Sun Valley Community School Merit Scholarships

New applicants to Sun Valley Community School entering grades 6 or 7 are eligible to apply. Students do not have to qualify for need­-based financial aid to be eligible for Merit Scholarships. Families requiring additional tuition assistance are encouraged to apply for a need­-based tuition assistance award as well as a Merit Scholarship.

The purpose of the Merit Scholarship program is to add excellence and diversity to our school and to honor the positive qualities new enrollees will bring to the school community. These awards are granted to applicants based on academic achievement, strength of character, and the potential to make a significant positive impact at Sun Valley Community School. The school seeks students who want to contribute to the school community and enjoy the full school experience.

Strong candidates for the Middle School Merit Scholarship will demonstrate:

• High academic achievement;
• Strong character ­ empathy, inclusiveness, courage;
• Outstanding citizenship;
• Involvement in meaningful activities outside of the classroom;

We expect all Merit Scholars to uphold characteristics exemplified in Sun Valley Community School’s mission:

• Think Critically
• Engage Confidently
• Embrace Challenges
• Lead Impactful, Purposeful Lives

Students applying for a Middle School Merit Scholarship must complete all regular admission requirements by the February 23 application deadline. Application materials can be found on the Community School Admissions Page. Required supplemental application materials for the Middle School Merit Scholarship include:

• Additional Letter of Reference from someone who can speak to the applicant’s character, citizenship, and academic achievement. The letter could be from a principal, coach, or specialist teacher.
• Additional Merit Scholarship Essay Question: Please explain in 150­-200 words why you think that you are you a good candidate for this award.

Families will be notified in mid-­March when admissions notifications are sent if they have been awarded a Merit Scholarship.

New applicants to Sun Valley Community School entering grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Students do not have to qualify for need-based financial aid to be eligible for Merit Scholarships.

Families requiring additional financial assistance are encouraged to apply for a need-based financial aid award as well as a Merit Scholarship.

Students who wish to be considered for a Merit Scholarship should check the appropriate box(es) on this application and return it to the Admissions Office. You may also contact the Director of Admissions for more information.

The purpose of the Merit Scholarship program is to add excellence and diversity to our school. We recognize that students’ talents vary. We expect students applying for a Merit Scholarship to have a strong academic record and to have a passion for learning. In addition, students applying for a Merit Scholarship should check the box(es) that correspond to categories that they believe are applicable to their candidacy.

• Arts: For students who excel in, and who are interested in, pursuing visual art, drama, and/or music at Sun Valley Community School
• Athletics: For students who excel in, and wish to pursue, athletics at Sun Valley Community School
• Citizenship: For students who are positive influences among their peers, who demonstrate kindness and respect for others, and significantly contribute to their community
• Outdoor Leader: For students who have a demonstrated accomplishment in, and passion for, outdoor activities, and hope to advance their outdoor leadership skills at Community School

We expect all Merit Scholars to uphold characteristics exemplified in Sun Valley Community School’s mission:

• Think Critically
• Engage Confidently
• Embrace Challenges
• Lead Impactful and Purposeful lives

In offering a Merit Scholarship, we seek students who will contribute as much to their class and to the school community as they will receive from a Sun Valley Community School education.

Students applying for a Merit Scholarship must complete all regular admission requirements by the February 23 application deadline:

• Application
• Parent Statement
• Applicant Response
• Writing Sample
• Teacher Recommendations
• Outside Recommendation (from someone who knows you in your selected merit categories)
• School Records
• Visit (During this visit, the student will have an interview with the Admissions Director)
• SSAT (must take either the November, December, January, or February national test)
• Additional Merit Scholarship Essay Question: Per the Merit Scholarship categories you indicated on the previous page, please explain in 200-300 words your strengths within that area(s).

The Merit Scholarship Committee reviews all application materials from eligible candidates to determine the pool of Merit Scholarship Finalists.

Once Merit Scholarship Finalists are determined, they will interview with the Merit Scholarship Committee in March after their completed application has been received.

Notification of Merit Scholarship awards will be sent concurrently with admission decisions in the middle of March.