Dear Families,
We are excited to share that FAST, our financial assistance application partner, has made several enhancements
to its system for the upcoming financial aid year. These updates were designed to make applying for financial
assistance simpler and more efficient. Here are some of the updates you can expect to see:
• A simplified and streamlined application: The dynamic questions make the application process easier and
quicker for families to navigate.
• Direct Tax Pulls from the IRS: A seamless and automated system allows you to securely consent to having your taxes pulled directly from the IRS, saving you time and effort.
• One Family Account: Manage your application with a single account year-over-year. Submit one application
regardless of the number of applicants. If you have multiple children and need to submit this application to
different schools, that’s no problem; you can do so with one application!
• Streamlined Application: Dynamic questions mean you only need to answer questions relevant to
your financial status.
• Enhanced Mobile Experience: With a user-friendly mobile experience, you can easily complete your
application anytime, anywhere.
• Re-Applying Next Year: One family account will save you time next year. When reapplying next year, you’ll
simply log into the same account, confirm your pre-filled data, or update any fields with changes- no more
starting from scratch each year.
The NEW link for this year’s application is https://apply.ismfast.com/.
We’re confident these updates will help make the re-application process much easier and faster for families.
FAST’s dedicated support team is always available if you need any assistance. You can contact 1-877-326-FAST
or familysupport@ismfast.com.
Tuition Assistance:
At Pasadena Christian School, tuition assistance is awarded across TK-8th grade levels and is a confidential and thoughtful process. Families interested in applying for tuition assistance will need to complete an online application with FAST-ISM starting November 1, 2024 for the 2025-2026 school year here. The Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) program provides a need-based financial aid analysis service that includes an income verification process. All information from FAST remains confidential and is reviewed by the school. You must apply for financial aid each year, using the online FAST application.
Based on the financial information you provide to FAST, the PCS Tuition Assistance Committee determines the amount of assistance to award based on an impartial analysis of your finances, consideration of special circumstances, and the amount of funding available.
For prospective families, proceed to this link after you have received confirmation that your online admissions application has been received. To be considered for tuition assistance, please check the box on the admissions application indicating your interest in tuition assistance.
For currently enrolled PCS families, please use this link starting November 1, 2024 to apply for tuition assistance for the 2025-2026 school year.
PCS Tuition Assistance Guidelines:
- Incomplete FAST applications will not be reviewed by the Tuition Assistance Committee.
- It is the parents' responsibility to ensure that all documents are submitted on time.
- Returning applicants must maintain a current status on the 2025-2026 family account.
- PCS reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify financial circumstances.
Timeline:
Final Deadline: February 15, 2025: Submit your FAST Online Application, Submit your 2023 Federal & State Income Tax Returns to FAST
March 2025: Tuition assistance awards will be issued for the 2025-2026 school year.
LATE APPLICANTS: Awards will be based on available funding at the time of acceptance to the school
FAST Online Application Guidelines:
- When applying for tuition assistance through FAST, a non-refundable application fee of $45 is payable online with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.
- Be sure to use your name as it appears on your tax return. The process is self-guided with embedded instructions and definitions.
- To submit your tax documents, you will have a choice of uploading scanned documents directly to FAST, or mailing them via post.
- If mailing your documents, make sure to include the bar code that will be provided by FAST. Mailed copies must be sent to: FAST Processing 1316 N. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.
Do not send any originals, and do not FAX or email the tax documents.
Take your time and read everything carefully. Incomplete applications will affect the outcome of your financial aid award.
Documents:
- Complete your 2024 taxes as early as possible because the optimal deadline to submit the tax forms to FAST is February 1, 2025. Awards cannot be granted without submission of your 2024 tax returns.
- Be sure to send your full 2024 tax returns: Federal and all pertinent schedules, State and all W-2’s for each parent. You will be required to include your four most recent pay-stubs, current mortgage statement/rental agreement and a signed IRS form 4506T. (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf).
Questions: If you have any questions about the FAST application process, please call the FAST Call Center at 1-877-326- FAST (3278). They are available 24/7.**
If you have any questions regarding the PCS tuition assistance program, or would like assistance in submitting your tax documents to FAST, please contact Marcia Kostos: mkostos@pcs.school, 626-791-1214.
Click here to access the TUITION ASSISTANCE ONLINE APPLICATION,
Pasadena Christian School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.