Question 1

What is The Village Scholarship (TVS)?

Accepted Answer

The Village Scholarship (TVS) is a renewable scholarship designed for private elementary school students from underserved and underrepresented Black and Brown communities in low-income households. These students align with PSV’s core value of promoting racial equity in the private school experience. TVS aims to increase racial diversity in local private schools and address the financial aid gap.

The effort launched in January 2024 with its first cohort, marking the beginning of a two-year pilot phase. Having completed the pilot, we are now moving into full implementation and expansion of the Village Scholarship initiative.

The model supports a “portable” private school scholarship approach. While private school financial aid is typically awarded by a school, TVS awards aid as an outside organization to the school on behalf of a specific student, which provides families with additional flexibility and security should a student need to change private schools.

Question 2

How is The Village Scholarship unique?

Accepted Answer

TVS is a first-of-its-kind program created and managed by a parent-focused nonprofit organization. It is among the few elementary-school-focused scholarships for students from underserved and underrepresented communities in low-income households, emphasizing the importance of early intervention in education. Scholarship funding is designed to help meet the gap in financial aid packages. Closing the financial aid gap is crucial for families who want to send their children to private schools but may have limited financial resources.

Question 3

What is the financial aid gap?

Accepted Answer

In the context of private schools, the term "financial aid gap," sometimes referred to as a “funding gap,” generally refers to the difference between the cost of attending the school and the amount of financial aid or assistance provided to a student. Although many schools provide financial aid packages, it’s often not enough to fully cover financial needs, especially without a family having to make significant concessions. The gap is essentially the amount that a student and their family need to bridge through other means, such as personal savings, loans, scholarships, or grants.

Question 4

What is the "portable" private school scholarship approach?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional private school financial aid, TVS comes from an outside organization, providing families with the flexibility and security to move the scholarship to another private school if needed.

Question 5

What are the goals of The Village Scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate equal access to quality education by breaking down financial barriers.
Foster racial diversity and inclusion in private schools.
Partner with private school financial aid offices to explore more equitable financial aid models.

Question 6

What values guide The Village Scholarship?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship values transparency, integrity, equity, and community. PSV retained a third-party agency, AWA Consults, for the design, evaluation and awarding process to ensure objectivity and transparency when reviewing candidates. We have also engaged Researcher, Writer and Wealth Activist Chloe B. McKenzie to ensure an equitable process.

Question 7

What expenses does the scholarship cover?

Accepted Answer

The scholarship provides financial assistance to cover partial tuition as defined by each participating school.

Question 8

What are the eligibility criteria for The Village Scholarship?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must identify as a part of an underserved and underrepresented community
Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have secured admission to a participating independent school
Applicants must have financial need
Applicants must be well-versed in the PSV mission and if selected, commit to participating in PSV activities, programs, and events

Question 9

What are the application requirements?

Accepted Answer

Completed online application 
Supporting documents 
Participate in an interview process
Submit proof of current financial aid offer

Question 10

What is the application timeline?

Accepted Answer

Applications open December 2026 and close January 2027.
Due to the varied timelines and requirements among schools, including differing response times and financial aid deadlines, we have established an estimated timeline to ensure a thorough and equitable review process. 
Scholarship award notification: Amounts will be informed and verified after schools disseminate their acceptance letters and financial aid packages.

Question 11

What is the timeline for TVS for the 2026-2027 school year?

Accepted Answer

November 2026: Virtual Information Session for School Administrators
November 2026: Virtual Information Session for Applicants
December 2026 - January 2027: Application Period Open for New Applicant Families
January 2027: Application Deadline
January 2027 - February 2027:  Application Review and Interview Period
TBA:  Scholarship Award Notifications

Question 12

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Accepted Answer

PSV retained a third-party agency, AWA Consults, for the design, evaluation and awarding process to ensure privacy, objectivity and transparency when reviewing candidates. We have also partnered with Researcher, Writer and Wealth Activist Chloe B. McKenzie to ensure an equitable process. Applicants shall be selected according to a combination of financial need, completed application and alignment with PSV’s values.

Question 13

How much will the scholarship be for?

Accepted Answer

In its pilot year TVS will provide 4 partial scholarships for up to $10,000. Future scholarship award amounts will be determined by learnings from the pilot, and informed by a review of financial aid packages across the private school landscape.

Question 14

How will the scholarship be disbursed?

Accepted Answer

The full amount of the award will be disbursed directly to the school at the discretion of the family.

Question 15

In order to apply does my school need to be a PSV-sponsored school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a complete list can be found here: Partners & Supporters | PSV (privateschoolvillage.org)

Question 16

Do I need to be an active member of PSV?

Accepted Answer

Yes, applicants must be well-versed in the PSV mission and if selected, commit to participating in PSV activities, programs, and events

Question 17

Will award recipients be announced publicly?

Accepted Answer

No, in an effort to maintain privacy scholarship applicants will not be made public.

Question 18

What controls are in place to protect my confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of PSV retaining an external firm is to ensure objectivity, privacy, and transparency when reviewing candidates.

Question 19

Will my school be made aware of the award?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at the point of acceptance, there will be a financial aid verification process. Contact will be made with the school to confirm the award amount of the offer letter.

Scholarship FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Applicant