Financial Aid

We understand that the cost of independent education is a legitimate concern for many families. At Brainerd Baptist School, our small class sizes, rigorous curriculum, personalized attention, and exceptional faculty mean that the actual cost per student exceeds tuition. We recognize that families make sacrifices to provide this education, and we strive to balance a high-quality academic program with affordability.


Brainerd Baptist School offers need-based financial aid for students in K5 through 5th grade on an annual basis. Each year, we award approximately $325,000 in financial aid, with roughly 20% of families receiving support. Typical awards range between 30% and 40% of tuition.

Residents of Hamilton County may also qualify for state programs such as Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs). Beginning in 2025, Tennessee residents can also apply for the Educational Freedom Scholarship (EFS). You can learn more about both of these program here.

Students receiving financial aid are expected to maintain both academic and behavioral standards. Brainerd Baptist School uses FACTS to verify all submitted financial information.

  • Is financial aid renewable each year? Yes. Changes in financial status may affect the size of your award. Therefore, a new financial aid application must be filed with FACTS annually. Lack of adherence to deadlines, academic ability, character, and demonstrated leadership can affect the student’s renewal of financial aid.

    Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid? The deadline to submit all financial aid documents to FACTS for all current and new students is January 31. Although additional applications will be accepted after this date, it is possible that all aid will be dispersed.

    How much financial aid is typically awarded? Each award is individualized based on the family’s demonstrated need. A typical award at BBS is usually 30 - 40% of the total tuition cost. Other factors taken into consideration are the availability of funds, the costs of attending, and the strength of the applicant’s file. An applicant’s file reflects academic ability, extracurricular involvement, character, and leadership.

    Can you receive the Educational Savings Account (ESA) or the Educational Freedom Scholarship (EFS) AND financial aid? Our goal is to assist as many families as possible through financial aid. However, the demand for assistance consistently exceeds the available resources. Because of this, the only situation in which a family may receive both types of support is if their FACTS Grant & Aid application clearly demonstrates a financial need beyond what either the ESA or EFS alone can provide.

    How does Brainerd Baptist School receive the ESA/EFS funds? The state of Tennessee deposits quarterly payments into an online portal for each family. Families who receive the ESA/EFS are responsible for allocating those funds to Brainerd Baptist School. Any tuition or fees not covered by the ESA/EFS remain the responsibility of the parents.

    Does Brainerd Baptist School give scholarships? No. All awarded aid is based on demonstrated need through the financial aid application submitted via FACTS.

  • November to January 31 | Families must complete the financial aid application through FACTS during this window. Completing the application on time is essential, as there are typically more requests than available funds. The school will announce the opening of the financial aid process in the weekly Notes Home emails. It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure the application is submitted by the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

    February | The Financial Aid Committee meets to review applications and award aid. Families are typically notified of their award by March 1. Once notified, families have ten days to accept or decline the award.