Breakwater is committed to making our program accessible to a wide range of families. The Financial Aid Program is designed to offer families the opportunity to obtain a Breakwater education for their child or children. Financial Aid also enables our Community to embrace all forms of diversity including socio-economic. Breakwater’s goal is to maintain a vibrant, diverse and strong community, and Financial Aid helps achieve this goal.

The total amount available for Financial Aid Awards is determined by the Board of Trustees in collaboration with the Finance Committee and the Head of School. Financial Aid Awards are determined based on recommendations from School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS), and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). To apply for Financial Aid, parents must submit a Parent Financial Statement (PFS) to SSS which considers income and expenditures and determines a level of need for each family. SSS provides Breakwater with the level of need identified for each family. Reenrolling families must submit a PFS by January 15; new families must submit by February 1. The SSS determined level of need and available funds are the basis for the award amount. Click here to fill out New Parents' Financial Statement (PFS).

All Financial Aid decisions are made after careful consideration of the PFS and W-2 Earning Statements or tax returns. Families who own their own businesses will need to complete a Business/Farm Statement available in the Admissions Office.

Breakwater School values fairness and honesty. It is imperative that when providing financial information to SSS parents do so honestly as Breakwater makes determinations with a finite budget designated for Financial Aid and tries to meet the needs of many families. Parents who are not married and live together should submit income information for both as should separated or divorced parents. Breakwater will consider, as one factor among others, individual family situations; for example if one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses or if there is a step-parent whose earnings are considered.

Returning families will receive their Financial Aid Awards with their Enrollment Contracts and will pay a deposit after considering the final cost. New families will receive their contracts, Financial Aid Awards, and Acceptance Letters in one packet. Families enrolled at Breakwater without Financial Aid experiencing a significant change in their financial circumstances may apply for Financial Aid and may ask to meet with the Director of Admissions to discuss their current situation.

Questions regarding Financial Aid Policy and Procedures should be directed to the Admissions Office at extension 232.

All information regarding Financial Aid is kept in confidence by Breakwater School, and families are expected to maintain confidentiality as well. Discussion of Financial Aid Award details may result in the loss of Financial Aid.