| ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the Independent School Alliance for Minority Affairs? Established in 1984 by a group of Southern California school heads the Alliance is an organization of 47 private independent elementary and secondary schools that want to increase their diversity. The Alliance provides assistance to families of color with the application process to its member schools. The Alliance counsels families on appropriate school choice; entrance testing information and (if necessary) how to apply for financial aid. Additionally, the Alliance provides a variety of support programs and acts as a resource to member schools on issues of diversity and multiculturalism. What kind of student is the Alliance looking for? The Alliance seeks under represented students of color: Black, Latino, and Indigenous American students whose school records demonstrate significant ability, achievement, motivation and good citizenship. For students applying to grades 1 through 10, grades and standardized test scores must be strong to be accepted as an Alliance candidate for referral to a member school. Students who have excessive tardies or absences cannot be accepted for referral. For Pre-K or Kindergarten applicants, students must demonstrate their academic and behavioral readiness for school. At what grade should I apply for my child? Parents need to apply the year before they want their child to enroll in an Alliance school. Most students apply for entry at Kindergarten, 6th, 7th, or 9th grades. Openings at other grades vary from school to school and are limited. At most schools, applicants must be 5 years old by September 1st of the entering year. When should I turn in the application? Families are given two weeks after receiving the application to return it. Early submission of applications gives families the greatest opportunity to visit schools and complete admission requirements in a timely manner. Waiting until the end of the process may jeopardize referral by the Alliance as appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. When should I call to set up an appointment? Once the Alliance reviews your application someone from our office will contact you. You should hear from our office within 2 weeks after mailing the application. If you do not, please call the Alliance office right away. Does application to the Alliance guarantee admission to a school? No. While each school considers grades, test scores, and teacher recommendations, many factors are involved in a school's admissions decision. Each member school makes its own decisions regarding admission according to existing procedures and non-discriminatory policies. How does the Alliance help? The Alliance works closely with families throughout the entire admissions process. Families do not need to fill out separate applications for each school or request multiple recommendations from current teachers. The Alliance has a common application form and teacher recommendation forms which are accepted at all of its member schools. Families are encouraged to call the Alliance with any questions they may have as they undergo the process. How many students get accepted through the Alliance? Approximately 65% of the students who apply through the Alliance are accepted at member schools. This high percentage can be credited to the personal counseling, appropriate recommendations, and good matches between families and schools by the Alliance staff. How much does it cost to apply? There is a $100 non-refundable application fee paid directly to the Alliance. Schools to which families are referred waive their individual application fees. For families applying to grades 6-12 there is an additional $75 testing fee for the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). For families applying for financial aid there is a $20 processing fee for the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) application. Note: All of the above fees can be waived or pro rated for families who qualify. Proof of financial status must be submitted for waiver consideration. Who gets financial aid? Financial aid is need based and given according to each individual school's financial aid budget, policies and procedures. The Alliance provides counseling on whether a family should apply, and assistance with the financial aid application process. Does the Alliance give financial aid? No, the Alliance does not give any financial aid to families. All financial aid is offered by member schools only to students who have been accepted, who will enroll, and who have qualified for financial aid. How does a family apply for financial aid? Families seeking financial assistance must complete the Alliance Supplemental Financial Aid Application as well as the SSS Parent Financial Statement (www.nais.org/financialaid/sss) and comply with each school's requirements and deadlines. The Alliance offers financial aid workshops to assist families in completing these forms. The SSS is an independent organization that analyzes completed Parent Financial Statements and issues a "Report of Financial Need". Schools review this report, the Alliance Supplemental Financial Aid Application and copies of the two previous years of IRS l040 tax forms in making their financial aid decisions. Important: Demonstrating financial need does not guarantee an award. While financial aid is limited, Alliance member schools awarded over 33 million dollars in aid last year. Will applying for financial aid negatively affect the admission decision? No |
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