Stella Maris Academy, the parochial school for Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, is committed to offering financial aid to help make attendance at Stella Maris possible for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. In an effort to promote access to students who will benefit from an outstanding Catholic, academically challenging education, and whose contribution in and outside of the classroom will enrich the Stella Maris community, the school provides financial aid to qualified families. We understand that sacrifices are made to afford Catholic education, so we ask that you carefully consider your family’s financial circumstances before applying for financial aid, as we receive more requests than we can fulfill.
Families are required to complete the FACTS Grant & Aid application by February 28 to be considered for financial aid. Applications for financial aid for the upcoming school year will be available on January 1.
Financial Aid awards are determined by the relative financial need of each applicant, the size of the applicant pool, and the amount of available funds. Students receiving financial aid are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Families are required to re-apply annually for financial aid. In addition, families experiencing a sudden change in life circumstances that necessitates financial support are encouraged to reach out to the Business Office as soon as possible.
Stella Maris Academy is dedicated to making our enriching educational programs accessible to as many students as possible.
Please contact Julie Hollis, Business Manager and a member of the financial aid committee at jhollis@stellamarisacademy.org for assistance.
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
Q. Do I apply for Financial Aid before or after I apply for admission at SMA?
A. 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.
Q. What type of financial aid does SMA offer?
A. 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.
Q. How is financial aid determined?
A. 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.
Q. What are the deadlines?
A. 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.
Q. Do I need to apply again for aid the following year?
A. 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.
Q. What if I am divorced or not living with my child’s other parent?
A. 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.