Financial Assistance Programs, Discounts, & Scholarships

FACTS Need-Based Aid

The need-based aid program, formerly called “Financial Aid,” is the most common form of financial assistance for families at LCS. Below we have answered a few questions we frequently receive regarding this program:

• What percentage off tuition will I qualify to receive?
  Lenawee Christian School offers up to a 50% scholarship for students based upon their family’s financial need. Families can reapply for the need-based aid program annually.

• Will aid be available if I wait until later to apply?
  There is no guarantee of funding. Need-based aid applications are processed year-round, as many new families come to LCS all year. For the best chance of funding, apply as soon as you are able.Need-based scholarship dollars are dependent on the generosity of the school’s various benefactors and through fundraising efforts. Given the current economic environment in Lenawee County, there has never been a greater need. We ask that everyone get involved either through financial support or helping in one of our fundraising events. Contact our admissions department to learn more about our fundraising efforts.

• How does need-based assistance work?
  Each year the LCS Board, as a group of parents, directs and approves the need-based aid formula for the school. The goal of the LCS Board is to have an equitable process for all families wishing to attend LCS.  The formula begins with a families’ Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from their tax return and weighs that against typical core household expenses based on the size/age of the family. Appeals may be brought to the Finance Director of LCS for changes in employment status or income versus the prior year’s tax return. Other appeals will be made to the LCS Board Finance Committee as required. LCS utilizes FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment as our on-line partner in collecting information from applicants.  FACTS services over 5,000 educational institutions and more than a million families each year. Click the button on the left to begin your application.

Key Policy Notes:

• All need-based assistance applications must be received in full by the end of the first two weeks of a school term. If applications are not completed in time, the family will not be eligible for financial aid until the following term.  New students enrolling within the school year will have two weeks from their initial enrollment to complete an application.
  
  
• Funds are limited to the amount raised from benefactors and activities such as the LCS Auction. Need-based scholarship dollars are awarded on a first come, first serve basis so we encourage families needing assistance to apply early.
  
  
• Parents may appeal the final decision to the Finance Director on the grounds of 1) a change in income (Adjusted Gross Income – AGI) since their prior year tax return, 2) a home equity Line of Credit (LOC) that was made to increase the value of your home (proof required), and 3) extraordinary circumstances in Out-of-Pocket Medical expenses.
  
  
• S2S Program: Those who elect to receive a need-based assistance award will be required to participate in our Serve to Save (S2S) Program. Twenty (20) hours of volunteer service will be required per school year, with a maximum of forty (40) hours per family per school year.

New Student Merit Scholarships

LCS scholarships are available to new students who exhibit excellence of character or have gifts and talents in academics, fine arts, ministry, and/or service. 

Influence for Life and Commitment to Excellence Scholarship Process:

1. The scholarship process begins with the application being submitted to LCS. Note that all scholarships require families to complete a Need-Based Aid application (click on the “FACTS” button at the top of this page to complete this step).
2. Scholarships are then reviewed by LCS and are judged based upon predefined criteria.
3. Award recommendations are then submitted to the governing body over the scholarship for award authorization.
4. Awards are then approved by the governing body, either LCS administrators or the LCS board finance committee.
5. Response letters are drafted and sent to the applicant.
6. If a scholarship award is authorized, awards are distributed to the student’s account when the student enrolls at LCS.

To apply for a scholarship, follow the specific requirements and instructions in the application documents. Note that no scholarships are awarded for athletic skill or involvement, per MHSAA rules.

S2S Program: Those who elect to receive a scholarship award will be required to participate in our Serve to Save (S2S) Program. Twenty (20) hours of volunteer service will be required per school year, with a maximum of forty (40) hours per family per school year.

Clergy Discount Program

All qualified pastors or clergy could receive a 50% discount on tuition. A letter of good standing is required from the pastor’s church board to receive this discount. Need-based aid above this amount, up to 75%-off tuition, may also available.  A completed FACTS application is required to receive the clergy discount. Any changes in a pastor’s status need to be given to the Central Office within two weeks of effective date of change.

S2S Program: Those who elect to receive this discount will be required to participate in our Serve to Save (S2S) Program. Twenty (20) hours of volunteer service will be required per school year, with a maximum of forty (40) hours per family per school year.