Admissions

Each February, enrollment for the following academic year is opened to new and current families. Zion reserves the right to admit or to dismiss students based on its own criteria of spiritual commitment, academic performance and personal qualifications including a willingness to cooperate with the School Administration and to abide by its policies and regulations. Important: There are no guarantees of placement, expressed or implied, by Zion

The enrollment procedures for new students are as follows:

1. A personal family tour/interview is required for new applicants. Both parents and all student applicants are requested to be present. A family interview must be completed before a student is considered for admission. After completing the family interview, the enrollment package is given to interested families.
2. Enrollment forms and the required non-refundable New Family Fee need to be returned to the school office in order for the enrollment process to begin. Each new applicant in Grades 1-8 is required to include with Enrollment materials a copy of his/her most recent report card and standardized test results (if applicable). New applicants are required to submit copies of their birth certificates with their applications. Official school records will be requested from the last school attended. Both parents or legal guardians must sign all forms, if at all possible. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.
3. Students must have a current immunization certificate (CIS) submitted to the School Office (as required by Washington State law).
4. To be eligible to attend the Just-for-3s class, students must be three (3) years of age on or before September 1 of that school year. Beginning at this grade level, the child must be able to take care of his or her own toilet needs.
5. To be able to enter Preschool or Kinder-Ready classes, students should be four (4) years of age before September 1 of that school year.
6. To be eligible to enter Kindergarten, students should be five (5) years of age before September 1 of that school year. Any exceptions or other considerations are on a case-by case basis.

Important Dates for Admissions

• Open House & Campus Tours: November 4, 2024, and December 9, 2024
• Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
• Teacher Recommendations & Transcripts Due: February 7, 2025
• Student Assessment Days: February 17-18, 2025
• Decision Notification: March 15, 2025
• Acceptance Confirmation Deadline: April 1, 2025

Financial Aid Deadlines

• Financial Aid Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
• Required Documents Submission (e.g., Tax Returns, Bank Statements): February 15, 2025
• Notification of Financial Aid Awards: March 15, 2025 (alongside admission decisions)

At Zion Lutheran School, we are committed to making a high-quality, Christ-centered education accessible to all families. We offer a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help families afford tuition and other educational expenses. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive and grow at Zion Lutheran School.

Discounted Tuition via TADS: All families hoping to receive financial assistance must complete the TADS Aid Application. Based on the information provided, TADS recommends an amount or percentage of financial aid. All applications are reviewed by the Zion Lutheran School administrative staff, in cooperation with the School Board, and assistance is awarded based on need and availability of funds.

Appeal to the Board: Once a family has received the board’s decision concerning financial aid, they are allowed to ask the principal for an audience with the board to explain their need for a greater discount. This appeal would occur at the next board meeting and authorization of a larger tuition discount is subject to board approval. The family would appeal to the board at the next board meeting using supporting documentation of the family’s needs. Evidence may include:

• Their most recent 1040 tax form
• TADS Aid Application
• Other financial documentation
• PPP hour records
• A personal letter
• A letter of support from a staff member
• Anything else the family feels would shed light on their financial situation

The board will supply a response to the request within one month of the presentation.

Procedures

1. Review the Policy: The website offers a brief overview of Zion Lutheran School’s Financial Aid Policy. Please visit the website to review the policy and to find links to the TADS online application, as well as our financial aid timeline.
2. Complete the TADS Aid Application: All families hoping to receive financial aid must be enrolled in TADS and complete the TADS Aid Application each year. The amount awarded each year may change depending on the family’s financial situation and Zion’s available funding.
3. Submit by April 1st: Financial aid applications must be submitted to TADS no later than April 1st of the current year. Families must be current on their account and have completed their required PPP hours for the previous year in order to be considered for the following year’s financial aid.
4. Priority for Completed Applications: Priority will be given to completed applications submitted by the due date. Applicants who submit their request by the due date can expect a response by April 17th. Applications completed after the due date will be put on a waitlist and will be considered based on availability of funds. Any late applications can expect to wait 6-8 weeks for a response.

Steps and Timeline

1. Application Opens January 1st: The financial aid application process opens on January 1st.
2. Complete Online Application: Go to https://www.mytads.com to complete your online application.
3. Pay Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable TADS application fee.
4. Provide Supporting Documents: Provide copies of required supporting documents:
   • Most recent tax return
   • Most recent W-2’s received by all Parents/Guardians listed on application
   • Current 1040, with all filed schedules and attachments
   • Current 1099’s
   • Copy of recent pay stubs for jobs that Parents/Guardians currently hold
   • Copy of bank statements
   • Copy of mortgage statements
   • All documentation pertaining to corporate, partnership, or business affiliation of any member of the household who owns interest in a corporation, partnership, or business
   • Other documentation (recent utility bills, daycare expenses, etc.,) may be required
5. Complete Application by April 1st: An application is considered complete once all documentation has been received and the TADS application has been submitted. Applications are due April 1st.