Financial Aid Program

2025-2026

Financial Aid

Coast Episcopal School is committed to providing access to quality education. We understand that tuition can be a significant investment, and we strive to assist families in making a Coast Episcopal School education attainable. To help families explore options for tuition assistance, we are pleased to partner with ACE Scholarships, and offer limited school based financial aid.

ACE Scholarships

The Alliance for Choice in Education (ACE) Scholarships is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low- and middle-income families access high-quality education.

The scholarship provides tuition assistance for students attending private K-12 schools, allowing them to enroll in institutions that best meet their academic, social, and developmental needs.

  • ACE scholarships are based solely on the family’s total income, both taxable (which is line 9 on the 1040 for those who file) and nontaxable and cannot exceed the income guidelines provided.
  • ACE Scholarships are partial tuition, intended to provide added assistance lower-income families may need to enroll their child in a private school.
  • Standard ACE award amounts are $3,000 for K-8 and $4,000 for high school, not to exceed 50% of private school tuition, yet may vary dependent upon unique circumstances.
  • Families are responsible for working out a payment plan with the school for the remainder of the tuition.
  • Once a student is awarded an ACE Scholarship, it will follow them through high school at any participating ACE private school.
  • Scholarships are not available for Toddler, PRK, or TK programs.
  • Scholarships are awarded based solely on financial need.
  • Each state has a limited number of ACE scholarships annually.
  • Once accepted, students receive priority status in future years and do not need to resubmit tax documents when reapplying.
  • For the 2025-2026 school year, the maximum scholarship amount for K-6th grade students in Mississippi is $3,000.

Frequently asked questions.

Q: When is the ACE Scholarship application period?

A: The ACE Scholarship application portal opens on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 8:00 AM and closes on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central Time.

Q: How do I apply for an ACE Scholarship?

A: Parents must apply for an ACE Scholarship using the designated ACE application portal. While ACE uses FACTS, a separate application is required for both ACE and CES Financial Aid. You may use the same login credentials for both applications. Only one $35 application fee will be charged, regardless of whether you apply through the CES or ACE FACTS portal.

 

Q: Who qualifies for an ACE Scholarship?

A: ACE scholarships are based solely on the family’s total income, both taxable (which is line 9 on the 1040 for those who file) and nontaxable and cannot exceed the income guidelines provided.

Q: Is the ACE Scholarship transferable?

A: An ACE Scholarship is transferable among ACE partner schools. Award amounts may change, however, based on the school’s tuition.

Q: What are some key tips for a successful ACE Scholarship application?

A: * Attach Your Tax Documentation: You will need to submit a copy of your current-year Form 1040 (Tax Return) as part of the application.

* Apply Early – Even If Your Taxes Aren’t Complete: Fill out as much of the application as possible, even if your taxes are not yet completed. ACE will contact you if additional information is needed.

* Avoid Last-Minute Submissions: If you wait until your taxes are complete before starting the application, you may not have enough time to make corrections or provide additional documents if requested.

* Don’t Wait Until the Deadline: If you submit your application on the last day, you will not have time to make edits or corrections. Instead, complete the form early and upload your tax documents once available.

Limited Funds Available
Coast Episcopal School Financial Assistance

The goal of our financial aid program is to bridge the gap, as best we can with given limited resources, between what a family can reasonably be expected to contribute and what it actually costs to attend Coast Episcopal School. While the School firmly adheres to the principle that the primary responsibility for the costs associated with a student’s education lies with the family, we do understand that financial aid will be necessary to enable some students to attend. Financial aid is offered on a non-discriminatory basis to those individuals who can justify their financial need.   Applying for financial aid will not affect admission decisions. 

  • The Board of Trustees determines the annual budget that CES will dedicate towards the financial aid program.  
  • The child must be admitted to Coast Episcopal School before you apply for Financial Aid 
  • Under no circumstances will Coast Episcopal School offer 100% toward financial aid.  The School will make its best efforts to provide financial assistance to the best of its ability to those who demonstrate need.
  • Financial Aid is not offered for the Toddler or Preschool programs.
  • Financial aid will not be applied to Registration, Supply Fee, Technology Fee, or Fundraiser Fees.
  • CES Financial Aid committee uses FACTS Financial Aid Services for Financial Aid approval guidance.

Frequently asked questions.

Q: How do I apply for Coast Episcopal School Financial Assistance?

A: After your child is accepted, you’ll apply through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment system as part of the online enrollment process. The application link is within the enrollment packet.

Q: What are the key requirements for Coast Episcopal School Financial Aid?

A: You must first complete the online Admissions application and pay the application fee. Additionally, you must apply for ACE Scholarships. Returning students must have all outstanding balances paid in full.

Q: What is the deadline for the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment?

A: The deadline is April 15, 2025.

Q: How is financial need determined?

A: We use the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, which considers income, assets, and family size.

Q: Are all applicants guaranteed Financial Aid?

A: Due to limited funds, we cannot guarantee aid. Priority is given to returning families and those with the greatest need.

Q: What happens if I miss the deadline?

A: Late applications might be considered if funds are available, but priority goes to those who meet the April 15, 2025 deadline.

Procedure
Policy
  1. Complete online Admissions application and pay the application fee. The application fee is non refundable.
  2. After your child is admitted to Coast Episcopal School complete and submit the Facts Grant & Aid Assessment Form by April 15, 2025 available as a part of the online enrollment process. Note: You will have to create an account with FACTS and pay a $35.00 fee to complete the Financial Aid application.  
  3. A copy of the parents’ signed 2023 or 2024 (most recent filed) Federal Income Return 1040/1040A, as filed with the Internal Revenue Service, with W-2 and all applicable schedules must be submitted to Coast Episcopal School by April 15, 2025.  (Parents who own private businesses or farms should send us complete business tax returns. For those having formed limited partnerships, families must submit copies of the partnership return and K-1s.)  If 2024 has not been filed yet, please provide two most recent years.
  4. Your Financial Aid application will be reviewed after your child is admitted to Coast Episcopal School. The Financial Aid committee will make decisions by May 12, 2025.
  5. Parents must respond in writing by the date specified in their award letter if they wish to accept the School’s offer.  After this date, the School considers the offer declined and the funds will be reallocated.
  6. CES has been accepted as an ACE Scholarship School, which allows Coast Episcopal School to recoup some of the difference between full price tuition and the CES financial aid some of our families receive.  For information regarding the ACE Program, please contact Business Manager Julie Scialdone at 228-452-9442, ext 103
Parents who are divorced, separated or who were never married

In the case of divorced or separated parents, or parents that have never married, the School considers the income and assets of both parents, custodial as well as non-custodial, before making any award. Financial need is determined by a family’s ability to meet educational expenses, not by a willingness to pay.  If either parent has remarried, the School considers financial circumstances of the step-parent, always bearing in mind the obligation of that step-parent to his or her other children. The School cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for education expenses. If the non-custodial parent refuses to submit the necessary information to the School, the application for financial aid may not be processed.  If one parent is not involved in the child’s life, a statement to this effect from a third party who is aware of the situation in a professional capacity (a lawyer, member of the clergy, school official, social worker) may be substituted for the financial documents from that parent.  

Children living with other relatives

Children who are living with grandparents or other relatives will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  If parents are living and are claiming the child on their tax return, the parents must complete financial aid forms.  If other family members have legal custody, forms will be required of the custodians, using his/her financial information.  The School requires copies of proof of custody.

 

Families who have their own business

All parents who own a business and/or farm will be required to furnish a copy of their current business tax return.  They may also be asked to furnish cash flow statements, balance sheets, and any other information relevant.

Any losses due to property and/or equipment depreciation will not be considered when calculating financial need.

For those having formed limited partnerships, families must submit copies of the partnership return and K-1’s.

Returning students

Every financial aid award is made for one year, and financial aid is approved for families on an annual basis.  Each year, and for each child, parents must submit the necessary forms to the School and to SSS. While significant changes in a family’s financial circumstances can impact the Report of Family Contribution (RFC), the goal of the financial aid program is to maintain funding at proportionate levels over a student’s years of enrollment.

Coast Episcopal School reserves the right to amend awards if new information comes to light after enrollment.

Financial aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Financial aid applications will not be accepted from any family with any outstanding balance on their account.