The First School Financial Aid Trust

Honoring the Memory of Camela Markman

We are proud to be able to say that financial aid is available to eligible students in all programs at The First School, from toddler groups and preschool through the Transitional Kindergarten program.

The aid program is administered by The First School Financial Aid Trust, a non-profit organization that was established in 1999 to provide financial aid to children who would otherwise be unable to attend The First School.

The Trust is committed to providing aid to students from diverse economic, cultural, ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds, as well as to students with special needs.

Unique among Los Angeles area preschools, the Trust’s program provides aid to students during each year they attend the school (subject to their continuing financial need). The Trust’s goal is to provide financial aid to approximately 10% of the school’s families.

Financial aid application packets are available upon request and are due beginning in March for aid to be allocated the following school year. Aid is awarded in amounts up to 98% of full tuition based upon assessed financial need.

We rely on an independent assessment from Students and School Services for Financial Aid, a nationally based organization, for calculating an applicant’s financial need. Allocations are then decided by a committee of independent consultants to The Trust.

Operating separately from The First School, The Trust is an independent organization whose primary source of funding is a parent-organized fundraising event held each year.  The Trust ensures the confidentiality and anonymity of all applicants and financial aid recipients.

For more information about the Trust’s program, please email financialaidtrust@thefirstschool.org