Tuition Assistance

We strive to ensure that our youth are able to receive a Catholic education despite the possible inability to pay.  If you have financial need, please take advantage of these opportunities. Parents of students currently receiving scholarships are reminded that all scholarships are for one year only and anyone seeking to renew a scholarship must reapply. Scholarship opportunities are subject to change based upon availability of funds. ​ For further information, please contact Danielle Gill at gill.danielle@stmaryspontiac.org. 
The following scholarships are available to students entering grades K - 8:
ILLINOIS TAX CREDIT SCHOLARSHIP - available to all income eligible families based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Chart
Through the Invest in Kids Act, K - 12 students have the opportunity to receive Illinois tax credit scholarships to attend private schools. This scholarship opportunity is available to all income-eligible St. Mary's families. Scholarships cover up to 100% of private school tuition and fees and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for the 2022-2023 school year will be accepted beginning January 2022. Again, awards are made on a first-come, first served basis so mark this date on your calendar. For complete details on income eligibility guidelines or to submit an application, visit the Empower Illinois website.
JOHN LANCASTER SPALDING SCHOLARSHIP - available to all income eligible Catholic families based on Facts Management Assessment
Tuition assistance from the endowment fund established as a result of the Diocese of Peoria ROOTED IN FAITH Campaign and named in honor of Archbishop Spalding, the first Bishop of Peoria, will be available for the 2022-2023 school year for students enrolled in or intending to enroll in grades K – 12 in any Catholic School located in the Diocese of Peoria whose families are members of a Catholic Parish in the Diocese.  All scholarship awards will be based on financial need objectively assessed. Families of students currently receiving assistance are reminded that all scholarships are for one year only.  

Applications for the 2022-2023 academic year will be accepted beginning December 2021. The application deadline is April 30, 2022. Families must upload either their federal 2021 tax return. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made to the April 30 deadline! 

Application Instructions:

Families need to complete these steps to be considered for assistance.   All information is due to the Diocese by April 30, 2022. 
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1.  Apply to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment online at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/42HVK
    There is a $35 application fee that is payable when the application is submitted at the FACTS website. 

    FACTS will send their assessment to the Diocese and to St. Mary's School for distribution of available funds.

2.  To be eligible for this scholarship, you will need to be in good standing with St. Mary's School and St. Mary's Parish.  This means that your church attendance and tithing must be current and if you have children currently enrolled at St. Mary's, your tuition payment plan must be up-to-date. 

3.  You need to have a letter of good standing sent to the Diocese. Contact the school office and we will send letters from the school and the church on your behalf.  If you do not have the letters sent, you will not be eligible for assistance.
ST. BLAISE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - available to all income eligible families based on Empower Illinois or Facts Management Assessment
The St. Blaise Scholarship Fund was established in loving memory of St. Mary’s student Blaze Masching, whose outgoing personality and enthusiastic passion for life are fondly remembered. His spirit will live on as this scholarship fund helps current and future generations of SMS students.

The St. Blaise Scholarship Fund provides tuition assistance to those families who demonstrate need.  Families must first apply for all other scholarships they are eligible for in order to be considered for the St. Blaise Scholarship. Current SMS families must apply by scholarship deadline.
TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR INCOME ELIGIBLE NEW FAMILIES
Catholic families
Non-Catholic families
Empower Illinois Scholarship:
​first-come, first-served
Empower Illinois Scholarship:
​first-come, first-served
John Lancaster Spalding Scholarship:
​subject to application deadline
St. Blaise Scholarship:
​no application deadline for new students
​St. Blaise Scholarship:
​no application deadline for new students
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