Financial Assistance
At Keys, we are deeply committed to making our program accessible to a broad range of families. Financial assistance is awarded based on available funds and demonstrated need through the SSS platform, which takes into account income, family circumstances, and more. Admissions decisions are made separately from financial aid applications. While award amounts vary, we encourage any family who may need support to apply — our goal is to partner with you in making a Keys education possible.
Designed to make education accessible for all.
Our program offers support based on demonstrated need, with various plans and deadlines to fit your family’s financial situation. For detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines, please review the FAQ’s below or visit the SSS website. If you need help with the application process, have questions, or are unable to submit by the deadline, please contact Cathie Whalen, Director of Finance and Operation. We’re here to guide you through every step and ensure you have the resources you need.
Yes, financial assistance is funded through the general operating budget.
The financial assistance program is designed to give all qualified students that connect with our mission and vision an opportunity to attend. Financial assistance is also designed to support and retain present families who may be going through temporary economic difficulties.
Any parent is welcome to apply. Financial assistance is granted first to students whose families are currently receiving financial assistance, followed by current families applying for the first time, and lastly to new enrollees. The grants are not only for those in the most dire need, but are also intended for anyone with a need, small or large.
The amount varies depending on financial circumstance. It can be as little as a few hundred dollars or cover a major part of the school’s annual tuition. The Keys system is based on financial need and the availability of funds within the budget.
To apply for financial assistance, go to School and Student Services (SSS) by Communitybrands. Keys uses the services of this organization to estimate the family’s resources. SSS then independently evaluates a family’s financial means to determine suggested financial assistance. The Keys Financial Assistance Committee uses this and any other information from the family to help make financial assistance decisions.
January 23, 2026: Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online AND submit electronic copies of your 2024 W-2s, 2024 1099s, 2024 1040 tax return, and all supporting documents directly to SSS.
February 20, 2026: Submit your 2025 W-2s, 2025 1099s, 2025 1040 tax return, and all supporting documents directly to SSS.
Please refer to the SSS website for full details. The Financial Assistance Committee determines financial assistance to coincide with the re-enrollment agreement mailing in February and the new enrollee agreement mailings in March. If you believe that assistance may be necessary, but you cannot meet the deadlines, please contact our Director of Finance and Operations.
Please note that any financial assistance offer is contingent upon submission and verification of all financial documents. Late submission or lack of submission of required documents jeopardizes a financial assistance offer. Keys School reserves the right to rescind any financial assistance offer due to late submission, non-submission, impropriety, and inconsistent submissions of any and all required documents.
All applications, including family financial information and the names of people who receive financial assistance are kept strictly confidential. The Director of Finance and Operations and Head of School are the only individuals who have access to financial assistance information.
Please visit solutionsbysss.com/parents for a complete list of resources and to begin your financial assistance application process. The Parents Financial Statement form (PFS) and Instruction Booklet can be found here.
If you are considering a Financial Assistance application, we encourage you to begin exploring the steps and forms associated with that process as early as possible in order to give yourself ample time to locate documents, gather information and ask any questions that you may have.
Your financial assistance award will be reflected in your enrollment agreement. Note that any financial assistance offer is contingent upon submission and verification of all financial documents.
If you need help with the application process or you are unable to submit the required documents by the deadline, please contact Cathie Whalen, Director of Finance and Operations.
*Keys School reserves the right to rescind any financial assistance offered due to late submission, non-submission, impropriety, and inconsistent submissions of any and all required documents. Late submission or lack of submission of required documents jeopardizes a financial assistance offer.