Should you need additional guidance, please contact adjustedtuition@cais.org. For information on deadlines, see the Timelines below.
Adjusted Tuition Application Process 2026-2027
For the 2026-2027 school year CAIS is pleased to be using the Clarity Application to determine a family’s level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts. (See here for a list of FAQs explaining the benefits of this new system.)
- Step 1: Go to https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up.
- Step 2: Begin your application and add CAIS (CAIS School Code for Clarity is 5119). You can log out of the application at any time and return later to complete it. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere.
- Step 3: Complete your application and pay the $65 Clarity application fee.
- Step 4: Complete the Clarity Enhanced Tax Verification (ETV) process to release your W2 and personal tax return transcripts from the IRS. This is a one-time security measure required by the IRS to protect against identity theft and the compromise of personal information. Please review the Clarity Tax Verification Guide for assistance. Please note: Clarity has found that US taxpayers who have IRS.gov accounts before starting the Clarity Application have a much easier time completing this Verification process.
- Step 5: Submit your Clarity application and follow the link to return to your dashboard to upload any additional supporting documents. Non-U.S. tax filers will be prompted to upload income verification and other necessary documentation. Keep in mind that at a later date, you may be prompted by the school via Clarity to upload additional documentation as needed.
At the end of the application, if you are a US taxpayer, you will follow the steps to authorize the IRS to share a transcript of your W2(s) and personal tax return.
Please remember to return to your dashboard after you complete and submit your Clarity Application, as CAIS requires you to upload additional tax documentation (see “Important Notes” below).
The deadline(s) for completing the financial aid application including relevant supplemental documents are shown below.
If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.
Important Notes:
- CAIS School Code for Clarity is 5119
- The school requires that the application(s) and tax form(s) includes all necessary financial details from all individuals who have legal custody of the applicant child(ren), such as step parents, guardians, etc.
- The following supporting documents must be submitted electronically through Clarity:
- Complete copies of signed current year (2025) and prior year (2024) federal and state tax forms, including all schedules and attachments. (Please be sure to upload your return without password protection.)
- Copies of W-2s
- FBAR forms for Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts, if applicable
- All Adjusted Tuition decisions are conditional until the official tax returns are received and verified.
- Your Adjusted Tuition application will be processed in a timely manner and will accompany your admission notification from CAIS.
Adjusted Tuition Timeline 2026-2027
Please note that for applicant families, only families who are offered acceptance to CAIS will receive notice of the Adjusted Tuition decision. The Adjusted Tuition notification will be sent at the same time as the admission decision.
Timeline for New Families Applying to CAIS
| Adjusted Tuition Application Open via Clarity | October 1, 2025 |
| Deadline for Families to Electronically Submit Adjusted Tuition Applications via Clarity | February 7, 2026 |
| Deadline for Families to Electronically Submit Supporting Tax Documents via Clarity | February 25, 2026 |
| Enrollment Contracts and Adjusted Tuition Notifications sent to Accepted Preschool Applicant Families | March 10, 2026 |
| Deadline for Accepted Preschool Applicant Families to Accept Enrollment Contract and Adjusted Tuition | March 17, 2026 |
| Enrollment Contracts and Adjusted Tuition Notifications sent to Accepted K-8 Applicant Families | March 19, 2026 |
| Deadline for Accepted K-8 Applicant Families to Accept Enrollment Contract and Adjusted Tuition | March 26, 2026 |
Timeline for Current CAIS Families
| Adjusted Tuition Application Open via Clarity | October 1, 2025 |
| Deadline for Families to Electronically Submit Adjusted Tuition Applications via Clarity | February 7, 2026 |
Dates for Returning Preschool and Kindergarten Students, New Sibling Families, and Staff Children Families
| Deadline for Returning Preschool and Kindergarten Students, New Sibling Families, and Staff Children Families to Electronically Submit Supporting Tax Documents via Clarity | February 25, 2026 |
| Adjusted Tuition Notifications Sent to Returning Preschool and Kindergarten Students, New Sibling Families, and Staff Children | March 2, 2026 |
| Deadline for Returning Preschool and Kindergarten Students, New Sibling Families, and Staff Children to Accept Adjusted Tuition and Complete Re-Enrollment | March 6, 2026 |
Dates for Returning 1st-8th Grade Students
| Deadline for Returning 1st Grade through 8th Grade Families to Electronically Submit Supporting Tax Documents via Clarity | March 13, 2026 |
| Adjusted Tuition Notifications Sent to Returning 1st-8th Grade Students | March 18, 2026 |
| Deadline for Returning 1st-8th Grade Students to Accept Adjusted Tuition and Complete Re-Enrollment | March 25, 2026 |
Should you need additional guidance, please contact adjustedtuition@cais.org. Please do not contact the Admission Office, as they will not be able to assist you with this matter.