Tuition & Financial Aid

FINANCIAL AID

St. Francis de Sales Parish School is the most affordable Catholic grade school in the northwest Lake County area, offering value to parents seeking quality, faith-based education for their children.

We recognize, however, that some families might not be able to afford the full cost of tuition. To ensure that those families have access to our outstanding academics and safe, faith-based environment, we offer several tuition assistance programs.

Tuition Referral

When current families refer new students to the school, they can become eligible for a one-time tuition credit of $500. View full details about our Referral Program. 

Introductory Tuition Discount & Donor Funded Aid

• To be considered for these programs, each family, whether currently enrolled or new, must complete and submit a “needs-based” online application through FACTS (ideally by April 1st)
• There is a small processing fee associated with each application, which must be paid upon application. If aid is awarded, this application fee will be reimbursed through a tuition credit.
• Participating families will be expected to contribute some amount of tuition for each child enrolled.
• Applications may be made after April 1st, but the chances of receiving assistance improve significantly by submitting an application prior to this date.
• FACTS generates a summary report for each applicant that includes a “Calculated Need,” based on the information provided; the report is reviewed by the Pastor who makes final decisions.
• Families are notified of the type and amount of financial assistance no later than May 1st (for applications received by April 1st).
• All information is confidential and accessible only to select Parish Business Office and the Pastor

• Tuition is paid from Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to eligible families, as determined by law.
• Applications must be submitted to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO), a separate entity that is responsible for receiving and processing applications and disbursing funds.
• There are five SGOs in Illinois. The Archdiocese of Chicago has selected Empower Illinois as the preferred SGO.
• You can apply to any SGO or multiple SGOs, and you are encouraged to do so if you believe you meet the income thresholds for eligibility.
• You may also apply for assistance from St. Francis and any award provided by the SGO will be considered in determining eligibility for and/or amount of assistance.