Financial Aid

Having a robust financial aid program means that families who would otherwise not be able to afford Step One, can. Step One School is committed to helping families pay for a quality preschool education. We hope to provide as much financial aid as possible to families who demonstrate financial need as assessed by Ravenna Financial Aid and the Step One Financial Aid Committee. 

Through our annual fund campaign and operating funds, we are able to raise enough money to assist 12-15% of our school families, with financial aid up to 50% of tuition. In addition, our Changemaker Fund provides 100% Financial Aid for 4-5 income-eligible families per year.

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Do I qualify?

Step One School uses Ravenna Financial Aid to help determine family eligibility for Financial Aid. Ravenna will analyze the financial data you submit and suggest an estimated family contribution for each child.

The Step One Financial Aid Committee will make the final determination for awards after comparing each family’s stated need with the amount Ravenna estimates the family can contribute and reviewing the overall requests compared to our financial aid budget.

APPLICATION PROCESS

JANUARY 1 - FEBRUARY 15

Step 1: Submit a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) online through Ravenna Financial Aid.

  • There is a $60 fee for this service. The system will notify you if they are able to provide a fee waiver; we are no longer able to provide one ourselves.  

  • Step One’s code is #4240.

  • Applications submitted online are usually processed within 72 hours.

Step 2: Ravenna sends Step One a Report of Family Contribution (RFC).

  • Your RFC will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee.  Their recommendation will be approved by the Budget Committee of the Board of Directors.  All information will be kept confidential.

Step 3: Step One will notify applicants of our decisions by April 1.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Financial Aid is usually awarded to families whose incomes range between $25,000 and $90,000 gross annually.

  • Step One cannot help subsidize a loss of income due to a parent pursuing an advanced degree or private school expenses for older siblings; we do not consider these and other optional expenses when we determine the amount of an award.

  • We do not provide financial aid for afternoon care unless both of the child’s parents or sole parent is/are employed during this time.

  • Priority for financial aid consideration is given to children in the following categories:  (1) children of Step One teachers and staff, (2) families whose racial identities are underrepresented at the school, (3) children with siblings who are currently attending or have attended Step One School.  Other families with financial need will be accommodated if funding is available.

  • If you already receive financial aid, you need to re apply each year.