Private School Tuition

by Myra Turner | More from this Blogger

Yesterday, I started looking for a school for Tyler to attend when we return to New Orleans. Last week during the honors program he received awards for making all A's and for making a perfect score on the CRTs. He even received a shirt with scholar embroidered on it which is so cool. The students get to wear these shirts instead of the regular uniform shirt as a way to acknowledge all their hard work.

Before Katrina New Orleans had several public schools that catered to the gifted population. They were known as Citywide Access Schools and included schools that most old folk like myself call magnet schools. Some of the schools also focused on certain subjects like math and science and some of the middle and high schools were college prep schools.

Post Katrina the school system is in shambles leaving me with only one real option, a private school. I found the perfect school located in uptown New Orleans- the St. Charles area. Tyler can even attend the school all the way through 12th grade. There's just one little problem, the sticker price. I nearly fainted when I saw the cost of tuition for one year. We're talking almost $14,000. There's no way I can afford that. They offer financial aid but priority is given first to returning students who had financial aid the previous year. Then to returning students who didn't receive financial aid but now require assistance. If any money is left over, then new students are considered. The school awards about 1 million a year in aid but with most of it going to returning students I don't see how we stand a chance.

What's a parent to do? It's a shame there's no financial aid for private schools in the way the government awards aid for college. Short of taking out a loan or selling a vital organ, what can I do to assure this little gifted fellow receives a quality education? Should I have an ongoing bake sale to raise funds? Nope, I'm not that good of a baker. Amway? Not really a salesperson. Get a regular 9 to 5 job? I'd rather sell an organ.

If you are also considering sending your child to a private school know that most are very expensive. Some assistance is available mainly from the schools themselves as I have outlined above. The schools may also know of additional scholarships available. Some schools may also offer payment plans where you pay a certain amount initially and pay the remainder in installments.

I'm determined to find the money somehow, if not for this particular school, then for a less expensive one with a comparable academic program. I just have to take time right now and start my search instead of wating until after the first of the year which is what I had planned to do.

See also:

15 Steps To Find The Right Educational Program For Your Child

Private Schools vs. Public Schools

Learn more about Myra Turner

I'm a proud mid-life single mom with an active seven-year-old son, Tyler.

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