Tuition Assistance

The Raleigh School is committed to fostering a warm and inclusive community built on a foundation of respect and equity. As a community, we recognize the important role economic diversity plays in enriching our community and the educational and social-emotional experience of our children. We provide need-based tuition assistance in order to ensure enrollment is within reach to a broad range of families.

The Raleigh School offers tuition assistance to all eligible families. Awards are based on need as assessed by a third-party service, Tuition Aid Data Services (TADS). TADS collects basic financial information on income, expenses, assets and liabilities, family size, siblings in tuition-based schools, and any special circumstances. The Raleigh School's Tuition Assistance Committee reviews this confidential information to determine a family's eligibility for assistance. In order to ensure we have sufficient funds for those who qualify, typically 80% of a family's need is met and a per family maximum award for the 2024-2025 school year is $26,720. For families receiving tuition assistance, the cost of field trips are waived.

Key Dates

KEY DATES FOR APPLICANTS for the 2024-2025 school year

Beginning October 2, 2023, all families wishing to apply for tuition assistance at The Raleigh School can begin the application process by going to www.tads.com. Choose family LOG IN at the top of the page, then select Financial Aid Assessment. On your first visit you'll be prompted to create a new account.

Families of new student applicants should apply for tuition assistance early in the admission process for the following school year. To be eligible for consideration for tuition assistance at The Raleigh School, an applicant must have completed the admission process, adhered to the deadlines below, and been offered enrollment.

October 2, 2023 – Tuition Assistance application process opens. Visit www.tads.com to access the application on TADS' secure site.

January 12, 2024– Initial deadline for submitting a completed tuition assistance application. In addition, all required supporting documentation (2022 W-2's and/or 1099's, and signed/final 2022 1040 federal income tax return with all supporting schedules) must be submitted directly to TADS by fax, mail, or upload by this date.

Note: Each family applying for tuition assistance bears the responsibility to provide TADS with the required documentation and any additional information requested in a timely manner.

March 15, 2024 – Deadline for submitting 2023 W-2s and/or 1099s, and signed/final 2023 1040 federal income tax return with all supporting schedules directly to TADS by fax, mail, or upload.

March 31, 2024 - Final award letters will be sent out to new enrollment families. Preliminary awards may be rescinded if signed/final 2021 tax documents are not received by TADS by the March 15, 2024 deadline. The Raleigh School reserves the right to modify tuition assistance awards after reviewing a family’s 2023 tax return and supporting documentation.

Applicants who apply after the above deadlines are still able to submit the financial aid form. Funds may still be available in late spring.

Answers to Commonly Asked Questions

How do we apply for tuition assistance?

The Raleigh School uses Tuition Aid Data Service (TADS) to process tuition assistance applications and review all required supporting documentation. Beginning October 2, 2023, parents can access the online tuition assistance application by going to www.tads.com. Choose family LOG IN at the top of the page, then select Financial Aid Assessment. On your first visit you'll be prompted to create a new account. You can save and return to your application as many times as necessary before submitting. When complete, submit your application and pay the nonrefundable application fee of $60.

How are tuition assistance awards determined?

When determining a family’s eligibility for tuition assistance, The Raleigh School considers a need analysis provided by TADS. The TADS system considers taxable and non-taxable income, assets, liabilities, family size, and the number of students in tuition-charging schools. After an allowance for basic necessities and required taxes, the remaining funds are considered available for education. Tuition Assistance is awarded without regard to race, gender, national and ethnic origin, or religion.

I have questions about information being asked for in the online application, who do I contact?

For questions specific to the tuition assistance application, please contact TADS Customer Support at
1-800-477-8237 or support@tads.com, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 9 pm EST.

We have submitted a complete application and the required documentation to TADS by the deadline and several weeks have passed without any communication. Who do I contact?

Please contact Heather Campbell, Director of Finance & Operations, at hcampbell@raleighschool.org or 919-546-0788 ext. 115.

Will my family receive tuition assistance every year?

Tuition assistance must be applied for each year, and recalculations are made using current information. The goal is to ensure consistent levels of aid when circumstances remain largely the same.

What happens when parents are divorced or separated?

Both parents are expected to contribute to the cost of their child’s education. Therefore, both parents are required to complete and submit a tuition assistance application and required supporting documentation to TADS.

Is my financial aid application confidential?

All applications and awards are held in the strictest confidence.

More About the Application Process

The TADS online application simplifies the tuition assistance process by utilizing a comprehensive online wizard that walks you through the application step-by-step.

Navigate the application quickly and easily by answering pre-qualifying questions that determine the sections you're required to complete.
Chat with a TADS associate during business hours and receive instant online guidance.
Create a PDF of your application at any stage for review or verification.