As the parish school of Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Stella Maris Academy is committed to making a Catholic education accessible to families from all backgrounds. We understand the sacrifices families make to provide this opportunity and are proud to offer need-based financial aid to help make attendance possible for qualified students.
Families interested in financial aid are asked to complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Application by February 28 for the upcoming school year. Applications open January 1 each year. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need, the number of applicants, and available funds. Students receiving assistance must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and families reapply annually.
If your family experiences an unexpected change in circumstances, please contact our Business Manager, Julie Hollis, at jhollis@stellamarisacademy.org. We’re here to help make a Stella Maris education possible for every child who seeks to learn and grow in our faith-filled community.
Important Dates
January 1
Applications Open
February 28
Applications Due
Process and Deadlines
All families seeking assistance are required to submit an application through FACTS Grant & Aid
The deadline for submitting applications and the prior year’s tax returns is February 28.
Completed applications submitted by February 28 will be given first priority for consideration of financial aid awards. If funds remain, late and/or incomplete applications will be considered once all required documentation is received.
Please note: Incomplete applications will be considered late, even if they are submitted by the deadline.
Stella Maris Academy school-specific application questions must be answered. If the questions are not answered, the application will be considered incomplete.
Applications must be submitted with a complete prior year tax package in order to be considered. A complete tax package includes: all W-2s and/or 1099s, K-1s if applicable, federal return, state return, and all schedules (i.e. Schedule A, B, C, D, etc).
Taxes must be signed or documentation of e-file must be submitted with the taxes.
Stella Maris Academy admits students of any color, race, ethnic origin, or faith to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, ethnic origin, or faith in the administration of its educational policies, scholarships, financial aid programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both applications for admission and financial aid must be completed by the posted deadline (February 28). The Admissions Committee first reviews applicants. The Financial Aid Committee evaluates all students who have applied for financial aid for need-based awards. Financial aid decisions are made available at the same time as the acceptance letter in April. If your forms and documentation are received after the February 28 deadline, your request for aid will only be considered if funds are still available.
SMA offers financial aid through the Stella Maris Academy Financial Aid Fund. A financial aid award is a grant towards tuition from the school that does not need to be repaid and is based on family need.
SMA uses the FACTS Grant & Aid program to help us determine your family’s need and contribution to educational expenses. You will complete the FACTS Grant & Aid application and submit all required documentation. Stella Maris Academy’s Business Office will use the recommended results, along with your family documents (tax returns, related schedules, and school-required questions), as a guide in determining your financial aid based on need. The SMA Financial Aid Committee reviews all financial aid applications. Decisions regarding financial aid are made independently by the Financial Aid Committee within the constraints of the budget.
Financial Aid applications must be completed online through FACTS Grant & Aid and submitted with your tax documents by February 28. If you are a new student, financial aid award notification letters will be available at the same time as the acceptance notices. If you are a returning student, your award of financial assistance will be communicated to you along with your tuition agreement during registration.
Yes. Financial Aid is awarded on a year-by-year basis and is based on need. Families are required to complete a new application annually. Financial aid awards may fluctuate to reflect changes in a family’s financial circumstances. Families experiencing a sudden change in life circumstances, that necessitates financial support, are encouraged to reach out to the Principal or Business Office as soon as possible.
SMA requires that both parents be part of the application process for financial aid. We are aware that circumstances differ among separated or divorced parents and urge you to contact the Business Office if you have questions.