A legitimate concern for parents considering independent education is the cost of tuition. Our small class sizes coupled with our curriculum, personalized attention, and superior faculty mean that the actual cost per student far exceeds the tuition. We understand that independent education is an investment and that many of our families make sacrifices to send their children to our school. For this reason, we strive to maintain a balance between a quality academic program and keeping tuition affordable for our families. Brainerd Baptist School offers need-based financial aid for students in K5 through 5th grade on a yearly basis. We award approximately $325,000 in financial aid annually. Approximately 20% of our families are awarded financial aid, with the typical award amount between 30 and 40% of the total tuition.
Residents of Hamilton County may also qualify for money through the state called Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs). You can learn more about this program here.
Students who receive financial aid are expected to maintain academic and behavioral guidelines. Brainerd Baptist School uses FACTS to verify all submitted financial information.
“Honestly, being unapologetically Christian is what initially pulled me in to take a bigger look. I believe Brainerd Baptist School is thriving because you are true to God’s word, taking care of his children in all aspects of their life and giving glory to him. For these reasons, I know this is the school for us.”
THE FINANCIAL AID TIMELINE
November - January 31 - Complete the financial aid application via FACTS. It is essential to complete this process in the appropriate window. It is important to keep in mind that there are more requests each year than there is available money. During the financial aid window, the school will announce that applications are being accepted in the weekly Notes Home emails. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure the application is completed on time each year. No late applications will be considered.
Early March - The financial aid committee will meet to award aid to families. Those families will typically be notified of the aid by March 15th. Families then have ten days to decide if they are going to accept the award.
The financial aid application window for the 2024-2025 year closed on January 31st.
Is financial aid renewable each year? Yes. Changes in financial status may affect the size of your award. Therefore, a new financial aid application must be filed with FACTS annually. Lack of adherence to deadlines, academic ability, character, and demonstrated leadership can affect the student’s renewal of financial aid.
Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid? The deadline to submit all financial aid documents to FACTS for all current and new students is January 31. Although additional applications will be accepted after this date, it is possible that funds will be exhausted.
How much financial aid is typically awarded? Each award is individualized based on the family’s demonstrated need. A typical award at BBS is usually 30 - 40% of the total tuition cost. Other factors taken into consideration are the availability of funds, the costs of attending, and the strength of the applicant’s file. An applicant’s file reflects academic ability, extracurricular involvement, character, and leadership.
Does Brainerd Baptist School give scholarships? No. All awarded aid is based on demonstrated need through the financial aid application submitted via FACTS.
Brainerd Baptist School admits students of any race, color, nationality, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid awards, and athletic and other school-administered programs.