As a result of generous donations to the school, a portion of the operating budget is set aside each year for financial aid to help parents who might find the cost of a Pilgrim education beyond their reach. These funds are offered to admitted applicants or returning students when need is determined. Pilgrim does not offer loans.

arents should complete and submit applications online through the School & Student Services by NAIS website at https://www.solutionsbysss.com/ using the Pilgrim School code: 5782. Applications are to be submitted by January 17, 2025, although late applications will be considered if financial aid funds are still available. If a family is unable to apply online, please contact the Pilgrim School Admissions Office at 213-355-5204.

In addition, the following documents are required:

• Copies of the federal tax return for the last two years (2023 and 2024) including form 1040 and all supporting schedules filed with tax return (for example; Schedule A - Itemized Deductions, Schedule B - Interest and Dividend Income, Schedule C – Profit/ Loss from Business, etc.; all ap)
• All applications must be submitted through the SSS portal.
• Forms W-2
• Signed IRS Form 4506-T.

Please note that these forms must be uploaded with the PFS through the SSS no later than January 17, 2025, including copies of your 2023 tax returns with all supporting schedules. 2024 federal tax returns with all supporting schedules should be submitted no later than February 28, 2025. We encourage families to file tax returns as soon as possible as applications submitted with all required documents will be considered first. Pilgrim School reserves the right to deny a financial assistance award if tax returns are not submitted.

Each family situation is reviewed carefully and an individual decision is made based on all available information. Therefore, it is very difficult to offer general guidelines by which you can determine your own eligibility. For further information or to discuss particular circumstances, please contact Pilgrim School at 213-355-5213. The school provides tuition assistance to as many qualifying families as possible.

All Pilgrim School financial assistance awards are based strictly on demonstrated need. Priority is given to current families. No awards are given to students in Early Education. Although family income level is an important consideration, many other factors enter into the decision-making process, including the number of children in the family, number of children attending schools for which tuition is paid, other family dependents, assets and liabilities, and unusual circumstances.

Both custodial and non-custodial parents are expected to complete separate Parents’ Financial Statements (PFS). While recognizing that divorce may create challenging situations, it is expected that all available family resources will be committed to a child’s education, from both the custodial and non-custodial parents. The school will also consider resources of a step-parent in making an award determination. However, unique or unusual circumstances will be considered.

There is no “typical” award.  Awards range from $1,000 to an amount close to covering full tuition.  Pilgrim School must exercise caution to ensure that it does not commit an unreasonably large portion of limited resources to a single family.  Last year, 60 students are receiving financial aid with an average award of $12,040.

Many families seek assistance through the financial aid program each year. The school’s resources are limited and we expect that each family will use their financial resources to the maximum extent possible. We understand that this may involve some degree of sacrifice and ask that you give careful thought to the maximum amount of tuition which you can reasonably pay considering your own resources and those of your extended family, when available.

Yes. Financial circumstances may change from year to year, and in order to allocate our limited resources wisely, it will be necessary to reapply each year for assistance. Many families keep copies of their completed PFS forms from SSS (School & Student Services by NAIS) for reference the following year.

Yes. All materials and documentation submitted with the financial assistance application are held in the strictest confidence.

No. Admissions decisions are made without regard to a family’s financial circumstances.