Empowering students with language-based learning differences
Financial Aid
Admissions
How to Apply for Financial Aid
At Siena, we have a strong desire to serve all students and families who can benefit from our program. To assist families that may not otherwise be able to consider Siena, we dedicate a significant portion of our operating funds to support a generous financial aid program.
Since the beginning of the school in 2006, Siena has distributed approximately 15% of its tuition income each year in need-based financial aid. To supplement this internal funding, we have also created The Siena School Scholarship Fund, a component fund of The Greater Washington Community Foundation. The Siena School Scholarship Fund provides additional need-based scholarships covering up to 75% of tuition and fees.
Tuition assistance awards are determined through a careful analysis of a family’s complete financial situation, including all sources of funds available to contribute to the child’s education. In order for us to allocate our resources wisely and fairly, we receive input from Independent School Management’s Financial Aid for School Tuition (FAST) program. FAST does not decide whether financial assistance will be given or how much to give; rather, it provides a need-based financial aid analysis service. FAST provides the school with objective reports on each family’s financial situation. Applications, and the FAST report, are reviewed by Siena’s confidential Financial Aid Committee, which determines the allocation of financial aid resources.
Application Process - This link is for the 2025-2026 school year
1. Deadlines. New families applying for financial aid should submit all required items along with their application for admission beginning January 1st. Returning families must submit all required items no later than January 31st.
2. Financial Application Process: To complete an online application for Financial Aid, start by clicking on the FAST image below. (Note: FAST charges an application fee.)
3. Who needs to complete an application? Any adult residing in the home who contributes to financially supporting the household in which the student applicant resides should be included in the application. This may include, but is not limited to: biological parents, adoptive parents, step-parents, guardians, foster parents, grandparents, etc.
If the student applicant(s) has parents or guardians who live in different households for reasons including but not limited to divorce, separation, blended family, adoption, or other specific custody arrangements, you will have the opportunity to invite the other household(s) to complete a FAST application by entering their email address(es) later in the application process. Note: Unless an exception is granted by Siena, all parents or guardians of the student applicant(s) are expected to complete a FAST application. If you have additional questions please contact the Admissions Office.
4. Required Tax Documents: For applicants residing in the U.S., you will complete the TaxStatus consent form within the FAST application. This consent form grants FAST permission to safely and securely pull your 2023 tax information from the IRS into this application.
All adults in the home who contribute financially to the household must complete separate TaxStatus consent forms to ensure we have each individual's permission to verify their tax returns. Each individual consent form will allow FAST to pull your Federal and W2 tax transcripts. If other adults in your household file taxes, you need to invite them to complete their own consent forms. The invited adults will receive an email with a link to complete the consent form. They do not need to access your account to complete this step.
Completing the TaxStatus consent form is required for your FAST application to be submitted and processed. Your taxes will not be pulled or verified until you submit the FAST application.
If you do not reside in the U.S., FAST will guide you through the required documentation process.
Businesses: If any adults in the household own a business, after confirming their personal information in the TaxStatus consent form, under Businesses, click Add It > and complete the fields provided to add any companies owned.
5. School Requested Documents: Siena requires additional supporting documentation to gather necessary information from applying families. These school-specific requirements are designed to ensure a thorough understanding of each family’s situation. Upload all requested documents that apply to you and your household based on the listed requirements.
a. Proof of all other income received in the prior year by members of the household and not otherwise reported on W-2s or 1099s (SSI, TANF, unemployment, disability, child support, etc.)
b. Copies of all 1098s for expenses such as mortgage interest, student loans, non-retirement savings, etc.
Financial Aid Resources
Please consult these helpful resources as you navigate through the application process:
Video Resources
- Guide to Completing the FAST Family Application
- How to Upload Additional Documents
- How to Authorize Your Taxes
If you need assistance during the application process, email FAST at familysupport@ismfast.com. An FAQ is available in the “Help & FAQ” section on the FAST platform.