Affording Gaynor and Unlocking Your Child’s Potential

Stephen Gaynor School is committed to making our individualized education program accessible for all who need it, and we invite any student who needs a Gaynor education to apply. 

Contact our Admissions Office to see how we can help you get started on your journey.

  • Almost two million dollars in financial assistance is awarded to Stephen Gaynor School families annually.
  • The application for admissions is need-blind; Gaynor does not take into account a families’ financial status when deciding whether to accept them for admission. 
  • Financial assistance is awarded based solely on the financial need of the family, not on academic performance or other factors.
  • New York City residents may receive tuition reimbursement from the NYC Public Schools. Our Director of Enrollment Management can provide further information about this process.
  • Gaynor’s Financial Assistance Committee is charged with the confidential review of all financial assistance applications and making decisions that are aligned with the School’s mission, values and policies.

Tuition and Financial Assistance Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tuition for the 2023-2024 school year?

Tuition for 2023-24 school year is $79,895. This is prior to receiving any financial assistance or reimbursements.

How is financial need determined?

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 School and Student Services 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 SSS, potential other sources of support, and extenuating circumstances. 

Is funding for tuition available from the NYC Public Schools?

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.

What is Connors Funding?

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.

What is Carter 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.

Are families who receive financial assistance required to seek funding from the NYC Public Schools?

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).

How does seeking reimbursement from the NYC Public Schools impact the timing of tuition and fees?

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.

Is financial assistance automatically renewed each year?

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.

What happens if the parents/guardians are divorced or separated?

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 Solutions by SSS application form. If this information is not provided, the Committee will not be able to consider the application for financial assistance.

Is it possible to appeal the financial assistance award?

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.

If our family qualifies for financial assistance for tuition, what else will be covered?

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 

How do I apply for Financial Assistance?

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 Solutions for SSS. The code to add Gaynor to your application is: 1940. 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 all required supporting documentation. Documents must be uploaded directly to Solutions for SSS. 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’ 2023 1040 federal tax return with all schedules and W2’s (when available),
– a copy of both parents’ or guardians’ 2022 1040 federal tax return with all schedules and W2’s,
– if either parent or guardian is self-employed, a copy of the 2022 and 2023 (when available) corporate tax return,
– 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