It is my hope that you have taken time to peruse All Saints Catholic Academy’ web site. It is bursting with information on our school; you will gain an insider’s glimpse into our programs, mission, extra-curriculars, and overall vibe. We are a small, Catholic school, nestled in the heart of Lamoille County — and we are pretty great place to help students discover their incredible potential as caring, thoughtful, Christian citizens of the world.
There’s just one thing standing in your way…tuition. That is completely understandable! The tuition for our school is significant and nearly forty percent of our student body receives tuition assistance — so you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the price tag.
What is tuition assistance and how does the process work you ask?
Tuition assistance is an allocation in our school’s operating budget, earmarked to help families afford a All Saints Catholic Academy education. Each year in early winter, the Board of Trustees sets the tuition rate for the next academic year (it has been three years since the board has raised tuition — they want our school to be as affordable as possible, too). At that time, the board also determines the amount designated for tuition assistance, which is based on projected enrollment. Typically, the board budgets about $115,000.
The school uses an independent evaluator to determine financial need for our families called FACTS. Families may apply online (or through the mail) by submitting financial and family information, allowing FACTS to determine need. FACTS then generates a report, reviewed by the tuition assistance committee of the school (this committee is made up of non-All Saints Catholic Academy parent board members, our business office assistant, and me). FACTS suggests an assistance award amount, the committee reviews its budget, and makes a determination. To be clear, FACTS does not award money; they suggest how much All Saints Catholic Academy should award. Using FACTS keeps me out of your finances to allow me to focus on the educational element of your child’s experience. Once the committee makes the award, our business office sends a letter to the family with the award amount. The family must accept the award by signing the assistance letter and returning the letter to the business office by the deadline.
A little about deadlines…these are very important!
Returning families must submit their tuition assistance applications each year by the April 15 deadline. Failure to do so may jeopardize your award. Additionally, the committee meets only three times per year and the committee must meet to grant an award.
What if we are a brand new family?
While it is easiest if our new families for the next academic year apply by the April 15 deadline, it is not mandatory! The committee prorates its tuition assistance budget to allow for newly enrolled families, allowing these families to apply past the deadline.
Why doesn’t the school offer merit-based scholarships?
That’s easy. We expect all of our students to perform to the best of their ability; we don’t reward our expectations.
What if my family’s award isn’t enough?
Families may appeal the committee by submitting an email or letter explaining the family’s unique situation. While FACTS does a remarkable job formulating an award, the company may not capture your family’s financial picture perfectly – this does happen. An email or letter outlining important details is helpful to the committee to gain a better understanding. Unfortunately, the school may be limited by its own budget — but I always encourage families to appeal if the award is not enough to allow the family to stay enrolled.
Did you know that all families of our school receive tuition assistance of sorts? Currently, the cost to educate a child at our school is $8,800, giving all students a $2,400 subsidy. In addition to the trustees not raising tuition for several years, we also keep the tuition lower than the cost to educate. I think this really highlights the school’s commitment to educating all families desiring a high quality, Catholic education.
In the next few weeks, returning families will receive a letter from me, inviting them to reapply. With that information will be the process for applying for assistance. We all look forward to helping you secure an education that is beyond value; an education that provides your child with the solid foundation built upon morals and values — without breaking the bank.
For a bulleted outline of the admissions process, click here.
Posted by Mrs. Wilson
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