TAP
into your child’s future!
Learn how the TAP Fund can create new opportunities for your family.
What is the TAP Fund?
The Tuition Accessibility Partnership Fund (TAP Fund) is an alternative tuition model for families with an adjusted gross income (AGI) between $200,000 and $350,000 per year that are interested in enrolling their children in Jewish day school in the Chicagoland area. The TAP Fund aims to make a K-8 Jewish day school education more accessible by capping your family’s total tuition at 12% of your household’s annual AGI.
Families who fall within the above range receive a capped tuition total, regardless of the number of children they have enrolled in eligible K-8 Jewish day schools. If your family’s AGI does not fall within the above range, please reach out to your preferred day school directly to discuss access to financial assistance.
The TAP Fund is powered by Crown Family Philanthropies, a Chicago-based foundation dedicated to partnering with its communities to effect just and lasting social impact across generations.
We’re now a part of an incredible day school community bringing together families from different Jewish backgrounds and experiences. We’re excited that the TAP Fund makes this possible for so many more families!”
Parent of children at a Chicagoland Day School in the TAP Fund
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TAP into Jewish community
Be a part of a community that nurtures your child, embodies Jewish values, and embraces your family.
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TAP into excellent education
Experience inspiring teachers and engaging Jewish and General studies in smaller class sizes designed for your child to thrive and grow.
Five co-educational Jewish day schools are eligible for the TAP Fund.
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Your tuition will be capped at $30,000. This includes all children to enroll and is applicable to all participating schools. Explore Schools Now
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Tuition Accessibility Partnership Fund (TAP Fund)
What is the TAP Fund and how does it work?
The Tuition Accessibility Partnership Fund (TAP Fund) is an alternative tuition model for families with an annual adjusted gross income (AGI) between $200,000 and $350,000 who have enrolled or are interested in enrolling their children in one of five eligible K-8 co-educational Jewish day schools in the Chicagoland area.
The TAP Fund reduces financial barriers to Jewish day school enrollment by capping tuition at 12% of a family’s AGI. Regardless of the number of children a family has in a qualifying Jewish day school, families will pay no more than 12% of their AGI.
How long can I receive TAP Fund funding for?
The TAP Fund is structured as a four-year pilot, starting in the 2024-2025 school year, with funding guaranteed through the 2030-2031 school year. All families who qualify for the TAP Fund at any point during the pilot are guaranteed access to a full four years of TAP Fund funding as long as their AGI stays in the qualifying range.
What is the difference between the TAP Fund and financial aid?
Financial aid is a process that takes many factors into account including but not limited to income levels and special family circumstances. Financial aid does not have a limited household income range. The TAP Fund is based only on household income and limited to only people who have a household income within the designated range.
The TAP Fund does not replace financial aid support from schools and, in some cases, families may be eligible for both the TAP Fund and school financial aid programs.
If I qualify for the TAP Fund, will I receive funds directly?
TAP Fund funds are paid to schools, not directly to families. Eligible families will not pay more than 12% of their AGI in tuition to eligible schools.
Which Jewish day schools are eligible for TAP Fund support?
Five K-8 co-educational Jewish day schools qualify for the TAP Fund. This includes:
Application and Decision Process
When do applications open?
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open on September 15, 2024 and will remain open until the start of the school year.
Families that are new to an eligible school midway through the 2024-2025 school year may be eligible for TAP Funds. Please contact info@tapfundchicago.org for information about eligibility.
When are applications due?
The first review deadline for TAP applications for both new and returning students is December 1, 2024. After this date, applications will be rolling. Families should apply at the time that works best for them. Determinations will be made based on eligibility and not on a first-come first-served basis.
You can apply for TAP Fund funding prior to when you determine which school you are attending. TAP Fund funding applies to all eligible schools and is not impacted by which of the five schools you choose. You will have the opportunity to check a box for which school(s) you are applying to in the TAP Fund application.
We recognize that families change schools for a variety of reasons. Should your child(ren) switch schools mid-year or mid-semester, please contact the school for further information about the application process.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Yes. You will need to submit a new application each year that you apply for TAP Fund funding. Applications are relatively straightforward and should take about 10 minutes to complete. The new or updated information that you provide determines eligibility and the amount of tuition you will pay each year.
When will I know if I have received TAP Fund support?
Families who apply by the first deadline of December 1, 2024 will receive determination letters by December 15, 2024. After that, applications will be reviewed and determination letters sent approximately every six weeks to accommodate the rolling cycle.
What financial information or documents do I need to provide to apply?
TAP Fund funding is dependent on a family’s annual adjusted gross income (AGI). The application process will require a copy of page one of your 1040 form from the most recent tax year. If you and your spouse file tax returns separately, you will both need to provide a copy of page one of your 1040 forms. AGI can be found on line 11 of this form.
Which tax year should I submit?
If you are new to the TAP Fund, please submit IRS documentation from the most recent tax year. If you are returning to the TAP Fund, please submit the subsequent year from your previous application (e.g., if you submitted 2022 tax forms last year, please submit 2023 for this application).
What if I am separated or divorced from the student’s other parent or guardian?
If both parents are financially responsible for the student’s education, they each need to submit their own application. The information you provide will not be shared with the other parent. Each guardian is evaluated individually based on their income and the portion of tuition they are responsible for. We recognize there can be unusual situations and, if necessary, the TAP Fund will discuss your family’s unique needs.
Eligibility
How do I know if I qualify for the TAP Fund?
TAP Fund funding is available for families whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is between $200,000 and $350,000. Your AGI can be found on line 11 of the 1040 IRS form.
Is the tuition rate by child or by family?
The TAP Fund caps tuition at 12% of a family’s adjusted gross income (AGI) regardless of the number of children attending qualifying Jewish day schools. Whether you have one, two, or more children at qualifying schools, you will not pay more than 12% of your AGI in tuition to those schools.
Can I continue to receive TAP Fund funding if one of my children graduates 8th grade and goes to a Jewish high school?
TAP Fund funding is available for children enrolled in one of five qualifying K-8 co-educational Jewish day schools. While your high school student will not be eligible for TAP Fund funding, any child(ren) still enrolled in a qualifying K-8 school will be eligible.
Can I receive TAP Fund funding for my children in early childhood?
TAP Fund funding is available for children enrolled in kindergarten through 8th grade.
What if my children attend two different TAP Fund eligible day schools?
TAP funding is available even if your children are enrolled in two different eligible day schools. If you are eligible for TAP, we will work with your schools of choice to determine how your 12% cap is allocated.
My family’s adjusted gross income is below the eligibility income range. Should I still apply?
TAP Fund funding is available for families whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is between $200,000 and $350,000. You may be eligible for financial aid directly from your school of choice. Please contact the school for more information about financial aid.
Am I still eligible to apply if I own or partially own the business from which I earn my income?
Yes. Your eligibility calculation is not affected by how you earn your income.
My kids are already enrolled in one of the qualifying schools. Can I still apply?
Yes. Families who are currently enrolled in one of the qualifying Jewish day schools may be able to receive reduced tuition.
What if I have one child in a qualifying Jewish day school and one in another independent, tuition-charging school?
TAP Fund funding is available for children enrolled in a qualifying K-8 co-educational Jewish day school. While your independent school student will not be eligible for the TAP Fund, any child(ren) still enrolled in an eligible K-8 school will be eligible.
I am a staff member at one of the qualifying schools who otherwise meets the eligibility criteria for the TAP Fund. Can I apply?
School staff and faculty can apply for TAP Fund funds in addition to any tuition remission offered from their school of employment.
Financial Questions
What is adjusted gross income (AGI)?
AGI is defined by the IRS as your total income minus any eligible adjustments. The definition and examples of items included in gross income and potential adjustments can be found on the IRS website. You will find AGI on line 11 of your 1040 tax return.
What if I need financial aid beyond TAP Fund funding?
Families who need additional tuition reductions may apply for financial aid through their schools. Financial aid can be used in addition to TAP Fund funding and is provided through the schools. Please contact your school of choice for more information about financial aid options.
What happens if my financial situation changes during the school year?
If you wish to revise your application, or if circumstances have changed since you submitted your application, please notify the admissions office at your school and they can assist you in making edits to your application.
What happens if my financial situation changed since last year’s tax filing?
We appreciate that changes do occur. However, the TAP Fund is only able to utilize adjusted gross income (AGI) to determine eligibility.
Will my family receive more assistance through the TAP Fund or the school’s financial aid?
It depends. TAP Fund funds are calculated as a percent of a family’s adjusted gross income (AGI). Financial aid is dependent on a number of additional factors. Every school assesses need and available funding to families differently.
Are there other factors that will affect my family’s eligibility other than adjusted gross income (AGI)?
No. Eligibility for TAP Fund funding is determined by a family’s AGI.
Will eligibility be determined by the value of my home or other fixed assets?
Your eligibility calculation is not affected by assets and liabilities such as your home’s value or mortgage.
Does TAP Fund funding disqualify my family from other scholarships?
Families who need additional support beyond the TAP Fund may apply for financial aid through their schools or for scholarships from other entities.
Will the tuition cap increase?
The TAP Fund is committed to keeping the tuition percentage cap in place for four years (2024-5, 2025-6, 2026-7, 2027-8). Any change in tuition will be a result of changes in a family’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not the percentage cap.
Are school fees included in the TAP Fund?
Each school has fees in addition to tuition. Some fees are not covered through the TAP Fund. To learn more, please contact your school(s) of choice directly.
Other
Who will have access to my application information?
We are committed to protecting your privacy. Each application is viewed only by a designated review committee and by the system administrators. While we will share some identifying information with school business offices for administrative purposes, your tax information will not be shared with schools. IRS tax forms are stored in a secure database with encryption protections.
Who can I contact with further questions?
Questions about the TAP Fund should be directed to the tuition office at your school of choice.
Connect with a School
The following co-educational Jewish day schools are eligible for the TAP Fund. Explore what makes each school unique.
