Merit Scholarships

(Graders 9 & 10)

The majority of Hawken’s tuition reductions are based solely on a family’s demonstrated financial need. However, a highly select group of high school students will be eligible for merit scholarships through the James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship Program based on the strength of their academic record, personal qualities, and anticipated future contributions to Hawken School. 

To be eligible for a James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship Award, a student must be an applicant for admission to Hawken as a new ninth or tenth grade student and must complete all components of the admission application process by the deadline. Current 8th grade Hawken students are also eligible to apply for a merit scholarship.

Candidates for the James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship Awards will be outstanding individuals with exceptional records of achievement and potential as demonstrated through academic performance.

A successful candidate will also be well-rounded in their engagement outside the classroom and exhibit leadership potential and exemplary personal qualities consistent with the mission of Hawken. Character, intellect, and integrity are among the defining qualities of a James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship Award recipient.

Selection Process
Semifinalists for the James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship Awards will be selected by the Admission Committee from Hawken’s applicant pool. Semifinalists typically represent the top 10% of Hawken’s applicant pool and are distinguished by excellent transcripts, outstanding recommendations, and standardized test scores that reflect high academic aptitude. 

The Admission Office will invite semifinalists to return to Hawken for the James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship Semifinalist Event. Following this event, the Selection Committee will select the recipients of the James A. Hawken Merit Scholarship and send notification with their admission decision which will be reflected on the enrollment agreement.

 

This scholarship recognizes students of exceptional character who demonstrate a true commitment to the ideals embodied by Hawken School’s motto of Fair Play and who will make positive contributions to the school through their leadership and community engagement.

This scholarship goes to students who demonstrate exceptional talent or ability in a given field­—academic, artistic, athletic, entrepreneurial, leadership, or other—that will inspire others and enrich the Hawken community.

Given at the discretion of the Head of School and the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment Management, the Head’s Scholarship is awarded to individuals who reflect in their daily lives the core values of Hawken School and who demonstrate integrity and excellence in and out of the classroom and are also committed to the school’s core values and to “a higher plane of life.”