Applying for Financial Aid

SBMS devotes significant funds each year to a financial aid budget that helps assist families. In turn, our school community benefits by attracting students that otherwise would not have been able to attend. In fact, approximately 35-40% of our families receive some amount of financial assistance.

Students are awarded financial aid based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Every family is required to pay some portion of the tuition. Families receiving financial aid are asked to reapply each year. However, once tuition assistance has been awarded, prior recipients are given first preference in subsequent years. To remain eligible, the family must continue to demonstrate financial need and complete the application on time.

We use School and Student Services (SSS) to process financial aid applications. Based on the financial information you provide in the Parents’ Financial Statement, SSS gives us an estimated amount your family can contribute to educational expenses. This estimate is a starting point to help us make fair and objective financial aid decisions. The information provided by SSS allows us to use a uniform methodology to annually assess each family's ability to pay for education.
Important Message from SSS School & Student Services, December 20, 2021:
We regret to inform you that the damage caused by Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette, was catastrophic with many of our team members losing internet coverage, water, and sustaining substantial damage to, if not total loss of, their homes. Unfortunately, this situation may also have an impact on family support for our SSS financial aid products. We ask for your thoughts as they navigate through this difficult time.

If families need help with the Parent Financial Statement, they are encouraged to email SSS at SSSandTADSFA@communitybrands.com. 

If you have any questions about the financial aid process, please contact Bridget McIlrath at 805-682-2989, ext. 242 or via email. 

List of 2 items.

  • Application

    In order to be considered for financial aid, please read and carefully follow the step-by-step instructions on the form titled "How to Apply for Financial Aid" on the right side of this page.

    There is an additional required document, "SBMS Financial Aid Statement," which should be downloaded, filled out and uploaded to your PFS.

    All information provided to SBMS regarding financial aid is confidential.
     

  • Deadlines

    Families applying for financial aid must complete the application and submit necessary documents by January 14, 2022 (returning families) or by February 4, 2022 (applicant families). The application for financial aid is due the same date as the admissions application.

    Financial aid awards are determined by the Financial Aid Award Committee. Awards are determined in March each year and will be mailed with your child’s admission decision. Please remember that we cannot consider your application for financial aid until all required forms and documents are complete and submitted. Financial aid applications submitted by the above deadlines will be given priority.

Forms & More Info

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Anne Chen

    Anne Chen 

    Santa Barbara Middle School
    Admin & Information Technology / Financial Aid Coordinator
    805-682-2989
    1995
  • Photo of Bridget McILrath

    Bridget McILrath 81

    Santa Barbara Middle School
    Assistant to Head of School / Financial Aid Coordinator
    San Diego State University
    UC Santa Barbara
    Santa Barbara City College
    2020
    1981
Santa Barbara Middle School cultivates in our students passion for life and life-long learning, a deep sense of trust in themselves, strength and courage to succeed at life's challenges, and compassion and respect for others.
Santa Barbara Middle School ● 1321 Alameda Padre Serra ● Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Tel: 805-682-2989 ● office@sbms.org