Apply for Assistance

The following process ensures the financial assistance committee tracks, reviews, and awards grants equitably and efficiently. The committee will consider only those applications that are completed on time. We urge you to fully disclose your financial situation to avoid delay in reviewing your application. Families with complicated or unusual financial situations may be asked to provide supplemental information or to meet with a financial assistance committee member.

Applications for 2019-20 open on Oct 2, 2018


Step 1: Complete the School and Student Services (SSS) Parent Financial Statement (PFS) online

  • Deadline for Palma Scholars Program applicants January 31, 2019
  • Deadline for all other applicants February 8, 2019
  • The PFS can be saved in multiple stages, you do not have to complete it in one sitting
  • Catlin Gabel's school code is 2230
  • The fee for submitting your PFS is $49
  • The fee is automatically waived for households that qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Please note: For two-household families, both parents are required to complete a PFS even if only one parent contributes to tuition
  • Help is available in the PFS Online Workbook


Step 2: Submit a personal statement (optional)

  • Describe briefly why your family is applying for financial assistance and any other special circumstances that are not covered in other portions of the PFS. You may use the "comments" section (question 20) of the PFS. You may also submit a letter directly to Mary Yacob via email. Please be specific about the issues which will affect your ability to pay tuition.

Step 3: [New applicants] Submit your 2017 W2s and tax documents

  • Deadline for Palma Scholars Program applicants January 31, 2019
  • Deadline for all other applicants February 8, 2019
  • Please include W-2 and/or 1099 statements
  • The 1040 form with all applicable schedules showing income or losses
  • Schedule A if applicable
  • Please note that electronic signatures via Turbo Tax or other tax software are acceptable
  • Preferred submission method: Upload directly to SSS, which enables you to track the status of your application online. Instructions to upload documents can be found online under managing required documents.
  • Alternative submission methods: Drop off in Toad Hall, attn: Mary Yacob, financial assistance office or, if necessary, you may send your documents to SSS by mail. Families mailing in additional required tax documents should use the cover sheet found in the SSS Family Portal under the "My Documents" tab in the upper right corner. Mail your documents to the address listed on the cover sheet at least 10 days before the deadline.

Step 4: Submit your 2018 W2 forms

  • Deadline for all applicants February 8, 2018
  • Upload to SSS (see step 3 for more information)

Step 5: Submit your 2018 tax documents

  • Deadline for all applicants February 28, 2019
  • All families: Plan on filing your 2018 taxes early in order to meet this requirement
  • Please include the 1040 form with all applicable schedules showing income or losses
  • Schedule A if applicable
  • Please note that electronic signatures via Turbo Tax or other software are acceptable
  • Upload to SSS (see step 3 for more information)

Financial Assistance Decisions

  • March 8, 2019: Newly admitted families receive admission and financial assistance decision emails
  • March 15, 2019: Current families receive award letters via email

Helpful Links