Understanding how Tuition Assistance is Assessed
Every Family's Situation is Unique.
At LCS, we place Community First and are dedicated to supporting families in meaningful ways. While our resources must be allocated responsibly, we strive to work openly with each family to understand their needs and explore pathways that may make an LCS education possible.
Every family’s financial picture is different. Factors such as number of children, annual income, debt, housing costs, vehicle purchases, and personal or retirement savings all contribute to the affordability of an independent school education. Personal lifestyle choices and discretionary spending are also considered. Through our tuition management program, LCS works to support deserving families wherever possible.
These fictionalized case studies help illustrate how tuition assistance decisions are made and how different financial circumstances are assessed through Apple Financial Services and the LCS Tuition Management Committee.
How Families Typically Fund Tuition
To help fund tuition and related costs, families often use a blend of:
- Personal contributions and savings
- Needs-based tuition assistance
- Entrance Awards of Distinction
- Support from extended family
- Employer tuition support
Many families combine several of these resources to make an LCS education possible.
Planning for Future Costs
Lakefield aims to provide consistent tuition assistance from year to year, as long as a family’s financial circumstances remain relatively unchanged. If a situation shifts significantly, support may be adjusted—either increased in cases of hardship or reduced if a family’s capacity improves.
For families with more than one child, the most sustainable path may involve sending one child at a time. Because tuition assistance is allocated based on demonstrated need and available resources, a phased approach can sometimes offer greater long-term financial flexibility.
Tuition assistance does not automatically rise with annual tuition increases, so we encourage families to plan accordingly.
The fictional case studies below use gross, pre-tax income levels. All families seeking tuition management assistance must complete an Apple Financial Services application, reviewed by the LCS Tuition Management Committee.
Day Families (Tuition $42,100)
Day families balance educational planning with local living costs, mortgage or rent obligations, childcare, transportation, and varying levels of savings. These scenarios reflect how different household structures and financial realities influence tuition assistance assessments.
| Alex and Morgan: 2 Children | Mid-income |
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| Camilla and Sebastian: 3 Children | Higher-income |
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| Emily and Jon: 1 Child | High Savings |
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Boarding Families (Tuition: $77,200)
Boarding families consider the full cost of living away from home, including meals, housing, and round-the-clock care. These examples show how varied financial circumstances—from single-parent households to families supporting multiple children—shape the level of support offered.
| Hana: 1 Child | Single-parent Household |
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| Noor and Amir: 1 Child | Mid-to-higher Income |
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| Chloe and Kai: 3 Children | Higher-income |
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Financial Support FAQs
| Who is eligible for a financial award? |
| All accepted applicants—Day, North American Boarding, and International Boarding—may apply for financial support through Apple Financial Services. If you’re still early in the admissions process, our team is always happy to begin the conversation and help you understand what to expect. |
| What do you look for when determining needs-based awards? |
Apple Financial Services reviews a family’s full financial picture, including:
This assessment helps determine a family’s demonstrated need and the amount of support they may qualify for. |
| What are the deadlines to apply for needs-based support? |
| Lakefield has rolling admissions and is typically filled by late spring. Families who complete their application early in the year are considered for assistance as soon as their Apple Financial Services assessment is complete. |
| What happens if parents are divorced or separated? |
| Depending on your situation, the school may require financial statements from both parents. All information is kept strictly confidential. Contributions from the non-custodial parent are considered only after reviewing child support, alimony, and other relevant circumstances. Please contact our Admissions Office for additional guidance. |
| Is there a limit to the amount of assistance a family can receive? |
| While LCS offers generous support to families who demonstrate financial need, every family is expected to contribute something toward their child’s education, regardless of means. |
| What if we have more than one child interested in attending LCS? |
| For families with multiple children, enrolling one child at a time may be the most financially manageable approach. Tuition assistance is awarded based on demonstrated need and the resources available each year, so simultaneous support for siblings isn’t always feasible. Our team is happy to discuss options and help you plan for what may work best for your family. |
| Is tuition assistance renewable each year? |
| Families receiving support must re-submit a FACS application annually to confirm that their financial circumstances have not changed. In most cases, the original amount is renewed each year until graduation, provided school accounts remain up-to-date. |
