Affording Gaynor and Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

Tuition for 2024-25 school year is $83,100. This is prior to receiving any financial assistance or reimbursements.

Financial need is defined as the difference between what it costs to attend Stephen Gaynor School and a family’s ability to pay. Families complete an application with a third party including uploading relevant financial documents. Families are encouraged to provide additional supporting documents and or explanations to demonstrate the need for financial support for the upcoming school year. Completed applications are reviewed by the Financial Assistance Committee. The Committee’s determination considers various factors including the report from the third party, potential other sources of support, and extenuating circumstances. 

Given that every child is entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a family may be eligible to receive financial assistance in the form of Carter or Connors funding from the NYC Public Schools. Please contact an educational attorney for a more detailed explanation of tuition reimbursement.

Connors funding is structured to enable families who cannot pay tuition upfront, and wait for reimbursement, to enroll at a specialized non-public school while simultaneously seeking a determination that the NYC Public Schools will pay the tuition through due process proceedings. The parent must file a complaint to seek Connors funding and a hearing may be held. Please contact an educational attorney for a more detailed explanation of Connors funding.

If a family places a child in a specialized non-public school in NYC, they can pay the tuition for the school up front and may be able to seek reimbursement for that tuition from the NYC Public Schools. This reimbursement is known as Carter funding. The parent must file a complaint to seek Carter funding and a hearing may be held. Please contact an educational attorney for a more detailed explanation of Carter funding.

Gaynor expects that families who reside in NYC and receive financial assistance from Gaynor will pursue reimbursement of the discounted tuition, as provided for via the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Each family must pay all tuition and fees according to the timing outlined in their contract. A family’s obligation to pay tuition and fees is not dependent upon the family’s receipt of funding or reimbursement from any government agency or other funding source.  

When a family pursues Connors funding, the Enrollment Contract reflects an amount of upfront tuition owed by the family, determined by the Financial Assistance Committee, and the remainder of the full tuition rate as a balance that will be accepted as direct payment from the NYC Public Schools.

No. Stephen Gaynor School requires families receiving tuition assistance to reapply each year. All returning families who have received financial assistance must have the new application completed by January 31 each year.

Stephen Gaynor School believes that families have an obligation to pay for the educational expenses of their children to the extent that they are able. The Financial Assistance Committee will consider the assets of the custodial parent(s)/guardian(s), if living, before making any award, and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent/guardian has disclaimed, legally or otherwise, any responsibility for educational expenses. If either parent/guardian has remarried, the Committee will also consider the income and assets of the stepparent, as well.

Both custodial and non-custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) and their current spouses, if any, must complete a separate application form. If this information is not provided, the Committee will not be able to consider the application for financial assistance.

Yes. Any family wishing to appeal the decision made by the Financial Assistance Committee may do so once per year. To do so, please write to the Financial Assistance Committee explaining your appeal and provide any supporting documentation if applicable. New families will send their letters to the Director of Enrollment Management.  Include any information and documentation that will help the Committee to better understand your situation.

The purpose of need-based financial assistance is to make a Gaynor education possible for students who would not otherwise have the means to fully participate in our program. Those receiving financial assistance will also receive support, usually in the form of a percent reduction for:
– After School
– Athletics
– Summer camp (for those who are age eligible)
– Fee-based events
– School trips

Families who receive Connors Contracts::
In addition to the above, families who qualify for a Connors Contract are eligible to be loaned a Chromebook and may also receive financial support for:
– Book Fair
– Gaynor Gear 

New Families
New families may submit the financial assistance application and supporting documents as soon as they receive an acceptance from Stephen Gaynor School. All applications are processed by Clarity. Any questions about the process can be directed to the Director of Enrollment Management.

Submit Supporting Documentation:
After completing the online application, you will need to upload the required supporting documentation. Documents must be uploaded directly to Clarity. Due to confidentiality and security, documents may not be sent to the school directly.

The following documents are required for all families for the application to be considered complete:
– a copy of both parents’ or guardians’ 2024 tax return and schedules, W2’s and 1099 forms should be uploaded.
– a copy of both parents’ or guardians’ 2023 tax return and schedules, including W2’s and 1099 forms (Automatic transfer from IRS)
– Stipulation of Settlement or Hearing Decision for last year and current year.
– possible additional supporting documents.

Application Deadline: 
If you are offered acceptance, the Director of Enrollment Management will guide you through the financial assistance application process. Completion of this process is typically due within 5 business days of acceptance.  

One Application:
If you have more than one child applying to Stephen Gaynor School a single application is sufficient. 

Confidentiality:
All information related to the parents/guardians’ financial circumstances will be treated confidentially. 

If you are a returning family and would like more information about financial assistance, please refer to the information on the Parent Portal