List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• What is Financial Aid?

  Financial aid is tuition assistance based on a family’s demonstrated financial need. It allows families who might not otherwise be able to afford Harding Academy to join and remain part of our community. Financial aid is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

• Important Information About Financial Aid

  At Harding, financial aid is:

  • Need-based: Harding does not offer merit scholarships; all aid is awarded based solely on demonstrated financial need.
  • Annual: Families must reapply each year, as awards are not automatically renewed.
    Reviewed by a third party: Harding uses Clarity, a secure platform, to collect and assess financial data fairly and consistently.

• How Financial Aid is Determined

  Financial aid is available to both new and returning families who demonstrate need.

  
  

  Need is determined through:

  1. Clarity: Collects and analyzes financial data to provide a comprehensive overview of each family’s financial situation.
     Financial Aid Committee: A confidential and anonymous group selected for their discretion, judgment, and understanding of the school’s mission.
  2. Combined review: Clarity’s overview is shared with the Committee to support consistent and equitable decisions.

  The Committee takes seriously its responsibility to support families and keep students enrolled during times of challenge or transition. In making decisions, it considers factors such as:

  • Income from all sources
  • Number of children in the family
  • Number of children enrolled in tuition-based schools
  • Unique family circumstances (e.g., employment changes, illness, elder care, or other factors)

  All families receiving aid are expected to contribute something toward tuition; Harding does not offer full (100%) aid packages.

• Application Procedure

  1. Families submit financial information and required tax forms through Clarity’s secure online application.
  2. Clarity asks about income, expenses, allowances, and assets. Families are also asked to provide a good-faith estimate of their maximum ability to pay.
  3. Clarity generates a report that is shared with the Financial Aid Committee. The Committee reviews this report along with a family’s financial standing with Harding.

  To be considered, families must be current on tuition and fees (or have an approved payment plan in place).

  
  

  Because financial circumstances can change, families must reapply each year.

• Award Procedures

  1. The Financial Aid Committee reviews all complete applications submitted by the deadline, with strict respect for confidentiality.
  2. Families receive written notification of their award by email at the time of enrollment. The award amount is reflected in the enrollment contract.
  3. Families who wish to appeal may submit a written request to the Head of School. The appeal should explain why the award is not sufficient and include any additional details. The Head of School may ask the Committee to reconsider or may deny the appeal.
  4. The Head of School’s decision is final.
  5. Late applications are reviewed case by case, if funds remain available.

• Financial Aid Decisions and Admission

  The Financial Aid Committee makes award decisions independently of admission decisions. When an admitted family signs an enrollment contract, Harding holds a seat for that student. If the family does not complete the contract, rejects the award, or misses the deadline, the seat may be released to another applicant.

• Financial Aid Deadlines (2025–2026 School Year)

  • Portal Opens: September 1, 2025
  • PreK Applicants: November 15, 2025
  • Sibling Applicants (Grades K & 6): November 15, 2025
  • Returning Families: December 1, 2025
  • New Families (non-siblings): February 1, 2026

• Open and Confidential Communication

  We recognize that every family’s situation is unique. To maintain fairness and privacy, Harding asks that families do not share their award information with others.
  
  

  If you have questions or would like to discuss your circumstances, please reach out to the Admissions Office or Business Office. We are here to support you.

• Nondiscrimination Policy

  Harding Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, gender, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, or other school programs.

• Commitment to Families

  Harding Academy is committed to making our program accessible. We encourage families to reach out with questions early and often throughout the process.