• If your family was impacted by COVID19 and you applied for the CAPS 2020-2021 tuition freeze, please fill out the Generations Fund Emergency Relief form

*Please note that the emergency relief form is only applicable for families that fall under the CAPS eligibility criteria.

• What is a Tuition Cap / Freeze?
• If my child (ren) received a Tuition Cap / Freeze last year, are they guaranteed a Tuition Cap / Freeze for the 2015-2016 school year?
• Is my child eligible to benefit from a Subsidy and Tuition Cap / Freeze?
• Is my child eligible for an additional $1,800 incentive grant / reduction?
• What are the income criteria for eligibility?
• How do I compute my gross household income?
• My ex-spouse and I are divorced. How do I compute the gross household income for our child's application?
• Do I have to send my child to one of the qualifying Jewish day schools?
• What does it mean if the Eligibility Calculator says I am eligible?
• What happens if I have multiple children attending different Jewish day schools with different tuition costs?
• What does it mean if the calculator says I am not eligible?
• What is the recourse if the calculator says I am not eligible?

• The Eligibility Calculator says that I am eligible. What do I need to do now to confirm my eligibility?
• Are there important deadlines to keep in mind?
• What if I don't have my 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment by June 30, 2015?
• When will I know if my family is eligible to receive a Generations Fund Tuition Cap / Freeze?
• What if my income in 2014 is lower/higher than my income on the Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment?
• What if I haven't found out if I am eligible for Tuition Assistance?

• Will my information be kept confidential?
  

• Can I benefit from Tuition Assistance Allocation (TAA) or other financial assistance from my day school in addition to the C.A.P.S. Program?
• What is considered as “financial assistance” from my day school?
• Can I benefit from financial assistance outside of my day school?

• How do I find out the value of my Tuition Cap / Freeze ?
• Is my Tuition Cap / Freeze transferable?
• Is my Tuition Cap / Freeze taxable?
• If I enroll my child in a different Jewish Day School, will I still be eligible to receive the Tuition Cap / Freeze ?
• How will my Tuition Cap / Freeze be decided?

• How do I obtain a Tuition Cap / Freeze if I applied last year and was eligible / not eligible to receive a Tuition Cap / Freeze?
  
• Will my current student’s sibling(s) also qualify for a Tuition Cap / Freeze in future years?
• I am considering enrolling my child in day school for the first time in 2015. Will I be able to participate in the Generations Fund Tuition Cap / Freeze program?
• What will happen when my child graduates out of the school?

• What is the Generations Fund for Educational Excellence?
• Whom do I contact with questions?
• What if I am having technical difficulties and/or cannot complete the online form?

Eligibility

What is a Tuition Cap / Freeze? 
A Tuition Cap / Freeze is the maximum amount that you will be required to pay for your child(ren)’s Jewish day school tuition based on your gross household income and number of children attending a qualifying Jewish day school. This Tuition Cap / Freeze will be applicable each year for the remainder of your child(ren)’s education at that school (from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and from Secondary I to Secondary V), as long as your gross household income and number of children attending a qualifying Jewish day school remain the same each year. 

**Please note that Tuition Caps / Freezes do not cover additional costs associated with your child(ren)’s education, including but not limited to: building fund fees, home and school association fees, lunch programs, parent association fees, security funds, registration and processing fees. (back to top)

If my child (ren) received a Tuition Cap / Freeze last year, are they guaranteed a Tuition Cap / Freeze for the 2015-2016 school year?
Yes! If your child (ren) were accepted to the C.A.P.S program in the 2014-2015 academic year, and your gross household income and number of children attending a qualifying Jewish day school have not changed, you will be guaranteed a Tuition Cap / Freeze after filling out the Eligibility Calculator and Application Form and submitting the required documentation.(back to top)

Is my child eligible to benefit from a Subsidy and Tuition Cap / Freeze?
We encourage you to use the Eligibility Calculator to find out if your family is eligible to benefit from the C.A.P.S. program. Eligibility is based on whether you fit within the income criteria and your child is attending an eligible school (back to top)

Is my child eligible for an additional $1,800 incentive grant / reduction?
Children who are entering Kindergarten and Secondary 1 in September 2015 at one of the participating schools and who are eligible for the C.A.P.S. program  will also benefit from an additional one-time reduction of $1,800. You will be contacted if your child is eligible for this grant. (back to top)

What are the income criteria for eligibility?
The income criteria entail a simple calculation of your gross household income as reported on your 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment.
*Note: While you will be expected to use your 2013 gross household income when you apply, final confirmation of your acceptance into the C.A.P.S. program will be based on your 2014 Notice of Assessment. (back to top)

How do I compute my gross household income?
Total gross income for each parent is listed online 199 of your respective Revenu Quebec Notices of Assessment. On the Calculator and Application Form, please ensure you enter the correct value both parents/guardians.

Once your application is approved, you will be asked to send in a copy of the 2014 Notices of Assessment for both parents by  June 30, 2015 (all pages).

Note: Acceptance into the C.A.P.S. program is dependent upon receipt of a copy of your filed  2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment. 
(back to top)

My ex-spouse and I are divorced. How do I compute the gross household income for our child's application?
If only one parent bears responsibility (by court order or agreement) for the child’s education, only that parent’s income should be included. However, if both parents share responsibility for your child’s education expenses, the income of both parents’ households should be combined when completing the Eligibility Calculator and Application Form. If one of the responsible parents is unwilling to provide financial information, the applying parent will have the opportunity to include an explanation with the application explaining the circumstances, and the single parent’s income may be used on the application. The single parent’s income must meet our income criteria to be eligible for the C.A.P.S. program. (back to top)

Do I have to send my child to one of the qualifying Jewish day schools?
Yes! The program is open to all families enrolled or formally registered in one of the qualifying schools. Returning and new applicants must be enrolled at their school of choice by August 31, 2015 to be eligible for the C.A.P.S. program. (back to top)

What does it mean if the Eligibility Calculator says I am eligible?
If the Eligibility Calculator says you that you may be eligible for the C.A.P.S. program, it means that based on the information you provided, you could be eligible for tuition subsidies and caps / freezes. The calculator’s eligibility does not guarantee that you will be accepted into the C.A.P.S. program. In order for your application to be considered, you must fill out the online Application Form. Your application will then be assessed according to your verified income, as stated on your 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment and number of children enrolled in one of the qualifying Jewish day schools.(back to top)

What happens if I have multiple children attending different Jewish day schools with different tuition costs?
If you are deemed eligible for the C.A.P.S. program, all of your children attending a qualifying Jewish day school will benefit from the same Tuition Cap / Freeze. If your school’s tuition is lower than the amount of the Tuition Cap / Freeze, it would be preferable for you to pay the full tuition. (back to top)

What does it mean if the calculator says I am not eligible?
The Eligibility Calculator will inform you that you are not eligible for the C.A.P.S. program if your gross household income does not fall within this program’s criteria, depending upon the number of children in the family attending a qualifying Jewish day school. As well, you may not be eligible if you already receive Tuition Assistance Allocation (TAA) and/or other financial supports from your school. (back to top)

What is the recourse if the calculator says I am not eligible?
If you are deemed not eligible there may be other financial assistance available to you. We encourage you to speak with a financial assistance representative at any day school you are considering. You may also want to visit Hebrew Free Loans at www.hflamtl.org to see if they have an option to suit your needs. (back to top)


Application Procedures and Deadlines

The Eligibility Calculator says that I am eligible. What do I need to do now to confirm my eligibility?
If the Eligibility Calculator says you may be eligible for the C.A.P.S. program, you will be prompted to complete the online Application Form. All applicants, returning and new, must complete the Application Form in order to be deemed eligible for the C.A.P.S. program. Please be sure to carefully review our Step by Step page that outlines the actions required to apply for the C.A.P.S. program. (back to top)

Are there important deadlines to keep in mind?
Yes!
October 22, 2014 the Eligibility Calculator and Application Form are available on line!
April 3, 2015  at noon is the deadline to apply.
June 30, 2015  deadline for eligible families to send their 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment (back to top)

What if I don’t have my 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment by June 30, 2015?
Your family’s eligibility is dependent on the 2014 Revenu Quebec Notices of Assessment for both parents and your Tuition Cap / Freeze will not be confirmed with your school(s) until we receive the required documents.  We highly encourage every eligible family to file their taxes early in order to not delay their acceptance in our program. (back to top)

When will I know if my family is eligible to receive a Tuition Cap / Freeze?
Once your application is submitted, you will receive an e-mail confirming your Tuition Cap / Freeze for the 2015-2016 academic year.

You will be notified by e-mail in the spring of 2015 to submit your 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment. Upon confirmation of your income as stated on your 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment and enrolment of your child(ren) at a qualifying Jewish day school, your Tuition Cap / Freeze will be confirmed with your school in which your child(ren) is/are enrolled. (back to top)

What if my income in 2014 is lower/higher than my income on the Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment?
If you expect your income to be lower/higher on your 2014 Notice of Assessment than the income on your 2013 Notice of Assessment, please enter the income you expect to receive in 2014 in your application. Our assessment will be based on your 2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment. (back to top)

What if I haven't found out if I am eligible for Tuition Assistance?
We are working with all of the day schools to provide this information to you within this program’s timeframe. However, most schools will not be able to inform all families of their financial assistance determinations before the end of the C.A.P.S. program application deadline. Families are allowed to apply to both programs but will need to choose between the C.A.P.S. program and Tuition Assistance from the school, if accepted to both programs. These options should be discussed with your school administrator. (back to top)


Confidentiality

Will my information be kept confidential?
Your information is strictly confidential and will not be shared with any third party or organization. Any financial or personal information provided to the C.A.P.S program will only be used to determine Fund eligibility and will not be shared with any entity, including Federation CJA, for any purpose, although data will be accumulated on a no-names basis for the entire program. We reserve the right to share your child/children’s names and Tuition Cap / Freeze with your school’s administrator in order to ensure program integrity. (back to top)


Financial Assistance from other Sources

Can I benefit from Tuition Assistance Allocation (TAA) or other financial assistance from my day school in addition to the C.A.P.S. Program?
No. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for more financial assistance than the value of your Tuition Cap / Freeze. However, you must choose between accepting financial assistance from the school and using a Tuition Cap / Freeze. For more information on financial assistance at particular day schools, please visit individual school websites, found on the Participating Schools page.  (back to top)

What is considered as “financial assistance” from my day school?
All types of financial assistance provided by the school, both needs-based and non-needs based are considered financial assistance. (back to top)

Can I benefit from financial assistance outside of my day school?
Yes. You may benefit from financial assistance outside of your school. You may also want to visit Hebrew Free Loans at www.hflamtl.org to see if they have an option to suit your needs. (back to top)


C.A.P.S Program Tuition Cap / Freeze

How do I find out the value of my Tuition Cap / Freeze?
The anonymous Eligibility Calculator will provide an instant preliminary result letting you know the value of your Tuition Cap / Freeze. If the Eligibility Calculator indicates that you may be eligible, you will be prompted to complete the Application Form. After completing the Application Form, you will receive a notification by email indicating the amount of your Tuition Cap / Freeze. Final eligibility and the value of your Tuition Cap / Freeze will be determined, pending confirmation of your children’s enrollment at a qualifying Jewish day school and income on your filed  2014 Revenu Quebec Notice of Assessment.(back to top)

Is my Tuition Cap / Freeze transferable?
No. Your Tuition Cap / Freeze is not transferable to another family. (back to top)

Is my Tuition Cap / Freeze taxable?
It is our understanding that the Tuition Cap / Freeze is not a taxable benefit. However all users are recommended to obtain independent tax advice. (back to top)

If I enroll my child in a different Jewish day school, will I still be eligible to receive the Tuition Cap / Freeze?
Yes. Provided that you continue to enroll your child in one of the qualifying Jewish day schools and your household income remains constant, you will still be eligible to receive the Tuition Cap / Freeze. (back to top)

How will my Tuition Cap / Freeze be decided?
Your Tuition Cap / Freeze is decided based on a simple calculation of your gross household income and the number of children enrolled in a qualifying Jewish day school. (back to top)


Subsequent Years

How do I obtain a Tuition Cap / Freeze if I applied last year and was eligible/ not eligible to receive a Tuition Cap?
In order to receive your Tuition Cap / Freeze you must fill out the online Application Form. For more information on how to apply, please visit our Step by Step page. If you applied for the 2014- 2015 academic year, please have your CAPS ID number available when filling out your application.

Families who applied for the 2014-2015 academic year and were eligible to receive a Tuition Cap are guaranteed to receive a Tuition Cap / Freeze of at least the same amount as long as their household income and number of children enrolled in a qualifying Jewish day school remains constant. (back to top)

Will my current student’s sibling(s) also qualify for a Tuition Cap / Freeze in future years? 
Likely, however if you qualify now for a Tuition Cap / Freeze for your first child, when your next child(ren) enrolls in Jewish day school you will need to specify this new information on the application form. (back to top)

I am considering enrolling my child in Jewish day school for the first time in 2016. Will I be able to participate in the C.A.P.S program?
Yes. Please revisit this website in October 2015 for information about the 2016-17 academic year. (back to top)

What will happen when my child graduates out of the school?
Every year, you will need to re-apply and submit supporting documentation to renew your C.A.P.S. eligibility. If your family situation changes (child graduates or leaves Jewish day school) the calculation of your Tuition Cap / Freeze may be different. (back to top)

Further Questions

What is the Generations Fund for Educational Excellence?
The Generations Fund for Educational Excellence is a Federation CJA initiative, aimed at preserving and strengthening Jewish identity in Montreal, primarily among our youth. The premise behind this endowment fund is that a strong Jewish identity is the key to ensuring an active and vibrant Jewish community in Montreal for generations to come.

The C.A.P.S. program of the Generations Fund for Educational Excellence
The Generations Fund for Educational Excellence C.A.P.S. program: Creating Access: Promoting Success is a dual-pronged initiative designed to both assist Jewish day schools in pursuing even higher standards of excellence, as well as making these schools more accessible to middle-income families. By implementing annual Tuition Caps / Freezes, as well as offering incentive grants of $1,800 for students entering Kindergarten and Secondary. I, the program gives even more Jewish children the opportunity to capitalize on a high standard of educational excellence, as well as a strong Judaic-based curriculum. (back to top)

Whom do I contact with questions?
For any questions not addressed here or in Step by Step, please email [email protected]

What if I am having technical difficulties and/or cannot complete the online form?
Please email [email protected].   (back to top)