NYHS Day School Affordability FAQ
Who qualifies for a Samis Day School Affordability Grant?
Any family who makes up to $350,000 a year will qualify for the Day School Affordability Initiative. Never pay more than $18,000 per student (subject to an AGI floor) or 15% of your adjusted gross income for all your students in Jewish day school, whichever is less.
Want to know if your family qualifies? Find out in just minutes with this quick and anonymous ELIGIBILITY ESTIMATOR
What is Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)?
You will find your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on line 11 of your 1040 tax return.
What about my children who go to other Jewish Day Schools in the Seattle area? Will they qualify?
The Day School Affordability Initiative not only funds NYHS grants for those who qualify, but also funds grants for other Jewish day schools. You can find a complete list at https://samisfoundation.org/jewish-schools/. You only have to apply one time if you have multiple children that qualify from different schools.
How do I apply?
Click HERE to apply. The application will take 10 minutes. For the 26-27 school year, please have your 2024 tax return and W-2 available. Once your eligibility is confirmed and your DSA grant has been determined, you will be notified by NYHS.
Again, results will vary depending on your AGI. To find out how much you would pay, please use the ELIGIBILITY ESTIMATOR
Are there other factors that will change adjusted gross income?
Yes. The one-page application will ask additional questions that may modify your family’s adjusted gross income. Day School Affordability will take into account parsonage, and some retirement contributions.
Will grant eligibility take into consideration the value of our home or other fixed assets?
No. Your eligibility calculation is not affected by assets and liabilities, such as your home’s value or mortgage.
Once we qualify, how long can we expect Day School Affordability grants to last?
Once approved, your family can expect Day School Affordability support to continue each year your student attends NYHS, as long as you are eligible and earn up to $350,000.
What’s the difference between a Day School Affordability grant and a Traditional Tuition Assessment scholarship?
Traditional Tuition Assessment through the FAST program is an individualized assessment for families. For decades, the Samis Foundation has ensured that families who qualify for Traditional Tuition Assessment scholarships receive financial aid to reduce the burden of Jewish day school tuition. If your income falls below $175,000 per year, a Traditional Tuition Assessment scholarship may reduce your tuition more than the DSA.
In contrast, Day School Affordability (DSA) grants are designed to help families whose income is often too high for a Traditional Tuition Assessment scholarship, and therefore would not have qualified for any form of assistance in the past. With DSA grants, Samis' goal is to relieve the burden on Jewish families who want to give their children the lifelong benefits of a Jewish Day School eductaion.
For answers to additional DSA Frequently Asked Questions please go HERE. For general financial assistant inquiries please email admissions@nyhs.org