FALL RIVER — Families in need of financial assistance to meet tuition costs for a Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Fall River in the upcoming school year are encouraged to apply for support from FACE, the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education.

Applications are now being accepted for tuition FACE assistance for students who will be entering or are hoping to enter kindergarten through grade 8 at a Catholic school in the Diocese for the 2026-27 school year. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

Officials from the Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, which helps to administer the FACE awards, report that last year of those families who submitted completed applications for aid for K-8 grade students, 82 percent received tuition assistance, which ranged from $250 to $2750 per student.

FACE began in 1991 as the St. Mary’s Education Fund with a mission to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to attend a Catholic school in the Diocese because of financial hardship. Today, its aim remains the same: to remove the barrier of tuition payments through need-based financial scholarships.

For the current 2025-26 school year, FACE has awarded more than $1 million to over 900 students attending a Catholic school in the Diocese. The scholarships are based on demonstrated financial need and awards average $1,000 per student. Depending on the school, assistance may cover up to 50 percent of yearly tuition.

“Catholic education should be an option for all families even if they lack the financial resources,” said Megan Dos Santos, principal of Holy Name School in Fall River. “Financial assistance from FACE makes a quality Catholic education focused on the formation of the whole child possible for many of our families.”

Espirito Santo School Principal Andrew Raposo underscores the importance of FACE financial assistance to families at that Fall River elementary school.

“Their support of our families has been a blessing. The funds that are made available to these families to access a Catholic education are greatly important and I know these families are beyond grateful. For many, tuition creates an entry barrier into our schools. Many families can breathe a sigh of relief…,” he said.

Complete information on FACE eligibility and the application process is available at www.face-dfr.org/how-to-apply. Any follow-up questions may be directed to faceapps@catholicfoundationsema.org .

To explore Catholic schools in the Diocese of Fall River, visit www.catholicschoolsalliance.org/find-your-school/ .

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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