would you ever pay tuition instead of your mortgage?

[OnTheBrink]

I love Montessori! I love our school! But I have limits as far as how far I'd go!

The mom of a student at Emma's school told me that she has paid tuition for the past two months instead of her mortgage. I really don't think I'd ever do that! Would you?

Incidentally, another friend is refinancing her house to get money out for tuition. Would you do that? I think I'd do that way before I'd not pay my mortgage.

If it matters, both of these are for preschool tuition. Our school is a charter public school for K-6th, with a private preschool attached.

[rabrog]

No way. I'd turn to family who care about DD and the education she receives. The school (K-8th) she'll be going to is $5K a year for Kindy right now. The year before she goes, I plan to ask for $$$ for Christmas and Birthday for tuition. I'll make sure we have it from my income (DH pays mortgage, etc.) but I wouldn't sacrifice my shelter for anyone education.

Jenn

[AutumnMama]

Uh, no.

[ShadowMom]

Why doesn't she jst put the Montessori payments on a credit card??

[OnTheBrink]

Originally Posted by ShadowMom

Why doesn't she jst put the Montessori payments on a credit card??

I don't know. Maybe she doesn't have one? Or maybe she does and it's maxed out?

[umsami]

We were on a waiting list for the public Montessori up in NE Florida. The deal was... you had to pay for Pre-School, but then K-8th was "free." Thing was, getting in was very hard.... lotto system... and Pre-school was your best chance. (Even then, we're like #70-something on the waiting list.) I can understand not wanting to give up the opportunity, but I wouldn't risk losing my house and credit rating over it. I'd look at a home equity loan, family help, etc. From what I remember, the tuition wasn't that bad... maybe $300/month? (Which compared to private Montessori was a steal!)

[OnTheBrink]

Originally Posted by umsami

We were on a waiting list for the public Montessori up in NE Florida. The deal was... you had to pay for Pre-School, but then K-8th was "free." Thing was, getting in was very hard.... lotto system... and Pre-school was your best chance.

That's exactly how it works here. So my Emma started there when she was 3. We paid full tuition (no part time option), but only sent her 3 mornings. It was worth it to bite the bullet for 2 years of preschool and then have her in an awesome free school.

I think preschool tuition is $585 a month. I can certainly see how that would be hard for some families! But I wouldn't risk my house for it.

[umsami]

If I was that mama, I'd talk to the school. Who knows, maybe they can work out a payment plan... or maybe they even have some scholarships available to help the parents in the Pre-K program.

[ShadowMom]

Originally Posted by OnTheBrink

I don't know. Maybe she doesn't have one? Or maybe she does and it's maxed out?

I guess so... I guess she is probably not in too good of a financial situation if she has to choose between school and her mortgage. I guess maybe she knows how long it will take to get up to speed on the mortgage and determined she had a bit more flexibility there than with the school... weird. I just can't conceive of being in that position!