Tuition and Affording Cate

Our financial assistance committee administers need-based awards and follows the guidelines of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Financial assistance decisions are based on a family’s ability to finance their child’s education as demonstrated by the methodology of Clarity. Within the limitations of our budget, and according to our own financial assistance policies, Cate uses Clarity recommendations as a guideline in determining individual awards.

Although the admission and financial assistance programs at Cate are separate processes and an applicant must first be admitted to Cate and only then be considered for financial assistance. We notify all new students and their families of our financial assistance decisions at the same time that we notify them of our admission decisions.

• • Apply to Cate for the 2026-27 school year. A student should apply to Cate before starting the FA process. These are two separate processes and each one must be thoroughly completed to be considered for admission and assistance. Click here for steps on how to apply to Cate.
  • Visit the Clarity website to complete the Financial Assistance application.

Clarity is a comprehensive online form that allows Cate to estimate the amount your family can contribute towards your child’s tuition.  Clarity reports that estimate to any school or schools you indicate on your application. If your child is applying to more than one school, you only need to fill out your Clarity application once. If you have multiple children applying, only one application is needed for all schools for all of your children. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.

The Clarity application is due December 1, 2025, for returning families and is due February 1, 2026 for new prospective families. To begin your financial assistance application for the coming school year, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the Clarity website.

• • A login and password are required to complete the application. If you are a first-time user, you will be asked to create an account.
  • Begin your application for the 2026-27 academic school year.
  • The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere.
  • You can log out of the Clarity website at any time and return later to complete the application.

2. Submit your completed Clarity application.

• • Please note that there is a non-refundable processing fee. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you will be automatically notified on the processing fee page.

3. Upload required documents in the “Document Requests” section of your Clarity dashboard. Required documentation includes:

• • A copy of all 2025 W2 Forms as soon as available
  • Cate School FA Request Form Returning Families
  • Cate School FA Request Form New Prospective Families

We offer need-based financial assistance for international families and not scholarships. There is limited funding available.

Clarity is a comprehensive online form that allows Cate to estimate the amount your family can contribute towards your child’s tuition.  Clarity reports that estimate to any school or schools you indicate on your application. If your child is applying to more than one school, you only need to fill out your Clarity application once. If you have multiple children applying, only one application is needed for all schools for all of your children. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.

The Clarity application is due December 1, 2025, for returning families and due February 1, 2026 for new prospective families. To begin your financial assistance application for the coming school year, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the Clarity website.

• • A login and password are required to complete the application. If you are a first-time user, you will be asked to create an account.
  • Begin your application for the 2026-27 academic school year.
  • The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere.
  • You can log out of the Clarity website anytime and return later to complete the application.

2. Submit your completed Clarity application.

• • Please note that there is a non-refundable processing fee. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you will be automatically notified on the processing fee page.

3. In lieu of a copy of your 2024 tax return (IRS Form 1040) and a copy of all 2025 W2 Forms, Cate School requires documents in the “Document Requests” section of your Clarity dashboard. Required documentation includes:

• • If you are a family living and working abroad who does not file United States taxes, we need income verification in lieu of a US tax return. Examples of acceptable documents are your residing country’s tax returns, an authorized letter from an employer, or an end-of-year pay stub.
  • Cate School FA Request Form is required for all returning families.
  • Cate School FA Request Form is required for all domestic and international applicants.
  • International Student Form in addition to the Clarity application, all international applicants must also complete and upload this worksheet.

Clarity Quick Reference Guide

Clarity Quick Reference Guide-Spanish

If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.

For all questions related to Cate’s Financial Assistance Program contact Vanessa Cruz-Santana ’06, Director of Financial Assistance at vanessa_cruzsantana@cate.org.