Tuition Grant Program

This is a financial aid program based strictly upon financial need. The program is available to families who need assistance with their tuition at WCHS. This program is a grant, generally ranging from 5%-15%. Qualified families are determined from information included in the financial aid application. The student must maintain minimum academic and citizenship requirements (2.0 G.P.A., no F’s and satisfactory citizenship). For more information on this program along with the application process, click here

Student Work Assistance Program (S.W.A.P.)

This is a need based financial aid work program. The program is available to families with financial needs who, without assistance, would not be able to choose WCHS for their student. In exchange for a financial aid work scholarship, the family agrees to have their student participate in an on-campus work assignment approximately one hour per week. Assignments consist of working as a cashier in the break or lunch lines and classroom/office cleaning. The student must also maintain minimum academic and citizenship requirements (2.0 GPA, no F’s; satisfactory citizenship). Typically, grants range up to 10% per year. Actual amounts fluctuate, based on need. Applications must be received by April 1, 2010 and will be processed by April 30, 2010.

Principal Merit Scholarship

Four (4) $1,500 scholarships are awarded to four outstanding incoming 9 th graders. Scholarships are awarded based upon 7 th and 8 th grade academic performance as well as a sample of the student’s junior high work. Applications must be received by April 1, 2010 and will be awarded by April 30, 2010. Click here to download the Principal Merit Scholarship Application

Music Scholarship

Music scholarships are awarded each year to talented incoming 9 th graders. Students will be chosen by audition for instrumental and vocal scholarships. Applications are due by April 1, 2010. Auditions will take place on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Please make an appointment for your audition by calling or emailing Paul Barber, WCHS Instrumental Music Director at (562) 694-3803 ext. 324 or pbarber@wchs.com Click here to download the Music Scholarship Application

Endowment Scholarships

WCHS has benefited from several endowments. The Logsdon Endowment Fund was established to help families serving full time in missions or the pastorate. The Dan Hemwall Memorial Endowment funds one of the music scholarships in honor of Mr. Hemwall, our former band director who passed away. The Johanna Franz Memorial Endowment, the Mary Chandler Memorial Endowment and the Jackie Endemano Memorial Endowment also assist families with financial need. These scholarships are distributed based on information gained from financial aid applications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:Who reviews the applications for financial aid?

A: All applications are reviewed by the Business Administrator. Data is compiled without mention of names for review with the Principal. Individual applications may be reviewed with the Principal in cases involving appeal. The final allocation of financial aid is approved by the finance committee of the school board without reference to names.

Q:How does the school determine financial need?

A: Financial need is assessed based upon the information provided with the financial aid application. It stands to reason that families with lower incomes have a greater financial need than families with higher incomes.

Data is compiled from all applications received and then ranked by family income. Two lines are then drawn which vary each year. The first line is drawn at a minimum income level where it would be unreasonable to expect a family at this income to be able to afford tuition even with the largest grant possible. The second line is set at a maximum income level that would exclude a family from consideration.

The school board authorizes a fixed amount of financial aid to be distributed each school year. Grants are then allocated to the families with the largest grants being awarded to lower income families. The grants generally range from 5%-25% per year.

Q:What if my 2009 tax return is not complete by the application deadline of April 1 st?

A: Complete your application with your best estimates. An estimated grant will be offered but will not be made official until after a copy of your tax return is received.

Q:Can parents work in place of or in addition to the student in the S.W.A.P. program?

A: No. A basic premise of the S.W.A.P. program is for the student to participate in the work program to develop work skills, a sense of responsibility and to realize they are doing their part to help the family with tuition.

Q:Can scholarships be combined with financial aid from the Grant Program or S.W.A.P.?

A: Yes.

Q:Can my student earn an athletic scholarship?

A: No, C.I.F. regulations prohibit athletic scholarships for any high school.