Financial Aid Resources
Rye Country Day’s financial aid program provides opportunities to qualified students who would otherwise be unable to attend the School. Our goal is to fund the demonstrated need of our admitted students and ensure that they can participate fully in all programs and activities offered by the School.
RCDS believes that parents/guardians have the primary responsibility in funding a secondary school education. Only after available parent/guardian resources have been examined and utilized will the School offer financial support. The goal of the financial aid application process is to garner the fullest understanding of all financial resources that may be available to a given applicant. At the same time, the School considers its program to be generous and supportive. The School acknowledges that cost of living factors are significant in our region, and the Financial Aid Committee also considers supplemental costs when considering and calculating our grants. The Financial Aid Committee believes it is crucial to recognize the additional school-related costs that families absorb beyond tuition when they decide to attend RCDS.
Financial Aid Renewal Process for Current Families
Philosophy
RCDS prioritizes current students over new applicants in the grant process. As long as a family's financial situation remains relatively unchanged, families should anticipate that their percentage of financial aid will remain relatively constant throughout their experience at RCDS. Grants can change in either direction depending on significant changes in a family's financial situation.
Process
The renewal process must be completed annually by each family and is similar to the initial application process. It includes the following steps:
1. Complete the PFS online through the SSS website by February 15, 2023 for returning families and December 15, 2022 for new families.
2. Upload and submit copies of the 2022 W-2’s to the SSS website by February 15, 2023 for returning families and December 15, 2022 for new families.
3. Upload and submit all 2022 IRS tax forms to the SSS website by March 15, 2023*. Families are required to submit all forms and schedules that they file in a given year, including returns for individual students. The School recognizes that the due date for federal income tax returns is April 15th , but strongly urges families to file as early as possible.
4. Submit any additional supporting documents requested by the Financial Aid Committee.
5. The deadlines for returning families are considerably later than new students; returning families can expect a grant letter by late April.
*The Head of School must approve financial aid grants if there is an IRS tax filing extension until October 15 in any given year.
Overview of Program Benefits & Support
*All items billed at the same percentage as the family’s financial aid grant unless otherwise indicated. In order to preserve confidentiality, billing is sent from the Student Billing Manager through the RCDS Business Office.
All Students
- Academic books required for classes
- Required summer reading books
- Lunch
- Curricular trips (overnight or day)
- Academic tutoring assistance (at the approval of the respective Principal)
- Additional support services (at the approval of the Director of Student Support Services)
- Voice and music lessons (*$45 instrument maintenance fee for 5th grade only)
- RCDS mini camp or sports camp in June (one)
- RCDS sports clinic (one per season)
- Credit for book purchases at the Book Fair(s) (*$35; does not include special vendor items or food)
- Spirit wear credit to use online or in the Wildcat Den (*$50)
- School photography package (complimentary photo package F)
- Free ticket to the Fall Play and Spring Musical (complimentary)
Lower School
- Extended Day program
- After school clubs (one per season)
- Photo book (*one at discounted rate)
Middle School
- Loaner laptop computer for students in Grades 7 & 8 (*$60 insurance cost per year)
- Physical Education clothing set
- Physical Education dance clothing and items
- After school clubs (one per season)
- Classes in the RCDS Summer School (academic only)
Parents & Guardians
- Two tickets for the Fall Parents Association Luncheon
- Parents Association dues (*waived)
- Two tickets for the play and musical (MS & US) (*complimentary)
- Two tickets to the Spring Benefit (alternating years)
- Additional Parents Association Events
Upper School
- Loaner laptop computer for students in Grades 9-12 (*$60 insurance cost per year)
- Spring athletic training trips
- Global Studies trip (one at percentage, if selected to participate)
- Physical Education clothing set
- Physical Education dance clothing and items
- Athletic team items
- Standardized testing preparation courses for students in Grades 11 or 12
- Graphing calculator (one)
- AP Exam fee
- Yearbook for 12th Grade students (*$40; advertisements not included)
- Senior portrait sitting fee
- Prom tickets
- Classes in the RCDS Summer School (academic only)
Specific Program Information
All Students
- Headphones
- Private Voice and Instrumental Lessons
- Senior Portraits
- Spirit Wear Credit
- Student Portraits (Pre-K - Grade 11)
- Summer Programs
- Support Services (Tutoring, Outside Support, Evaluations)
- Transportation
- Summer Assignments
- Devices
- Wildcat Weekend
Headphones
- Lower School students will be provided with one pair of headphones at the start of School.
- If Middle or Upper School students need headphones, please contact Dion Reid.
Private Voice and Instrumental Lessons
For students that receive financial aid, voice and instrumental lessons are covered at the same percentage as the financial aid grant for tuition. Please note, the total program cost will be adjusted to match your financial aid grant percentage by the Business Office after the form is submitted.
Costs and Fees
- 30-Minute Lesson: $60.00/session
- 40-Minute Lesson: $70.00/session
- 60-Minute Lesson: $90.00/session
Private lessons occur once a week or once a six-day cycle. Parents are billed in advance (to the RCDS student account) in 12-lesson packages. There is a one-time registration and music supply fee of $65.00. Click here to register.
Senior Portraits
Coffee Pond Photography has had the pleasure of working with Rye Country Day School since 2001 and is thrilled to be able to offer senior portraits this year in addition to the traditional school portrait services in the fall.
There is a $40 sitting fee for senior portraits which will be billed at the percentage of your Financial Aid grant.
Spirit Wear Credit
Your student’s financial aid grant (regardless of percentage) includes a $50 credit with the Wildcat Den. You may use this $50 credit to purchase spirit wear or to offset the cost of P.E. or athletic teamwear.
Please refer to the email from the Office of Financial Aid that includes special ordering instructions for items through Amerasport. Items purchased through the Wildcat Den will be automatically discounted through the Business Office with charges applied to your school account. If you have questions please contact Mr. Dion Reid.
Student Portraits (Pre-K - Grade 11)
We are pleased to inform you that your student’s financial aid grant includes a complimentary school photography package (“Package F”), which includes the following: One 5x7 photograph, one 3x5 photograph, and two wallet photographs.
The complimentary school photography package order cannot be placed online. Instead, for Lower & Middle School families, please indicate “Package F” on your physical order form, but do not include any payment. Of course, if you wish to purchase additional prints/packages, you can indicate that on your form and include payment (full cost) for the additional items only.
Students in Grades 9-11, will have a photo selected by Coffee Pond for their complimentary portrait. In a few weeks, each Upper School family will receive a password to view all proofs online. At this time you are welcome to purchase additional prints or packages at your own cost.
When the prints arrive on campus, Mr. Reid will distribute them to your student. Additionally, seniors do not participate in picture day, as they have already had their senior portraits taken.
Summer Programs
Summer Session
Payment for summer courses is due at the time of registration. If you are a RCDS student who receives financial aid, or an outside student applying for financial aid, please make sure to indicate that during registration, so that payment is not due at the end of the registration process. Questions about payment can be directed to Kyle Mitschele, Director of Summer Session.
Wildcat Mini-Camp & June Sports Camp
A part of every current RCDS student’s financial aid grant includes one Wildcat Mini-Camp (1 week) OR one June Sports Camp (1 week) billed at the same percentage as your student’s financial aid grant for tuition through your Smart Tuition account. Families will not be billed at the time of registration. Additional camps will be billed at the full cost.
Support Services (Tutoring, Outside Support, Evaluations)
Academic Tutoring
The financial aid budget will also help to support any tutoring needs that arise for students who receive financial aid. This need is identified by the School’s Divisional Dean Team, and arrangements are made for an RCDS faculty tutor. The financial aid budget will cover the cost of tutoring at the same percentage that the School supports the student’s financial aid grant for tuition at the hourly rate at which the School has set for paying RCDS faculty tutors. If a family decides to use a tutor without RCDS approval, regardless of rate, the parent/guardian will be responsible for paying the cost in full.
Evaluations and Counseling
When the School, including members of the CST, determines that additional psychological or educational support is necessary for a student who receives financial aid, the School will support the family by providing recommendations and funding the evaluation at the same rate as the family’s financial aid grant for tuition. Evaluations include, but are not limited to: neuropsychological, psychological, speech and language, occupational, and audiological.The decision to fund such an evaluation occurs through a thoughtful analysis by the Director of Support Services, the Division Learning Specialist, and the Division Principal. If additional counseling or support from an outside therapist or organization is recommended, the divisional counselor/ psychologist will provide the family with a list of recommended therapists and counseling services. Families should submit bills to their own insurance and should provide the Financial Aid Office with a copy of an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) form within 60 days from the date of service.
Transportation
Metro-North Railroad
All RCDS students are eligible for a monthly student Metro-North Railroad train ticket at a 33% discounted rate.
If you are interested in setting up a student ticket account that will enable you to have a monthly ticket mailed to your residence, please complete the Commutation Form. Once you have an account set up you can manage it on your own by implementing payment and even freezing your account by putting your student on “vacation” for months at a time. Please note it takes approximately one month to receive your ticket by mail (please see below regarding the MTA app).
If you have any questions or if you need a paper version of this form to obtain a student ticket directly from a Metro-North Railroad location, please contact Dion Reid at dion_reid@ryecountryday.org
MTA eTix App:
The MTA eTix app is now available to participating Metro-North Mail&Ride students. You can now receive your monthly student ticket delivered directly to your mobile device .
- Download the MTA eTix app.
- Sign up for an account.
- Sign into your Mail&Ride Student account.
- Change your ticket delivery option to eTix.
MetroCards
Many of our students who live in the five boroughs of New York City qualify for a free MetroCard. Please contact Lorraine Brimat-Smith in the Middle School and Emily Russo in the Upper School to pick up your card.
Public School Bus
Towns and villages in NY within a 15-mile radius of RCDS that regularly provide busing to public school students are also required by state law to provide busing to RCDS. RCDS currently has students taking the bus from the following school districts: Blind Brook, Byram Hills, Chappaqua, Eastchester/Bronxville/Tuckahoe, Greenburgh Central, Harrison Central, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, and Valhalla. Families are encouraged to check availability with their local school district regarding the district’s policy on busing to private or independent schools. Please note, most school districts have a deadline in the Spring to submit.
RCDS Yonkers Bus
RCDS provides a bus from Yonkers to campus daily. If you have questions or are interested in the Yonkers bus, please contact Ariana Wimpy at Ariana_Wimpy@ryecountryday.org
Summer Assignments
Please follow the instructions posted on the virtual bookstore page of the Family Portal.
Devices
1:1 Device Program: RCDS will provide students in Grades Pre-K thorough 6 with a device for the academic year (Grades 3-6: laptop, Grades 1-2: chromebook, Grades Pre-K-K: iPad) to the student at no direct cost to the family.
Laptop Program: RCDS will provide students who receive financial aid in Grades 7-12 with a laptop (as selected by the student/family from the MacBook Air or Lenovo) to the student at no direct cost to the family. Families are responsible for providing an appropriate laptop case for carrying the laptop.
While the School is the actual owner of the device, the specific device will remain in the student's possession for the full school year. Students in Grades Pre-K through Grade 6 will return their devices in the summer, while students in Grades 7-12 may keep their loaner laptop until it is replaced or the student leaves RCDS.
Each year, families will be billed $60 for required insurance (the School will provide the insurance and bill your account).
Should you have any technology-related questions, please contact Andrew Gillies.
Wildcat Weekend
All Parents/Guardians
Spirit Wear
New this year, Rye Country Day School has launched sports-specific specialty spirit wear items for parents and guardians. These special items feature personalization to include team, name, and your athlete’s number.
Please note, the parent/guardian spirit wear store will open each season with a limited window for ordering items.
For families who receive Financial Aid, one item for each parent/guardian per season will be covered at the same percentage as the family’s financial aid grant and will be billed to your athlete’s student account. All additional items will be billed at the full cost.
Please use the link provided via email to learn more and place your orders. Please note this link was created specifically for RCDS families who receive financial aid as it bypasses the payment section and bills the School directly.
Fall Play and Spring Musical
Your student's financial aid grant entitles you to two complimentary tickets per household, per production.
To receive your complimentary tickets (and purchase additional tickets), please follow these steps:
- Follow this link to purchase tickets. Select the performance date you wish to attend on the calendar.
- Click “Add Promo Code”.
- Enter the promo code shared with you via e-mail.
- Under the “Promotions” menu, select up to 2 (two) adult tickets.
- If you are purchasing additional tickets, select the number of additional tickets you wish under the “Regular Price” menu.
- When your order is complete, click “Add tickets to cart”.
- Click “Checkout” and complete the checkout process.
NOTE: If you are only redeeming two (2) complimentary tickets you will not need to input any credit/debit card information to complete the order. If you are purchasing additional tickets, you will need to provide your credit/debit card information to complete the order.
If you have any questions, or you are having trouble with the system, please email Dion Reid at dion_reid@ryecountryday.org or email tickets@ryecountryday.org
Lower School
Books
Extended Day
The Extended Day Program is open to dual full-time working parents/guardians, single full-time working parents/guardians, and faculty members. The cost of this program will be covered at the same percentage as the School supports the student’s financial aid grant for tuition. To register, click here.
- Extended Day (2:30 - 6:00 p.m.) $25
- Extended Day After Club (4:15 - 6:00 p.m.) $10
Ice Skating
We are excited to announce that students in Pre-K through Grade 6 will have the opportunity to ice skate during Physical Education this year. Please note, Skating is optional for Grade 6. Please look for additional information in upcoming e-notes. Instructors are working on developing lessons that will ensure proper physical distancing and safety.
In order to provide the safest environment for our students, students are required to wear:
- Ice Skates
- Helmet
- Winter Gloves/Coat
- Please note, you will also need to provide your own large bag for your student to house all of these items during the winter season.
Please complete THIS FORM to indicate whether or not the loaner equipment desired, even if you do not need to participate in the loaner program.
Items will be distributed to your student(s) discreetly before skating commences. The equipment will be collected in March at the completion of the P.E. skating program. Equipment that is not returned will be charged in full to the family.
Sports Clinics
Throughout the academic year, the Athletics department offers sports clinics for students in Lower and Middle School. Recipients of financial aid have the opportunity to participate in one sports clinic, per season, at the same percentage of support as your financial aid grant. Please note, sports clinics during the academic year differ from clinics offered in the summer.
Photobooks
Lower school photobooks are discounted for families who receive financial aid.
If you elect to order additional books, you will be billed the full price, which is listed next to the discounted price below.
2020-21 Pricing
K: $24 (full price $55)
Grade 1: $28 (full price $55)
Grade 2: $24 (full price $55)
Grade 3: $28 (full price $55)
Grade 4: $32 (full price $60)
Photobooks will be charged to your school account.
Middle School
Books
Dance Attire
Please note, during the 2021-22 school year, RCDS-branded apparel is not required for Physical Education. However, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the opportunities supported by your financial aid grant, if desired. Dancers won't be in the studio at all, and won't be changing clothes or shoes when they are on campus. To that end, students can wear sneakers when they are at school (outside) for dance. Neither ballet shoes nor jazz shoes are needed. In terms of apparel, dancers need athletic clothing that they are comfortable moving in. Dancers may want to select items from the P.E. Clothing Set and/or additional items from Discount Dance. For example, dancers may want to substitute sweatpants from the P.E. Clothing Set from Amerasport for leggings (see below). These items will be billed at the same percentage as your student's financial aid grant for tuition.
Available Items (please also see P.E. Clothing Set)
- Baltogs Womens Compression Dance Legging, Style No. BT5207 (two pairs available; one in black and one in navy)
To order please email Dion Reid with number of pairs (1 or 2), color (black or navy), and size. Parents/Guardians will then receive a bill from our Business Office for the adjusted amount.
Ice Skating (Grades 5-6)
We are excited to announce that students in Pre-K through Grade 6 will have the opportunity to ice skate during Physical Education this year. Please note, Skating is optional for Grade 6. Please look for additional information in upcoming e-notes. Instructors are working on developing lessons that will ensure proper physical distancing and safety.
In order to provide the safest environment for our students, students are required to wear:
- Ice Skates
- Helmet
- Winter Gloves/Coat
- Please note, you will also need to provide your own large bag for your student to house all of these items during the winter season.
Please complete THIS FORM to indicate whether or not the loaner equipment desired, even if you do not need to participate in the loaner program.
Items will be distributed to your student(s) discreetly before skating commences. The equipment will be collected in March at the completion of the P.E. skating program. Equipment that is not returned will be charged in full to the family.
P.E. Clothing Set
Please note, during the 2021-22 school year, RCDS-branded apparel is not required for Physical Education. However, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the opportunities supported by your financial aid grant, if desired.
Each year, students may purchase the following P.E. items, which are billed at the same percentage as your student’s financial aid grant through the Wildcat Den.
- Two t-shirts
- Two pairs of shorts
- One sweatshirt
- One pair of sweatpants
Items purchased through the Wildcat Den will be automatically adjusted through the Business Office with charges applied to your school account. If you have questions please contact Dion Reid.
Sports Clinics
Throughout the academic year, the Athletics department offers sports clinics for students in Lower and Middle School. Recipients of financial aid have the opportunity to participate in one sports clinic, per season, at the same percentage of support as your financial aid grant. Please note, sports clinics during the academic year differ from clinics offered in the summer.
Upper School
- ACT/SAT Class Information
- Athletic Items
- Books
- Dance Attire
- Dinner and Car Service
- Graphing Calculators
- P.E. Clothing Set
ACT/SAT Class Information
Athletic Items
If your student is participating in Upper School Athletics, they will receive a notification from their head coach outlining any required items for their sport (which will also be covered at the same percentage as your financial aid grant). Any non-required items or repeat items will be billed at the full cost.
Books
Dance Attire
Please note, during the 2021-22 school year, RCDS-branded apparel is not required for Physical Education. However, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the opportunities supported by your financial aid grant, if desired. Dancers won't be in the studio at all, and won't be changing clothes or shoes when they are on campus. To that end, students can wear sneakers when they are at school (outside) for dance. When at home, dancers can choose socks or bare feet. Neither ballet shoes nor jazz shoes are needed. In terms of apparel, dancers need athletic clothing that they are comfortable moving in. Dancers may want to select items from the P.E. Clothing Set and/or additional items from Discount Dance. These items will be billed at the same percentage as your student's financial aid grant for tuition.
Available Items (please also see P.E. Clothing Set)
- Baltogs Womens Compression Dance Legging, Style No. BT5207 (two pairs available; one in black and one in navy)
To order please email Dion Reid with number of pairs (1 or 2), color (black or navy), and size. Parents/Guardians will then receive a bill from our Business Office for the adjusted amount.
Dinner and Car Service
Dinner
There are numerous occasions when Upper School students have school commitments that extend beyond the dinner hour. Some examples of these occasions include late return from away athletic contests, play rehearsals, concerts and other performances, SAT/ACT courses, admissions panels, and AP exam review. When students remain at school for these evening commitments, the School will provide dinner on campus for the students involved.
Car Service
In general, whether students travel to school by car, bus, train, or taxi, parents or guardians are responsible for arranging transportation home following any student commitments that extend beyond the dinner hour. In special circumstances when parents cannot arrange student transportation following an evening commitment, the School will help arrange and fund transportation home.
- For commitments that end before 8:00 p.m., the School can provide cab fare from the train station directly to their home at your percentage of aid
- For commitments that extend beyond 8:00 p.m., the School can arrange for a car service to transport the student home at your percentage of aid
Please note that special circumstances should be communicated by parents or guardians in advance, if possible, to Ali Morgan or Dion Reid. In situations where there is a team or rehearsal schedule with multiple evening commitments, parents can complete this form to make multiple arrangements in advance for evening transportation.
Please note: Families will be billed at their percentage
Graphing Calculators
Graphing calculators are billed at the same percentage grant that families pay for tuition through our Student Billing Manager. While pricing can vary slightly depending on availability, the general cost is $120 per graphing calculator. The discounted charge will appear on the student account in SmartTuition. Please email Dion Reid to order.
Please note, since calculators can be used for subsequent courses at RCDS and beyond, the School will help to cover the cost of one graphing calculator during your student’s time at RCDS. However, there are loaner graphing calculators available for students available in Dion Reid's office.
P.E. Clothing Set
Please note, during the 2021-22 school year, RCDS-branded apparel is not required for Physical Education. However, we wanted to ensure you were aware of the opportunities supported by your financial aid grant, if desired.
Each year, students may purchase the following P.E. items, which are billed at the same percentage as your student’s financial aid grant through Amerasport or the Wildcat Den.
- Two t-shirts
- Two pairs of shorts
- One sweatshirt
- One pair of sweatpants
Please refer to the email from the Office of Financial Aid that includes special ordering instructions for items through Amerasport. Items purchased through the Wildcat Den will be automatically adjusted through the Business Office with charges applied to your school account. If you have questions please contact Dion Reid.
Video Recordings
To view a recording of the Introduction to the College Financial Aid Process Workshop, click here.
