Costs of Private and Parochial Schools
Many Added Fees Increase the Overall Cost Beyond the Tuition
Jun 28, 2009
When considering the cost of private or parochial school, tuition is always the first factor parents consider. There are, however, many additional costs that can significantly increase the costs of what is often perceived to be a stellar education. Weighing these costs in the light of other options should be a vital part in the decision making process.
Costs beyond Tuition in Non-Public Schools
- Transportation costs (bus and/or van fees)
- Textbook purchases
- Uniforms or other clothing conforming to school dress codes
- Required participation in school fund raising events and parent donations
- Athletic fees
- Lab fees in science courses
Transportation Costs in Private & Parochial Schools
Unlike public schools, private and parochial schools in many districts must provide their own transportation to and from the school. If schools purchase or lease buses or vans, they must pass the added costs onto participating families.
In some cases, schools require a separate contract that ties ridership to the entire school year. This practice ensures that the projected income from the projected costs of paying drivers, regular vehicle maintenance, and fluctuating fuel prices will be met.
Textbook Purchases in Non-Public Schools
Book purchases, depending on student schedules, can be enormous and rival the costs of college book tabs. Based on the student’s schedule, parents should ask what the projected bill will be. Some schools use on-line sources that sell required books, like Varsity Books.
Although students often have the ability to sell back well-kept books at the end of the school year, actual funds pale in comparison to original costs, often over $100 per hardcover book. To trim costs, parents should purchase used books on-line such as at Amazon, Alibris, or Abe Books.
Upgrading the Student Wardrobe for School
Although many public schools require a specified dress code, the “uniform” or dress code in non-public schools is near universal. Frequently, schools will alter dress code guidelines in response to past problems, forcing the purchase of new clothing items that conform.
Required Participation in Fund Raising Events
Almost all non-public schools facilitate yearly events to raise money. This can range from bazaars to auctions as well as direct solicitation to an annual or capital fund. Some schools host yearly raffles and add the per-family cost of a book of raffle tickets on top of tuition. In many situations, schools will adopt all of the above at different times in the school year.
Athletic and Academic Fees at Non-Public Schools
Students participating in athletics may be required to pay a flat fee that covers school-sponsored physical examinations and general up-keep of athletic facilities. Added to this might be the cost, either full or part, for uniforms. Football is considered to be the most expensive event.
Students taking certain science courses should be expected to pay a lab fee. Such fees are also assessed in Art and Music programs. When asked to pay extra fees, require absolute transparency as to what the money is being used for. In most cases, the fees are entirely justified.
Tuition Barely Covers the Cost of a Non-Public Education
Tuition covers everything from instructor salaries and benefits to maintenance costs. Technology, supplies, and other daily essentials are paid out of tuition. Non-public schools often strive to compete with themselves as well as public schools and must therefore offer their clientele a higher standard of education. In most cases, reliance solely on tuition is simply not realistic in terms of the actual costs of running a school.
Cost as a Decision Factor between Public & Non-Public Schools
After totaling the final costs per child per school year, parents must determine if the added expense is worth the product. In school districts with superb public schools, such decisions may be moot. Additionally, the proliferation of free “Early Colleges” often trumps paying tuition. The bottom line is all costs should be taken into account when deciding between private and public education.
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