Affording Aquinas Academy

As part of its mission, Aquinas Academy is committed to enrolling well-qualified and motivated applicants regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Our ability to offer need and merit-based based financial aid has been enhanced by a long term benefactor of Aquinas. Accordingly, we hope that no family will decide not to apply to Aquinas Academy solely for financial reasons.

Need-Based Aid

Aquinas Academy Need-Based Aid

Need-based financial aid is available for students in grades K-12. During the 2021-2022 school year, Aquinas awarded more than $295,000 to 91 students and will have comparable aid available for the 2022-23 school year.

Families who believe that they may qualify for need-based financial aid or have questions about the process are urged to contact our Business Manager, Susan Leonard, or our Director of Admissions, Joe Austin, at 724.444.0722. Funds are also available to assist current families to remain enrolled who may experience a sudden unexpected financial hardship. Families must apply each year for need-based financial aid.

Diocesan Need-Based Aid

Aquinas families are eligible to apply for tuition assistance through the Bishop’s Fund administered by the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Families who meet the requirements of the Bishop’s Fund should apply for this grant through the Diocese in addition to participating in the need-based financial aid program offered at Aquinas. The application deadline for the Diocese is March 15, 2022. Please see the “Applying for Need-Based Aid” section below for how to apply.

Applying for Need-Based Aid

Families can apply for both Bishop’s Fund Aid and Aquinas Academy Aid through one online application completed through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment Site.

Families who apply for the Bishop’s Fund Aid will also need to complete the Pastor Form and have their pastor sign it. The signed form can then be emailed to Mrs. Sue Leonard as a scanned copy, or mailed to Mrs. Leonard at the school address, or dropped off in the school office to Mrs. Leonard’s attention.

Please contact Aquinas Academy’s Business Manager, Sue Leonard, for assistance, at 724.444.0722.

Merit-Based Scholarships

New applicants entering grades 6 through 10 may apply and interview for the following merit-based scholarships:

St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarships

Awarded to the students who have demonstrated academic excellence and potential.

Founders Scholarships

Awarded to the students who exhibit strong leadership skills.

Crusader Scholarships

Awarded to the students who exemplify Christian living and cheerful service to others.

To be eligible for a merit-based award, families are not required to complete the financial aid application, but are encouraged to do so to allow for the possibility of combining need and merit-based assistance to best meet the needs of qualified families.