Tuition Assistance (Financial Aid)
Our need-based Tuition Assistance Program works to ensure that tuition costs do not exclude students from access to our highly valued academic program which culminates in a graduation after 12th grade with two degrees, the German International Abitur and a US High School diploma. (to learn more about the German degree, please see: www.germanapproach.org )
We recognize that for some of our families, the full tuition stretches resources beyond the budget, which is why we strive to make the journey at GISW accessible to students from families of all income levels.
Gross household income for families currently receiving Tuition Assistance from us:
Tuition Assistance Program (Financial Aid)
The German International School Washington D.C. offers need-based tuition assistance to families who cannot afford full tuition. Tuition assistance is granted to families who demonstrate financial need, which is defined as the difference between the family’s resources and the child’s educational expenses. A standardized approach is used to determine this need.
Tuition assistance may be granted to families in the current school year (2024/25) if there is a change in their financial status during the school year. Families must demonstrate a financial need in order to be considered for a mid-year grant. To apply for this emergency tuition assistance, please contact April Floyd (afloyd@giswashington.org)
Tuition assistance may be granted to families for the upcoming school year (2025/26) if there is demonstrated financial need. Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2025. All applications coming in after that will be accepted and evaluated on a first-come first-serve basis.
The application for tuition assistance will be open for submission starting January 3, 2025 for the 2025/26 school year. Applications can be submitted online through FAST at: apply.ismfast.com. The application fee is $60.
After submitting the online application, families will be required to submit copies of their tax returns, schedules and W-2s for the prior year. If the prior year return is unavailable, then families must submit their tax returns, schedules and W-2s of the year before the prior year and the current W-2s. If families do not file tax returns in the U.S., they should submit documentation supporting their financial status and a letter from each working spouse’s employer stating their rate of pay (and that of your spouse if he/she works). Awards typically range from 10% to 40% of tuition. The maximum amount for Preschool is $4,000 per student.
Regarding voluntary unemployment or under-employment (e.g. parent returns to school, decision to stay at home with school-age children), GISW will impute income at the current US Minimum Wage for the Montgomery County in the State of Maryland of $15.65 per hour, which equals approximately $32,550 per year. This amount will be added to your reported income when determining qualification for an award. Certain parents who are caring for very young children, a disabled child or elderly relative may qualify for an exemption.
These documents should be uploaded (preferable) or mailed to: (please include the school's name on the outside of the envelope)
FAST Processing
ISM (German International School Washington D.C.)
1316 North Union Street
Wilmington, DE 19806-2594
FAST provides phone support 24 hours a day every day and also provides online email support if you have any questions with the FAST application process. Their phone number is 877.326.3278. Their email support is accessed through the online portal link.
All TAP applications must be submitted by February 15, 2025. The application includes an opportunity to provide any additional information you would like the committee to consider. GISW will email decisions by March 25, 2025. After receiving your award decision, you may ask the Committee to perform a second review if you believe there was an error. Should you decide, based upon the award decision; to withdraw your student's enrollment, you may do so by April 8, 2025 and will be released from the related tuition obligation. Since TAP funds are limited and demand is high, late filing of materials may result in not receiving a grant. Any application received after the deadline will be accepted for review only. Aid may be awarded if funding is still available. Please note that if you experience a change in financial circumstance during the school year which changes your ability to make tuition payments, you may reapply to have your award amount reviewed.
The following links provide information that will help you through the process:
> Family Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
> FAST - Tips for Tax Submissions
> Instructions for the tuition assistance application process
Video tutorials:
> Guide to Completing the FAST Family Application
> How to Upload Additional Documents
With questions please contact April Floyd at 301.767.3810 or afloyd@giswashington.org.