A Guide to Tuition Assistance at Far Brook School
Dear Prospective Far Brook Family,
Whether this is your first introduction to Far Brook or just one step of many along the way, the journey you’re embarking upon is an exciting one. We know that this journey can also be overwhelming: applications, recommendations, interviews, visits, and… wait, another application to apply for Tuition Assistance? Yes, we know. It is a lot. We have compiled this Guide to shed some light upon Tuition Assistance at Far Brook, and offer some clarity and guidance as you begin the process.
Please know that you are welcome to reach out to us at any time with questions. We hope to hear from you soon!
Warmly,
Emi, Kathy & Megan Admissions Team, Far Brook School (973) 379-3442 | farbrook.org 52 Great Hills Rd | Short Hills, NJ 07078
Emi Ithen
She/Her/Hers
Director of Enrollment Management eithen@farbrook.org
Kathy Ike
She/Her/Hers Admissions Assistant kathyike@farbrook.org
Megan Martin
She/Her/Hers Faculty Admissions Representative mmartin@farbrook.org
Tuition Assistance At A Glance
Historically,
12 - 20% of the student body receives Tuition Assistance each year
Average Tuition Assistance award is more than
$30,000
Tuition Assistance awards range from
$3,900$52,400
Tuition Assistance is available at every grade level
Nursery 3s through Grade 8
Admissions Decisions
Eligibility for admission is determined without consideration of financial need. However, given our finite Tuition Assistance budget, we must be “needaware.” Once a student has been admitted by the Admissions Committee, the family’s Tuition Assistance application is reviewed by a separate Tuition Assistance Committee and the amount of the award, if any, is determined so that the family can be fully informed of their award at the same time that they are notified of admission.
Philosophy
One of the four pillars of Progressive Education at Far Brook is a commitment to diversity, equity, and community. This is the driving force behind our Tuition Assistance program, and one of the reasons Tuition Assistance at Far Brook is entirely need-based and we do not offer merit scholarships. We recognize that qualified students are found at every income level, and we wish to create an authentic, socio-economically diverse community that reflects our society and fosters respect for all people.
While it is not a required part of the admissions process, any family can submit an application for Tuition Assistance if they choose to do so. Families are sometimes surprised to learn that they may qualify for discounted tuition.
Process
Far Brook utilizes a third-party vendor, Clarity Tuition, to analyze the Tuition Assistance applications for eligibility. Using each family's application, submitted documents including most recent tax return, and special circumstances noted, Clarity Tuition calculates each household’s contribution to education. The same algorithm is applied to every family and this number is used as a baseline which ensures that every determination is need-based, fair, and consistent.
1. Create an account through Clarity Tuition.
2. Enter household and applicant information. Select the school(s) to which you are applying.
3. Sign and submit Form 4506c through Clarity.
4. Enter your financial information, including income, expenses, assets, and debts.
5. Upload any additional documents required (Clarity will let you know what else may be needed based on the information you provided.)
Deadline for Completion: December 12th, 2025
Special Circumstances
• If a parent/guardian is not currently serving as a caregiver for non-school age child/ren and chooses not to work, Far Brook will assign that parent/guardian an income using New Jersey’s minimum wage.
• Siblings enrolled in tuition-charging schools are considered when evaluating Tuition Assistance eligibility and need.
• All parents are required to submit their information for the Tuition Assistance application, regardless of marital status. As Tuition Assistance at Far Brook is entirely need-based, we must take into account the financial resources of all custodial households.
Please note: Because financial situations may change, returning families who receive Tuition Assistance are required to re-apply for Tuition Assistance annually. If circumstances remain constant, families are generally awarded comparable grants from year to year.
Additional Costs
Far Brook wholeheartedly believes that all Far Brook students and families should have access to the full Far Brook experience. This includes assistance for qualifying families for a number of items. Most families who receive Tuition Assistance qualify for discounted rates either proportionate to their tuition discount rate or on a sliding scale. Please see chart below for expenses that may or may not be covered by Tuition Assistance.
Items Included in Tuition & Fees (No Additional Cost for Families)
• All class trips including overnights and day trips
• Yearbook
• Basic School Photo Package
• Chromebooks & iPads (as needed)
Optional Items Generally Eligible for Assistance
• Music lessons (Annual cost approx. $1,800)
• Instrument rentals (Annual cost approx. $150-$265)
• After School Program (Classes + Extended Day)
- See website for details regarding cost
• SSAT Prep Class: 7th Grade (Full cost approx. $650)
• SSAT/ISEE Registration: 7th-8th Grade (Full cost approx. $200 per test)
• Ski Club + Rentals + Lessons: 7th-8th Grade (Full cost approx. $530-$700)
• Summer at Far Brook Camp Program (Approx. $525$750 per week)
• Spring Break Camp (Approx. $400-$500 for 1 week)
• Adult ticketed events (Full cost varies)
Depending on individual circumstances, the following items may also be eligible for Tuition Assistance:
• Evaluations & tutoring costs
• Specialized academic summer programs
• Supplies for the annual Junior High trip in the Adirondacks (eg. Hiking boots)
• Mandatory sports gear (eg. Cleats, mouthguard, shinguards)
Optional Items Not Eligible for Assistance
• Optional Lunch Program (Typically $10.00-$15/day)
Families are responsible for general school supplies (for instance, notebooks for older students or rest mats for Early Childhood.) The total cost is grade dependent, but generally ranges from $100$200. If this presents a hardship, please reach out to the Director of Enrollment Management.
*Please note: every family’s Tuition Assistance package is individualized. Your acceptance email will detail your tuition obligation including optional items that may or may not be eligible for assistance.
and spirit of each of its members in classrooms, curricula, admissions, hiring, professional development, and community events.
• Affirming identity, celebrating individuality, acknowledging privilege, identifying inequity, and confronting biases and misrepresentations.
• Fostering our students' sense of agency and compassion and their knowledge of oppression and power dynamics in society so that they might create a more just and equitable world.
• Defending the humanity of all people. We reject all forms of hate such as words, symbols, narratives, or physical violence that demean people because of their race, class, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexuality, religion, ability, culture, or any other facet of identity.
• Embracing our shared humanity and seeking partnerships with people and organizations that share these commitments to promote solidarity and engagement beyond our campus.
Diversity, equity, and social justice are essential components of academic excellence, enriching student learning, and increasing understanding. A robust exchange of ideas and exposure to varied experiences develops open and critical thinking and fosters authentic and productive discourse. As a result, our students are inspired and equipped to cultivate a more empathetic and pluralistic world.
–Approved by the Board of Trustees, 2025
