Financial Aid
Garces' Commitment
Since 1947, Garces Memorial High School has provided top-quality Catholic education to Kern County students. During this time, it has been the school’s commitment to keep tuition reasonable while maintaining a standard of excellence.
Education is one of the most important investments a family can make in a child’s future.
Garces Memorial is committed to offering every student in Kern County the opportunity to receive a Catholic education. For this reason, the Garces Financial Aid program was established.
All families who feel they may qualify for need-based financial aid are encouraged to complete the application process.
Level of Aid
The size of the financial aid award will depend on the level of demonstrated need. No student will receive the full amount of tuition in financial aid. Last year, over $250,000 was distributed to eligible families.
Application Process
To apply for financial aid, complete the appropriate application forms and submit them by February 5, 2008. There is a $25 non-refundable application fee. (Please make checks payable to Garces Memorial High School. $20 will go towards PSAS and $5 for Garces’ administrative costs.) No individual will be considered for financial aid unless they have completed the appropriate aid forms.
The Garces Financial Aid Review Board evaluates each applicant’s demonstrated need, the recommendation of the Private School Aid Service, and the student’s academic record.
Award letters, stating the amount of financial aid granted, are mailed in late March. Awards must be accepted or denied by late April.
Financial aid is deducted from the total amount of tuition due. Monthly payments are reduced by the amount of aid given.
Financial aid is awarded for one academic year. It is necessary to re-apply for financial aid each year.
Garces Work Program
If financial aid is granted, it is required that each family take part in the Garces Parent Work Program.
Parents of all financial aid recipients will be allocated work assignments for athletic events, assisting with fund raisers, etc., as needed by the school. Each family is required to work a certain number of assignments, as determined by the amount of aid awarded.
Families have the obligation to be available. If the family is not called or notified to work all assignments, there will be no penalty. However, if the family is called and declines to work or does not show up for the assignment, Garces will: 1) reduce the amount of aid received and/or bill the family for the additional tuition owed; 2) the family will be ineligible to receive aid in future years.
Bingo Aid Program
Some families receiving financial aid will be offered the option of participating in the Garces Bingo Program. In exchange for financial assistance, recipients of Bingo Aid are required to work at least 13 Sundays of Garces Bingo. If a family member does not fulfill their Bingo work obligation, Garces will: 1) reduce the amount of aid given and/or bill the family for the additional tuition owed; 2) the family will be ineligible to receive aid in future years.
Bingo operates every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some job responsibilities will include selling pull tabs, announcing the games, or selling game papers. The Bingo year is from June to May.
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid:
1. Review and complete ALL sections of the PSAS (Private School Aid Service) Form. This form is available only at Garces.
2. Make complete copies of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return. If the tax return is not complete, please submit all recent W2's or 1099's, along with the prior year’s tax forms.
3. Complete the Garces High School Financial Aid application and the statement of financial need.
4. Compile the Garces Financial Aid application, statement of financial need, and the PSAS application with tax returns. Deliver all forms, along with a $25 non-refundable application fee (payable to Garces) to the main office at Garces Memorial by February 5, 2008..
5. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE.
If Financial Aid is Granted:
1. Carefully read the award letter.
2. Sign and return all forms, indicating if the award is being accepted or rejected.
3. If the award is accepted, be certain that all obligations are fulfilled.
4. Awards are made for one academic year. To receive aid the following year, it is necessary to reapply.