FAQs

FAQs-Admissions

How many admissions applications do you receive?

We receive around 700 applications for 200+ openings. Because of the competitive ratio of applications to openings available, it is important to pay close attention to all deadlines when completing the application and submitting pertinent information.

How many students are at Oaks Christian School?

For the 2012-2013 school year, we will have 1441 enrolled students at the school. The breakdown is as follows: * 481 in the Middle School (6th through 8th grades) * 960 in the High School (9th through 12th grades).

What are your minimum GPA and ISEE entrance exam test scores?

Since we evaluate the whole student when reviewing an application for admission, it is difficult to place an absolute minimum requirement for admission. We take into consideration many parts of the application when determining if the applicant is a good fit for Oaks Christian School. Grades, ISEE test scores, and Christian values and commitment are three very important factors. In addition, we also pay close attention to recommendations, leadership and significant extracurricular involvement, as well as the admission interview with the student and parent(s).

Are students placed on a wait-list?

Our admissions process is similar to the college admissions process. We begin taking applications in October of the year prior to intended enrollment. Every applicant that applies by the February 1 deadline is considered in the same manner. We accept the best overall applicants from the group. Generally, we have more qualified applicants than openings. Each year, we place a limited number of applicants on a wait-list. Wait-listed students may be offered admission if an admitted student does not accept our offer of admission. Typically, wait-listed students who are offered admission will receive notification of the offer between May 1 and June 30.

How can I visit Oaks Christian School?

Families can schedule a campus visit or attend any and all admissions information events. For more information about how you can visit our campus, click on "Visiting Oaks" under this website section.

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FAQs-Financial Aid

Do you give athletic/academic/arts scholarships?

Financial aid is a needs based, mission driven program. Athletic, academic, or fine arts scholarships are not available.

When will I hear about admission and financial aid?

Admissions letters are mailed by March 15 and financial aid letters are mailed by late-March. Families must officially enroll by mid-April.

Who may apply for financial aid?

Financial aid is a needs based, mission driven program. Anyone may apply for aid, however; applying for aid does NOT guarantee that a grant will be offered.

Is there a tuition discount for siblings?

We do not offer sibling discounts. The cost of sending multiple children to private school is taken into consideration when assessing a family's demonstrated need through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Application. If this additional cost creates a demonstrated financial need for assistance, financial aid awards will be offered accordingly.

Does Oaks have any merit scholarships for which we can compete?

No. Financial aid is a needs based, mission driven program.

How is "demonstrated need" determined?

Need is determined by the Oaks Christian School Financial Aid committee, which uses a third-party recommendation (FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment), online application, along with parents' W-2, tax returns, and personal letter stating the need.

What will the family's contribution be?

There are many factors affecting financial aid awards. The most significant factors are family income and assets. However, other considerations include mortgages, debt, number of siblings, siblings in the school, special circumstances, and single income providers.

What if parents are separated or divorced?

We take into account that both parents have a financial obligation to contribute to their children's educational expenses. We consider the assets and income of both natural parents. If either parent has remarried, we will consider the income of the step-parent as well. In view of this, both natural parents and their current spouses need to complete separate applications, however only one fee and letter is required.

It would be tough for us to afford Oaks Christian School for the duration that my child would attend. Am I able to apply for financial aid in later years?

When a family applies to the school as a full-pay applicant, this demonstrates that the family will be capable of financing all educational costs for that year and all subsequent years. The school's limited financial aid funds are then committed to other families. The school's budget relies on these original commitments. Most years, the school maintains a fairly modest emergency fund for families that request aid subsequent to admission. These funds are strictly reserved for matriculating families that encounter unforeseeable financial hardships and dramatic changes to their resources. No funds are available for families with pre-existing needs not disclosed at the time of admission. This should be avoided at all costs.

Will my child's financial aid award change from year to year?

Families must reapply for financial aid each year. If there is little or no change in the family circumstances, a family can expect that a financial aid award will be renewed at the same level, bearing in mind that any tuition increase will be shared between the family and Oaks Christian School. If there is a significant increase in family need, Oaks Christian School will seek to accommodate that need. Likewise, if the family’s need decreases, the appropriate adjustment will be made to the financial aid recipient to reflect the family’s increased ability to contribute to their student’s educational expenses.

How and when do I apply for financial aid?

The financial aid deadline is February 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year. To apply for financial aid, parents must complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Application online after November 1, and mail the required supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, P.O. Box 82524, Lincoln, NE, 68501.

In addition, a personal letter, IRS Form 4506, and $75 fee must be sent to the Financial Aid Office at Oaks Christian School. The online FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Application may be found at www.factstuitionaid.com.

Complete information on the application process can be found on our website at www.oakschristian.org under Admissions > Tuition and Financial Assistance.

Does our family have to repay the grant?

No. The grant is not a loan. However, if the student or their parents become blessed financially in the future, we would ask them to remember the “pay it forward” concept and contribute back to Oaks Christian School to help other students and families that have a need.

Is the financial aid application confidential?

All details contained within the application for financial aid are held in confidence.