The Steward School, an independent coed JK-12 school in Henrico County, today announces a new merit-based grant program for its Upper School. The new program is made possible through a generous donation from a current Steward family. At the donors’ request, their gift will fund several merit-based grants of up to $10,000 each per year for students who are new to Steward in the Upper School.
“A core part of The Steward School’s mission is to celebrate a diversity of talents, abilities, and cultures among our student body, so that we can provide a rich and well-rounded educational experience,” said Dan Frank, head of school. “This new merit grants program honors our mission by bringing new students to Steward who demonstrate excellent character, as well as outstanding academic records, references, and leadership accomplishments.”
The new merit grants are part of a robust financial accessibility program at Steward, which also includes approximately $1.3 million in need-based financial aid annually, as well as its groundbreaking Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship. The Robson Scholarship began in 2014 and provides four years of full tuition for two rising ninth-grade students who have distinguished themselves academically and in extracurricular areas such as athletics, arts, innovation, or community service.
The Steward School is a local and national leader in offering merit-based grants. The National Association of Independent Schools reports that approximately 35 percent of its member schools offer merit grants.
Steward’s new merit grants will be awarded primarily based upon student character, which will be evaluated based upon references and leadership involvement in service and extracurricular activities. Distinguished academics, innovative accomplishments, and financial need are also considered.
The new merit grants will be awarded to students who will be new to Steward in grades 9-11. They will be renewed for the duration of the student’s time at Steward, pending annual review of academics and standing.
For more information about financial accessibility at Steward and its new merit-based grants program, please visit www.stewardschool.org/meritscholarships.
