Applying for sliding scale tuition is a straightforward process, but it moves quickly. Families are encouraged to submit materials well in advance of the deadlines.

To learn more about sliding scale tuition at CDS, please read Affording a CDS Education (current CDS families) or Affording a CDS Education (prospective CDS families).

CDS uses the services of the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS), an organization of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) that works with many independent schools in the country. SSS impartially analyzes the financial information families provide and computes a recommended family contribution for tuition. There are many factors that determine if a family qualifies for sliding scale tuition and the formula used to calculate each family’s exact sliding scale tuition level is complex. The SSS analysis considers a wide range of variables specific to each family, including income, assets, family size, expenses, discretionary costs and the number of children enrolled in independent schools. The CDS Access and Affordability Committee makes a cost-of-living adjustment to the SSS recommended contribution to reflect the high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and also considers other factors, including whether a family owns real estate or has other significant investments; lifestyle choices (stay-at-home parent, discretionary spending such as vacations, etc.); other possible sources of funding for tuition; the tuition being paid by families in similar financial situations; and many other factors.

The core of the sliding scale application is the SSS “Parents’ Financial Statement” (PFS).

• Complete the PFS online
• Submitting the PFS provides the financial information needed for SSS to calculate a recommended family contribution for tuition
• If you are applying to more than one independent school, you only need to complete one PFS
• The CDS school code for the PFS is 1045

In addition to the PFS, for families applying for sliding scale for the 2012-13 school year, CDS requires the following additional forms uploaded to the SSS site or mailed to SSS (SSS by NAIS, P.O. Box 449, Randolph, MA, 02368) and also submitted directly to CDS.

• PFS cover sheet from SSS (.pdf and also available on SSS website) (if mailing documents)
• IRS form 4506-T(.pdf)
• SSS Business/Farm Statement

Alternatively, contact Amanda Richard, Assistant Director of Admission, (415) 861-5432 x337, to receive a sliding scale tuition application packet.

2012-13 sliding scale tuition application calendar for prospective families

• by Friday, January 6, 2012, submit Parent Financial Statement (PFS) to School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) online
• by Friday, January 6, 2012, upload to the SSS site or mail to SSS and also submit directly to CDS: copy of final 2010 federal tax return (1040), including W-2s, 1099s and all schedules and supporting statements; signed IRS form 4506-T; PFS cover sheet from SSS (if mailing documents)
• by Monday, April 16, 2012, upload to the SSS site or mail to SSS and also submit directly to CDS: signed copy of final 2011 federal tax return, including W-2s, 1099s and all schedules and supporting statements; PFS cover sheet from SSS (if mailing documents to SSS).

2012-13 sliding scale tuition application calendar for CDS families

• by Friday, January 6, 2012, submit Parent Financial Statement (PFS) to School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) online
• by Friday, January 6, 2012, upload to the SSS site or mail to SSS and also submit directly to CDS: SSS Business/Farm Statement; signed IRS form 4506-T; if this is your first time applying for sliding scale tuition, submit a signed copy of final 2010 federal tax return, including W2s, 1099s and all schedules and supporting statements

The school will make a provisional sliding scale tuition decision based on the above materials, subject to review and revision once a final 2011 federal tax return is received.

• by Monday, April 16, 2012, upload to the SSS site or mail to SSS and also submit directly to CDS: signed copy of final 2011 federal tax return, including W-2s, 1099s and all schedules and supporting statements. PFS cover sheet from SSS (if mailing documents).

Because the number of accepted students whose families qualify for sliding scale tuition usually exceeds the school’s budget, the school does not guarantee funding for, nor is able to fund, all deserving students. Most years, however, sliding scale tuition is offered to a very high percentage of accepted students whose families demonstrate need. Once a family enters CDS paying sliding scale tuition, and provided family circumstances remain the same, CDS intends to fund the student for all the years he or she is enrolled at CDS (absent an unexpected change in sliding scale tuition resources). To continue receiving sliding scale tuition, families must reapply every year. We also do our best to meet the needs of current families who are requesting sliding scale tuition for the first time due to a changed financial situation.