Tips To Save On Private School Costs
You want to ensure your children have the best education and opportunities possible, which may mean investing in a private school. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition may put some financial stress on your family. The good news is that there are plenty of tactics you can use to help overcome these costs and put some breathing room in your budget.
Tip #1: Ask about discounts
Many private schools provide discount programs. Common discounts include the following:
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alumni discounts: If you, a relative, or another one of your children attended the school, you may qualify for this discount.
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Multiple student discounts: If you have more than one student enrolled, you may get a discount on each additional student.
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Membership discounts: These range from membership in the governing body of the school, particularly church schools, to membership in certain clubs or in the military.
Tip #2: Ask about scholarships
Often, former alumni or community groups have provided scholarship funds for private schools. The way these are handed out varies, but often they are need based. If you have a lower income, you may qualify. There may also be other types of scholarships available, based upon grades or even via a lottery system, so it never hurts to ask.
Tip #3: Get a job
Many private schools offer tuition discounts to the children of employees, and often these benefits extend even to part time staff. Taking on a simple job, such as in the library or cafeteria, can net you a paycheck for a few hours a week as well as a tuition break. As an added benefit, your hours ensure you will be home once the kids are out of school. Often, schools give first option at in-house part time employment to parents of students, so ask about any job openings and perks.
Tip #4: Seek out extra savings
Once you have saved where you can on tuition, look for savings on the other expenses. Uniforms can be costly if you purchase them new, especially at the speed in which kids outgrow them. For this reason, many private schools offer uniform closets or trade-in programs so that you can purchase used uniforms or trade outgrown ones in for new ones that fit. There may be similar programs for books if students are expected to buy their own books. Another extra cost can be transportation, since public school buses won't serve these. Work out a carpooling plan with other parents to save here.
For more help, contact a private school.