Thinking of private school: how do you afford it if not wealthy? - Page 2

[griffin2004]

I'm a single parent, one moderate-for-my-area income, no child support, and 6 y.o. in private school plus on-site after-school care. Tuition is about $5k/yr plus another $1k or so in incidentals plus about $150/mo for after-care. Tuition is going up 6% next year.

I pay tuition 11 months a year rather than quarterly or annually. I have a year of tuition in a Coverdell account. We live very frugally in order to afford private school. I kept cutting or limiting other budget items until I came up with $500 free a month.

[eilonwy]

I have issues with private schools in general, but I and my three younger siblings all attended private schools for several years. My mom worked at our tiny elementary school (all the parents volunteered at least a few hours a week-- at LEAST). I'm not sure what tuition was, but I'm certain that she couldn't have afforded it. I went to another private school for sixth grade; I earned a scholarship to that one which even covered my uniforms and books (generally separate). My brother went to a yeshiva for several years; He earned a scholarship to do that and our shul actually took up a collection for the rest (a large group, individuals offered 10-25/month). My sister attended a yeshiva as well for middle & high school, and she worked as a live-in nanny in exchange for tuition, room & board. There are lots and lots and lots of options. Ask, and be creative.

[tammylsmith]

Hi Eilon,
I noticed that you homeschool. That is my other option. This school is very "un" school-y, which is why I like it. It is more like a parent-run co-op than a regular private school, and kids all work at their own pace on individual projects. It is very small, and parents participate in every aspect of it and are welcome to spend a good portion of time there. Homeschooling is a strong second option for me. It all depends on where we are as a family when we get to that point.