Affording a Trinity Education

We believe that a Trinity education is an investment in your child's future, bringing significant returns throughout his or her life. We also believe that an important part of preparing our students for success in the real world requires that our school community mirror the real world, including a socio-economically diverse student body; therefore, we seek students from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds for our student body.

We appreciate that not every family can bear the full cost of a Trinity education. In keeping with the School’s mission, it is our goal that financial limitations do not prohibit any child from receiving a Trinity education. Financial need is not a factor in evaluating applications for admission. About 20% of Trinity students receive financial aid. At the same time, Trinity also believes that responsibility for a child’s education rests with the family and requires substantial commitment and prioritization of resources on their part.

Tuition assistance awards are provided through grants ranging from a few thousand dollars to 80% of tuition, depending on verified need. Awards are available for students in Prekindergarten through Eighth Grade. (Financial aid is not available for students enrolled at Les Enfants.) Financial aid only covers tuition and mandatory fees. It does not include fees for lunch, aftercare, and other discretionary items. Trinity awards approximately $1 million in assistance to students each year. We encourage any family with concerns regarding the ability to pay full tuition to submit a tuition assistance application.

Tuition awards are for one year. Parents must complete a new tuition assistance application every year. Unless there is a change in annual income or available assets, parents can typically expect the level of assistance to be the same from year to year.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: How much aid would my family qualify for?

A: Every family has different circumstances, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. We understand that Trinity’s tuition is a substantial expense for families, even with professionally employed, dual-working parents. A quick conversation with the chairperson of the Financial Aid Committee, Corrinne Mestayer, can help answer questions about your family’s particular circumstances.

Q: How is financial need determined for parents who are separated, divorced, or never married?

A: Financial need is determined by a family’s ability to meet educational expenses, not by a willingness to pay. In most cases, the Financial Aid Committee will make an award only after considering the financial resources of both parents. Therefore, each parental household must complete the full application process.

If either parent remarries, the financial information of the stepparent must be included on the financial statement to allow the School to assess the true financial position of the applicant's family. We will consider individual financial arrangements and the obligations of the parent and stepparent to their other children as we process financial information.

If one parent is not involved in the child’s life, please include details of the situation in the application submitted to FAM. The custodial parent will also be required to fill out an attestation form documenting the circumstances.

Q: Who will see my application?

A: The Financial Aid Committee is a small group of school administrators. The Financial Aid Committee treats your financial aid application and award with the strictest confidentiality. We expect families receiving aid to do the same and refrain from discussing their aid with other parents or teachers. Failure to honor this policy could result in the withdrawal of the award or jeopardize your eligibility for a future award.

Q: When do we find out if we will receive aid?

A: By early May, Trinity will notify each family via email regarding the outcome of their Financial Aid application. If your family receives aid and would like to accept the award, you will do so through the emailed letter. You will not receive an award letter until after your child has enrolled at Trinity.

If you need an estimated award in order to accept an enrollment agreement, please let the Admission Office know during the admission process. Be sure to have all required documentation submitted to the FAM portal on or before the deadline, so the Financial Aid Committee can work to provide an estimated award to your family during the enrollment period.

Q: So, if we demonstrate need, we will receive an award?

Q: Who should I contact for additional information or if I still have questions?

The Gaudet Scholarship

The France Joseph Gaudet Fund will be used solely for the education of Black/ African American children within the Diocese of Louisiana. The purpose of the Gaudet Scholarship Program is to advance the education of Black/African American students attending primary and secondary Episcopal schools that offer rigorous curricula in preparation for entry to and completion of college. A completed Financial Aid application and a contribution from the student's school are required for consideration of a Gaudet Scholarship award, and scholarships will be awarded to individual students.

For more information regarding the Gaudet Scholarship please contact the School's Admission Office at 504-525-8661 or visit the Gaudet Fund website.

Trinity Episcopal School has received financial support from the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, Gaudet Fund, making this award possible.

Tuition Assistance Dates

January 3, 2024: Tuition Assistance Applications become available
March 15, 2024: Deadline for completing and submitting the Tuition Assistance Application
April 15, 2024: Deadline for uploading your supporting documentation, including 2022 tax returns, to your Blackbaud SMART Aid account
May 3, 2024: Tuition Assistance decisions emailed to parents who met the posted deadlines

Applying for Tuition Assistance

We partner with Blackbaud Financial Aid Management (FAM), a third-party financial aid services provider that follows the methodology established by the National Association of Independent Schools, to collect and analyze financial information provided by families. To begin your application, go to the FAM website. The following documents will be required to complete the application. All documents are submitted directly to the online FAM application portal.

2023 W-2 and/or 1099 forms. Due March 15.
If self-employed, submit a K-1, Form 1040 Schedule C, or an estimated profit and loss statement. Due March 17.
2023, U.S. Income Tax Returns, including all pages and schedules. Due April 15. We understand that you may file a tax return extension. In that case, your file will be considered complete after all other requirements are submitted. The committee will review your information and make a recommendation on your award. This award is considered provisional until we receive a copy of your 2023 taxes. Once received, we will confirm that the information matches previously submitted data. The School reserves the right to amend your financial aid award if it does not match.
If this is your first time applying for financial aid, submit a copy of your 2022 income tax return, due March 18, 2024
If applicable, please submit the noncustodial parent waiver form.