Financial Aid & Scholarships
Blackbaud Financial Aid for the 2025-2026 school year
(Opens October and Round 1 ends December 1st, 2024; subsequent rounds to follow until funds run out)
Current and new families are encouraged to apply for assistance through this application as soon as possible.
Diocesan funds are awarded on a rolling basis.
When you send your child to a Catholic school, not only does your child gain access to an exceptional education, but your entire family joins a very special community. Like your child, your family will be enriched by the opportunity to grow in faith. At St. Mary’s School we understand that an investment in education and faith requires a sacrificial financial commitment. That’s why we are dedicated to maintaining the cost of education to be as low as possible by offering scholarships, financial aid packages, and other opportunities to offset the cost of tuition.
Funding to operate the school is provided through a combination of tuition and fees, parish investment and fundraising. Tuition rates are decided upon by the Finance Council and approved by the St. Mary’s School Board of Directors. The Finalsite platform is used for all payment of tuition and fees.
All scholarship awards are determined after the Blackbaud application has been submitted and verified. Once diocesan scholarships have been awarded, and parish scholarship awards are made, further consideration of need can be brought to the attention of the pastor.
NEW!!
Nancy Lilley Memorial Preschool Scholarship
— Honoring a Legacy of Teaching & Learning
About Nancy Lilley
Nancy Lee Lilley dedicated 35 years to teaching excellence, shaping young minds as a beloved kindergarten teacher at Central School in Grand Haven. She firmly believed that education is the foundation of lifelong success—a passion she carried from her own experiences pursuing higher education at Michigan State University, where she earned a master’s degree in education.
From an early age, Nancy dreamed of becoming a kindergarten teacher, and she fulfilled that dream with unwavering dedication, joy, and love for her students. She created a welcoming, nurturing classroom where over 600 children discovered a love for learning. She wanted every child to begin their educational journey with excitement, confidence, and a smile.
Nancy was also a Grand Haven High School Hall of Fame nominee, recognized for her lifelong impact on education. She cherished her 50+ years of marriage to her high school sweetheart, Thomas Lilley, and treasured family traditions, including trips to Mackinac Island and cheering on Michigan State football with loved ones.
Nancy passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2020, surrounded by family, leaving behind a lasting legacy of learning and love.
Scholarship Mission
To honor Nancy Lilley’s lifelong dedication to early childhood education, the Nancy Lilley Memorial Preschool Scholarship has been established to help ensure that 3- and 4-year-olds begin kindergarten fully prepared for success at St. Mary’s School.
This scholarship, generously sponsored by Nancy Lilley’s son, Tom Lilley II, provides tuition assistance for two preschool students—one boy and one girl—each year. It supports families who seek a faith-filled, high-quality early education at St. Mary’s School but may need financial assistance. Nancy Lilley’s granddaughter, Paige Lilley, is currently a 7th-grade student at St. Mary’s.
Eligibility & Selection
- Open to families with children entering St. Mary’s 3-year-old or 4-year-old preschool programs.
- Families must demonstrate a commitment to continuing their child’s education at St. Mary’s School through kindergarten and beyond.
- Awards are based on financial need and alignment with the school’s mission.
- Recipients will be selected through St. Mary’s tuition assistance process.
How to Apply
Families interested in the scholarship will need to submit the Blackbaud application and contact the school office for details on the selection timeline. 616-842-1282 I preschool@slstm.org
We are honored to continue Nancy Lilley’s legacy of fostering a love of learning in young children and grateful for the generosity of the Lilley family in making this opportunity possible.
Scholarships given by the Bishop’s fund alleviate the amount that is taken from the Parish Tuition Assistance Fund.
If you applied last year your information rolls over but you will still need to update your financial information.
NOTE: Families will be considered for the Bishop’s Scholarship, Parish Scholarship Assistance, and the Nancy Lilley Memorial Preschool Scholarship
once their Blackbaud Financial Aid Application has been verified.
Please contact Mary Peel in the school office at 616.842.1282 ext. 202 if you have questions.