Tuition Assistance

We are dedicated to increasing high-quality Montessori education for as many children as possible. To support this, we participate in two government-funded programs—Opportunity Scholarship and Childcare Aware—and also offer in-house tuition assistance through ISM FAST. Explore the options below to learn how we can support your family!

Government Tuition Scholarships

We are committed to fostering diversity and accessibility in our community. To support this mission, we participate in two government-funded programs designed to make our school more accessible to families from a variety of backgrounds. We encourage all eligible families to apply, as these programs help provide financial assistance and expand educational opportunities for more students.

NCSEAA Tuition Grants

There are two scholarship opportunities available to K-12 students via the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Click on the text links or icon below for more information.

Application Opens: February 6th, and closes on March 6th, 2025

NCSEAA

ChildCare Aware

The school is a verified childcare provider for Child Care Aware® of America (CCAoA). This organization helps active military families by providing child care fee assistance.

To determine eligibility and apply for this assistance, visit the CCAoA website by clicking on the image below, then select your branch of service for more information.

There are no annual deadlines associated with applying for assistance from CCAoA.

ChildCare Aware Logo

New School Tuition Assistance

Our tuition assistance fund is made possible through the generous donations of families like yours. Your support helps ensure that more students have access to a Montessori education, regardless of financial circumstances. Please consider donating to our fund and making a difference in the lives of our community members!

FAST Tuition Assistance

The New School works with ISM FAST to provide an impartial evaluation of each family’s financial ability to pay tuition. While we make every effort to support as many families as possible, tuition assistance is limited. As such, assistance is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application Opens: February 2nd, and closes on March 15th, 2025

While applications can be submitted after the deadline, available funds will decrease later in the year.

Click below to apply!

ISM FAST LOGO

FAST Overview

  • The maximum tuition discount for any program is 50%, excluding childcare fees and other non-tuition fees.

  • Applicants for grades K-8 must apply for the NCSEAA grant before submitting their FAST application.

  • Applicants will need tax returns from the prior year before applying for FAST.

  • Both legal guardians must submit their financial information, even if separated or divorced. The application fee is $53 per family, payable to FAST.

  • Families who receive tuition assistance from the school must be enrolled in an automated payment plan via ACH or credit card.

Click below to download a pdf copy of the FAST application process.

FAST Tuition Assistance Application

Tuition Assistance Fund

Our tuition assistance fund is made possible through the generous donations of families like yours. Your support helps ensure that more students have access to a Montessori education, regardless of financial circumstances. Please consider donating to our fund and making a difference in the lives of our community members!

Tuition Assistance Application Process

  • 1

    A completed tax filing for prior year is needed to complete the application process.

  • 2

    If you are applying for K-8 grades, please complete the NCSEAA application (linked above).

  • 3

    Please email billing@montessoricenter.org a verification of your NCSEAA application and/or decision.

  • 4

    Download and review the FAST PDF instructions.

  • 5

    Complete your FAST application and send all required documentation to the address provided by FAST.

  • 6

    The school will notify you of the decision as soon as possible. If approved, you will receive an agreement outlining the Terms and Conditions for accepting the award.

  • 7

    Tuition assistance may be revoked retroactively if applicant fails to provide accurate information, has a delinquent account, or violates any of the school’s policies.

If you have any questions or problems with your FAST application, please contact FAST directly:

Phone: 877-326-FAST (877-326-3278)

E-mail: help@ismfast.com.

The New School is committed to fostering an inclusive community and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other legally protected status in its admissions process, educational programs, or activities.