Variable Tuition and Financial Assistance
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School welcomes families needing assistance to consider the following methods of reducing the cost of your student’s education.
Variable Tuition
Variable Tuition (VT) is a sliding scale tuition rate determined by multiple factors of a family’s financial means. Any family, new or current, may apply for VT if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at MCPS. MCPS utilizes a third-party, confidential service (Smart Aid) to facilitate the VT determination. Factors considered include income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
Process for Applying for Variable Tuition:
- Complete the online Variable Tuition Application from Smart Aid
- CURRENT FAMILIES MUST HAVE ALL FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED BY MARCH 1. Late submissions will not be reviewed until after all other applicants have been awarded and potentially could result in no awarding of aid due to lack of funds.
- FOR NEW FAMILIES, THE MARCH 1 DEADLINE DOES NOT APPLY.
- Families will be sent a notification letter from the Business office once the applications have been reviewed. The letter will contain the Variable Tuition rate offered to your family. Signing your letter and sending it back to the school will secure your rate for the upcoming school year.
Variable Tuition Smart Aid Online Application (https://smartaidforparents.com)
Scholarship Opportunities
MCPS offers scholarships to both new and current students. Read more about the various scholarship opportunities at MCPS below.
The CHOOSE Act
What is an ESA?
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a state-funded account that eligible families can use to pay for qualified educations-related expenses, such as tuition for private school, school supplies, and tutoring.
In Alabama, eligible families who have a student enrolled in a participating school can receive $7,000 per student.
Eligibility
At this time, eligibility for the education savings account is income based with the exception of students qualifying with special needs. Basic minimum qualifications are as follows:
- Student must be between 5-19 years old (or up to age 21 if they qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975 or Section of 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
- Student cannot currently receive a scholarship through the Alabama Accountability Act.
- Annual Gross Income (AGI) must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Line for year ending 2024 to qualify.
Awarding: 2025-2026
In accordance with the CHOOSE Act, all ESA applications will be awarded in the following order:
- Special needs students who qualify for an IEP or 504
The first 500 ESA scholarships are reserved for students with special needs* who qualify for an IEP with current psychometric testing or have a diagnosed disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. - Active Duty Dependents
The next students approved are dependents of active duty service members* who are zoned or enrolled in a priority school. - Below 300% FPL
Remaining awarded for participating students whose family have an adjusted gross income not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty level for the preceding tax year.
*siblings of any participating students receive priority
Visit https://mobarchschools.org/parental-choice to learn more about the The CHOOSE Act
Alabama Accountability Act SGOs
The Alabama Accountability Act of 2013 permitted the formation of non-profit scholarship granting organizations (SGO). These SGOs are funded by individual and corporate contributions and provide scholarships to financially eligible lower-income K5-12th grade students in the state of Alabama. SGO scholarships can provide a majority of the funding for students to attend independent schools. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School (MCPS) is an approved school partnering with Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Scholarships for Kids, and Renaissance.
A student must meet MCPS admission requirements in order to utilize an SGO award.
These scholarships are not managed by MCPS. Eligibility requirements vary for the programs. All questions should be directed to the individual SGO for which you are applying.
For more information on the Alabama Accountability Act, visit the Alabama Accountability Act Home Page website.
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School (“MCPS”) is an approved school partnering with the following SGOs (read more about AAA/SGOs below):
Participating SGOs:
Please contact David Schwarz (334-272-7221 ext 102) in the Business Office for more information about these scholarship opportunities.
Montgomery Catholic Scholarships
Montgomery Catholic is proud to award individual scholarships to MCPS students annually. To be eligible for these scholarships, you must fill out the application for each by the March 1 deadline and complete the Smart Aid on-line financial disclosure form below if applicable to the scholarship. If the form has been filed already this school year, doing so again is unnecessary. Applications for each scholarship may be downloaded below.
Financial Assessment Forms:
Complete online and send directly to Smart Aid by March 1 (not applicable for all scholarships).
K5-12th Grade
The Legacy Scholarship: Established in 2006. Named in honor of teachers of MCPS, this tuition scholarship gives scholarships of $2,500 each to two qualified new students. It was originally established through the generous benefaction of Mrs. Catherine Martin, class of 1937, and her family to give students the chance to attend Catholic who could otherwise not afford to do so.
Padre Pio Endowed Scholarship: Established in December 2014 by a grateful benefactor in appreciation for answered prayers. The Scholarship Fund was established to work with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School in order to share God’s blessings to further His kingdom. The Padre Pio Scholarship will annually fund one (1) full-tuition scholarship and one (1) half-tuition scholarship annually depending on the applicant pool. Applicants should indicate a serious commitment to learning, exhibit positive Christian characteristics, and have good character, positive community involvement, and/or strong involvement in extra-curricular activities. Preference will be given to students who are from Catholic families.
The Barry & Bob Robichaux Memorial Scholarship: The Barry & Bob Robichaux Memorial Scholarship was established in October 2020 in memory of Barry & Bob Robichaux by their Montgomery Catholic alumni children, Michele Robichaux (’94), Robbie Robichaux (’94), Richie Robichaux (’98), and Ryan Robichaux (’00), and by gifts made to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, in their memory. The scholarship seeks to honor their legacy in the Catholic faith and the belief that a Catholic education is central to formation, creating the roadmap for living the Catholic faith.
The Barry & Bob Robichaux Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually. The Scholarship amount will be $5,000. Endowment earnings and donations shall be used to award the scholarship to a Catholic student who will attend any Montgomery Catholic campus in grades K-12 for the following academic year.
The St. Michael Scholarship for Military Families: The St. Michael Scholarship was established in May 2023 by a devoted Montgomery Catholic and retired military family. The St. Michael Scholarship for Military Families seeks to honor the resiliency of Military families, especially their students. The scholarship will reward one military student annually, providing a $1,000 tuition scholarship and special student recognition. Since Military students do not choose to join the military life, this scholarship wishes to honor those students who are a spark of light, who adapt and grow with each move, and who have (or will have) a positive impact on their Montgomery Catholic family.
Elementary
Anna and Harold Paige Scholarship: Established in 2013. The Anna and Harold Paige Scholarship is a non-denominational, need-based, full-tuition scholarship to be awarded to one Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School High School student and one St. Bede Elementary Campus student. Qualified students will demonstrate good moral character and leadership qualities.
The Larry Russo Memorial Scholarship: The Larry Russo Memorial Scholarship was established in September 2021 in memory of Larry Russo, by his family and by gifts made to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, in his memory, to honor his love of Catholic education and St. Bede parish. A faithful Catholic, Larry held great reverence for the Eucharist and kept a weekly Holy Hour for nearly 30 years. He was an extremely positive man, who chose joy and encouraged others to be the best version of themselves. Larry will be remembered for his gentle manner, his patience, his generosity, and his love of family.
The Larry Russo Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually. The Scholarship amount may vary annually. Endowment earnings and donations shall be used to award the scholarship to a student who is currently enrolled at the St. Bede Campus or will be enrolled in the following academic year.
The Richard & Reba Foley Scholarship: Established by the Mark & Nancy Foley family as a gift to one another, in memory of Richard and Reba Foley, true believers in Catholic education, who understood the sacrifice of providing Catholic education and the blessing of it. The Richard and Reba Foley scholarship is an annual, non-denominational, scholarship to be awarded to one Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Holy Spirit Campus student. Qualified students will demonstrate good moral character and dedication to both studies and good behavior.
A $1,000 annual scholarship to be funded by the Foley family and any gifts made in support of it. The scholarship is non-denominational and will be awarded to a current Holy Spirit student in grades 2-6, as long as the scholarship is funded.
Middle School
Knights of Columbus Council 12150 Scholarship: One $1,000 partial tuition scholarship to be given to rising seventh-grade students from the Holy Spirit Campus. Applicants should have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better, have been accepted as a student to the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Middle School, and their parent/legal guardian should be a parishioner of a Catholic Church.
Ben and Alice Tokarz Memorial Scholarship: Presented by The Knights of Columbus, Council 893. Two $1,000 partial tuition scholarships to be given to rising seventh-grade students from the St. Bede Campus and two scholarships to be awarded to rising ninth grade students from the Middle School Campus in memory of the parents of the Reverend David Tokarz, previous MCPS faculty member and former Pastor of Saint Bede the Venerable Catholic Church. Applicants should exhibit superior academic achievement, have active involvement in student in-class or extra-curriculum activities, demonstrate student leadership ability, and have been selected for advancement to the seventh and ninth grades. Rising 7th Grade Student Application.
Anne Ceasar Endowed Scholarship (ACES): Established in June 2020 upon the retirement of the school’s third President, Anne Ceasar. Endowed by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, the Ceasar family, friends, and the larger MCPS community as a tribute to Mrs. Ceasar’s 16-year career and devotion to the school, as well as her faithfulness to tuition assistance and Catholic education. Amount of the Scholarship: The Anne Ceasar Endowed Scholarship (ACES) is awarded annually to one student in current grades 7-11 that has been enrolled at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School for a period of at least two (2) years. The ACES scholarship will provide at least a half-tuition scholarship annually.
The St. Ignatius Scholarship: The St. Ignatius Scholarship was established in July 2023 by Gary & Marie Tomlin, the scholarship seeks to work with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School to help provide the gift of Catholic education. There is no application for the St. Ignatius scholarship. It will awarded to one student identified by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School administration annually, providing a $1,000 tuition scholarship. The scholarship will be funded annually by the Tomlin’s and by gifts designated to the scholarship fund. The benefactors may choose to discontinue funding of the scholarship at any time.
The Jan Martin Mastin Memorial Scholarship: The Jan Martin Mastin Memorial Scholarship was established in June 2024 by through the benefaction of Jan’s husband Hervey Mastin ( Class of 1974) and their three daughters, and augmented by gifts from alumni, family, and friends of the school. The donors intend to give Middle School and High School families the opportunity to attend our school, particularly those who could not otherwise afford it, while honoring Jan’s memory. This scholarship will fund two tuition scholarships annually of $2,000 each, for Catholic students in grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
High School
Anna and Harold Paige Scholarship: Established in 2013. The Anna and Harold Paige Scholarship is a non-denominational, need-based, full-tuition scholarship to be awarded to one Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School High School student and one St. Bede Elementary Campus student. Qualified students will demonstrate good moral character and leadership qualities.
Ben and Alice Tokarz Memorial Scholarship: Presented by The Knights of Columbus, Council 893. Two $1,000 partial tuition scholarships to be given to rising seventh-grade students from the St. Bede Campus and two scholarships to be awarded to rising ninth-grade students from the Middle School Campus in memory of the parents of the Reverend David Tokarz, previous MCPS faculty member and former Pastor of Saint Bede the Venerable Catholic Church. Applicants should exhibit superior academic achievement, have active involvement in student in-class or extra-curriculum activities, demonstrate student leadership ability, and have been selected for advancement to the seventh and ninth grades.
Coach Ralph Furlong Scholarship: Established in 1998. Initiated by a member of his 1946 football team, the intent of this scholarship is to honor one of Catholic’s greatest coaches, whose record of 24 straight wins from 1947-1949 remains a school record. The Furlong scholarship is a partial tuition scholarship of $1,000, given to a high school student who demonstrates a commitment to both extra-curriculars and his or her studies.
Frye, Arban, Ortega Scholarship: Established in 2007. The Frye, Arban, Ortega (FAO) Scholarship seeks to honor Mr. Bernard Frye, Coach Joseph Arban, and Mrs. Alice Ortega, teachers who have given over 100 years of combined service to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. In their name, it rewards a half-tuition scholarship to one rising senior. Originally established through the generous benefaction of Mr. Richard “Sparky” Adams Jr., class of 1992, it continues to be augmented by gifts from alumni of our school.
The Caitlyn Marianne Wiggins ’08 Memorial Scholarship: Established in December of 2013. A half-tuition scholarship awarded annually in Caitlyn’s honor, a 2008 MCPS graduate and varsity athlete who was killed in an automobile accident in 2013. The scholarship is given for one school year to a female student-athlete at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s (MCPS) High School Campus. Caitlyn’s family and friends endowed this scholarship to give another child the opportunity to achieve the type of success that Caitlyn enjoyed in life.
The Norma R. Mungenast Endowed Scholarship: Established in October 2014 by The Colonel Andy Mungenast Investment and Charitable Trust, in honor of Mrs. Mungenast. The Norma R. Mungenast Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to work with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School in order to share God’s blessings to further His kingdom. The Norma R. Mungenast Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students enrolled at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s High School Campus. The Norma R. Endowed Scholarship amount will vary annually. Endowment earnings and donations shall be used to award one or more scholarships to students who are currently enrolled at MCPS or will be enrolled in the following academic year.
Carole Skoneki Clark Endowed Scholarship: Established in December 2015 by PICE (Partners in Catholic Education), to honor Carole for her many years of Service to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School (MCPS) as the original secretary & longtime member of PICE (Partners in Catholic Education), as the President of the St Bede The Venerable Church Child Care Center Board, as a parent of MCPS graduates, and to continue her support of both Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and her love for the Catholic faith. “A life not lived for others is not a life.” – Mother Teresa This quote exemplifies Carole. The Carole Skoneki Clark Scholarship is awarded annually to one rising 10-12th grade Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School student for $2,500. The Carole Skoneki Clark Scholarship is endowed for a minimum of 10 years.
Helen Faircloth Gross & Charles J. “C.J.” Gross Endowed Scholarship: The Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 as a lasting memorial by their son Charles J. “Joe” Gross, Jr to honor his loving parents. This Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to work with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School in order to share God’s blessings and to further His kingdom. The Scholarship is awarded annually to one or more students enrolled at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s High School Campus. The Scholarship amount may vary annually. Endowment earnings and donations shall be used to award one or more scholarships to students who are currently enrolled at MCPS or will be enrolled in the following academic year.
JJ Bednarz, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2018, the JJ Bednarz, Sr. Memorial Scholarship was created by a trust funded by the Estate of JJ Bednarz, Sr., a US Air Force veteran, businessman and longtime St. Bede parishioner whose children attended Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. The JJ Bednarz, Sr. Memorial Scholarship will fund one (1) full-tuition scholarship annually to an enrolled high school student with the selection criteria being academic performance and good standing, and financial need.
Class of 2009 Juston Martin Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2019, The Class of 2009 Juston Martin Memorial Scholarship was established in April 2019 in Juston’s honor after he was killed in a motor vehicle accident in February 2014. The Class of 2009 developed this scholarship in light of their 10-year class reunion as a way to celebrate the life of their fallen classmate. In establishing this scholarship, the family and classmates of Juston Martin wish to award the ideal candidate who possesses many of the characteristics that Juston exhibited in his life. The Class of 2009 Juston Martin Memorial Scholarship amount is determined by the scholarship organizers and is awarded annually to a rising senior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory High School to be used during their upcoming school year.
Anne Ceasar Endowed Scholarship (ACES): Established in June 2020 upon the retirement of the school’s third President, Anne Ceasar. Endowed by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, the Ceasar family, friends, and the larger MCPS community as a tribute to Mrs. Ceasar’s 16-year career and devotion to the school, as well as her faithfulness to tuition assistance and Catholic education. Amount of the Scholarship: The Anne Ceasar Endowed Scholarship (ACES) is awarded annually to one student in current grades 7-11 that has been enrolled at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School for a period of at least two (2) years. The ACES scholarship will provide at least a half-tuition scholarship annually.
Dr. Tom Doyle Memorial Scholarship for Math & Science: Established in memory of Dr. Tom Doyle by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School with founding gifts made by the three school Presidents that followed him; Faustin Weber, Anne Ceasar, and Justin Castanza. The scholarship is meant to honor the lasting legacy “Doc” had on the school and his students, his aptitude for math and science, and his value of hard work and love of Catholic education. At least one award will be made annually.
Luke J. Whetstone, Class of 2018 Memorial Scholarship: Established in August 2022 in memory of Luke J. Whetstone by his family and gifts made to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School in his memory. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student who is nominated by the faculty and staff at MCPS. The scholarship seeks to encourage the Montgomery Catholic community to put kindness and compassion first. Luke’s scholarship also offers a reflection on how living a life faithfully and selflessly, loving God and neighbor, makes a positive difference for those in our lives and those who will enter our lives.
The Coach Wulf Koch Memorial Scholarship: Established in May 2022. A $1,000 scholarship awarded annually to a current high school student in memory of Coach Wulf Koch. The scholarship was established by memorial gifts made in his name and by friends of Coach Koch and the 2021-2022 soccer teams following his brief 4-month battle with Leukemia. The scholarship seeks to offer tuition assistance to students who have the potential to “get after it”.
The St. Ignatius Scholarship: The St. Ignatius Scholarship was established in July 2023 by Gary & Marie Tomlin, the scholarship seeks to work with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School to help provide the gift of Catholic education. There is no application for the St. Ignatius scholarship. It will awarded to one student identified by Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School administration annually, providing a $1,000 tuition scholarship. The scholarship will be funded annually by the Tomlin’s and by gifts designated to the scholarship fund. The benefactors may choose to discontinue funding of the scholarship at any time.
The Jan Martin Mastin Memorial Scholarship: The Jan Martin Mastin Memorial Scholarship was established in June 2024 by through the benefaction of Jan’s husband Hervey Mastin ( Class of 1974) and their three daughters, and augmented by gifts from alumni, family, and friends of the school. The donors intend to give Middle School and High School families the opportunity to attend our school, particularly those who could not otherwise afford it, while honoring Jan’s memory. This scholarship will fund two tuition scholarships annually of $2,000 each, for Catholic students in grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
Graduating Seniors
Dottie Dean Memorial Alumni Association Scholarship: Established in 2015, the Dottie Dean Memorial Scholarship is given by the Montgomery Catholic Alumni Association with the goal of promoting activities that further the mission of MCPS. The association believes strongly that by rewarding individual students who go above and beyond their normal responsibilities, all students’ service to the school will be stimulated and will continue as alumni. The Montgomery Catholic Alumni Association will award a $500.00 scholarship to a deserving member of the senior class of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School annually (for use after graduation in furtherance of their education) based upon leadership and service shown by the student to the school.
Anna “Anya” Cecile Bennett ’18 Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2018, Jim, Murray, and Jack Bennett, along with family friends Jimmy and Laura McLemore, established this scholarship fund in March 2018 in memory of their loving daughter, sister, and friend. This scholarship is given for the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School yearly charity and to a student’s post-high school education. Anna’s family and friends endowed this scholarship to give to a student that exemplifies an unselfish desire to benefit the human spirit through community involvement.
