Financial aid and tuition setup can feel like a lot of steps in a short window. If you are feeling behind, unsure where to click, or worried you might miss something, you are not alone.

This post is a written version of our Financial Aid + FACTS Training, created to make the process clear, predictable, and low-stress.

If you have questions at any point, email us at financialaid@theindependentschool.com.

If you want to watch the video training, you can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MXcPFkVODI

Step 1: Know the Timeline (this is the key to everything)

We start with the timeline because it explains why the next few weeks are structured the way they are. TIS is aligned with ISACS best practices, and our timing supports early contracts, predictable budgeting, and timely communication for families.

Key dates:

• February 2: Financial Aid Applications Due (Priority Deadline)

• February 2–February 14: Supporting documents are typically submitted (W-2s, 1099s, prior-year tax return)

• February 16: Contracts Sent

• February 28: Financial Aid Award Notifications

• March 2: Contract Deadline

If you miss the priority deadline:

• March 1: Second Round Financial Aid Deadline

• April 1: Third Financial Aid Deadline

After mid-March, financial aid decisions typically shift into rolling consideration based on remaining budget.

Biggest takeaway: If you want the smoothest process and full priority review, February 2 is your best target.

Step 2: Understand the “Two Systems”

This is the part that reduces the most confusion.

TIS Contract Portal (enrollment contracts):
https://theindependentschool.fsenrollment.com/

FACTS (payment plans + financial aid applications):
https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/43FSP

A simple way to remember it:

• Contracts = TIS portal

• Payment plans = FACTS

• Financial aid application + documents = FACTS

Step 3: What You Will See in the TIS Contract Portal

When you log into the TIS Contract Portal, you will see:

• Student information

• Checklist items

• Your contract (once released on February 16)

Helpful tips:

• If two caregivers are working on this, decide who will submit so you do not duplicate steps.

• If you do not see a contract when you expect to, it may be a login or account issue. We can help.

• Contracts are signed annually (not evergreen). This creates a clear, positive affirmation of enrollment each year.

Once your contract is complete, most families move to setting up a tuition payment plan in FACTS.

Step 4: Apply for Financial Aid in FACTS (use the TIS link)

https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/43FSP

Important note: early verification
Because our priority deadline is February 2, FACTS allows families who apply by then to submit the most recent tax return they have available, even if the newest return is not ready yet. Later, FACTS may request current-year documents to finalize the file. If your status does not update instantly after uploading documents, that is normal.

Inside FACTS, you will:

• Create an account or sign in (you can use an existing FACTS account from another school)

• Confirm you are applying to The Independent School (TIS should be clearly shown)

• Complete the application sections (you can usually save and come back)

• Review, submit, and pay the application fee if prompted

Submitting the application is step one. Uploading documents is step two.

Step 5: Upload Documents and Expect Processing Time

This is the part that causes the most confusion, so here is the simple version.

After you submit:

• Upload all requested documents through the application’s document upload area.

• Try to upload everything as early as you can, ideally in one batch.

Processing timelines:

• Processing and entering information from submitted documentation can take up to two weeks

• Tax returns indicating business activity may take longer

• If a business review is needed, manual review can take up to an additional two weeks

If FACTS requests more documents, it usually means they need one more item to finalize the file.

Questions?

Email us anytime at financialaid@theindependentschool.com.