What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates based on need. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition; thus, making a Nardin Academy education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.

How Does Variable Tuition Work?
Any family (current or new) of a full-time enrolled four year-old through twelfth-grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the highest tuition level at Nardin Academy. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at Nardin Academy.

An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or the admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. New families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for admission to the school. Re-enrolling students must apply for Variable Tuition by March 15th. Applications received after March 15th will go on a wait list.

It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to “School & Student Services,” also known as “SSS”, a third-party company. SSS evaluates the application based on a methodology and algorithm for Western New York and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition committee as to what the family can afford towards a Nardin Academy education. Qualifying families are notified of their variable tuition award from the Director of Finance and Tuition Assistance.

Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work within our available resources to make the school accessible to as many qualified, mission-appropriate students and families as possible.

Do I need to apply to Nardin Academy to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Yes.

What is the cost to apply for Variable Tuition?
The cost of applying for Variable Tuition is $51, which is an amount that SSS sets. Families below certain income levels may be eligible for a fee waiver which is automatically applied to your application.

Should every new Nardin Academy family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families where affordability is a concern and feel they may not be able to pay the highest Variable Tuition level should submit a financial application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year because a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year. Again, a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to Nardin Academy and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.

Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my child’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on admission decisions.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment in providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.

Where does the funding come from to support Variable Tuition?
Like most independent schools, funding comes from our Annual Fund, Endowment, and other revenue generating activities such as our athletic facility rentals.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances may qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to our highest Variable Tuition level and those who are at the entry level of the range. It is our desire to enroll as many talented, hard-working students as possible and we would like to provide access and affordability towards our outstanding education. If affordability is a concern for your family, we encourage you to apply for Variable Tuition.

Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. We have a limited amount of funds to provide our families and do our best to bridge the gap to help families fund a Nardin Academy education. Therefore, a student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger class sizes?
No. Nardin Academy will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students who have a high level of commitment to their studies.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:

Catharine Miles-Kania, VP of Enrollment Management
cmiles-kania@nardin.org
716.881.6262 x1170

Lynn Bickerton, Director of Finance and Tuition Assistance
lbickerton@nardin.org
716.881.6262 x1060

Should every returning Nardin Academy family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel they may not be able to pay the highest Variable Tuition level should submit a financial application. If affordability is a concern for your family, we encourage you to apply for Variable Tuition.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application may be submitted every year because a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year. Applications for Variable Tuition are due March 15^th for re-enrolling families.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year. Again, a family’s financial situation can change from year-to-year.

I’m currently receiving financial aid. How does this work with Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based program that will take the place of financial aid.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment in providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.

Where does the funding come from to support Variable Tuition?
Like most independent schools, funding comes from our Annual Fund, Endowment, and other revenue generating activities such as our athletic facility rentals.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances may qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to our highest Variable Tuition level to those who are at the entry level of the range. It is our desire to enroll as many talented, hard-working students as possible and we would like to provide access and affordability towards our outstanding education. If affordability is a concern for a family, we encourage you to apply for Variable Tuition.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger class sizes?
No. Nardin Academy will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students who have a high level commitment to their studies.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:

Catharine Miles-Kania, VP of Enrollment Management
cmiles-kania@nardin.org
716.881.6262 x1170

Lynn Bickerton, Director of Finance and Tuition Assistance
lbickerton@nardin.org
716.881.6262 x1060