy.

Returning students will receive a Financial Aid Re-Enrollment Agreement on February 7, 2025.  Agreements must be returned by the due date, or assistance packages will be released for re-allocation.  

Financial Aid Award letters for new students will be sent with admissions decisions on March 14, 2025.

Notice Of Nondiscriminatory Policy As To Students: Children’s Community School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.  Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies should be directed to the Head of School.