Word of Life Christian Academy and Preschool Afford Tuition

Affording Private Education
By Maureen Boland

http://www.parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/bigkid/gpreschool/64647.html

You'd like to send your child to a private school, but money's an issue. What should you do? Should you spend the money you've saved for her college education now, on a high-quality private elementary school? Or should you continue to save and perhaps invest the money you have so that you can send her to a top-flight college? According to many experts, it's best to pay now and dream later.

They argue that the foundation of your child's education is established in the early years. This is when she's not only learning the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic but also discovering a love of learning. "The early years are so important," says Eve Stabinsky-Ackert, an early childhood educator and former preschool and kindergarten teacher from Monroe, Conn. "This is when your child can gain the intellectual, emotional, and social confidence that will carry her through her entire life. These are also the years when a child can get lost in the system. And remember — if you're concerned about getting your child into a top college, then sending her to a private school may help give her an advantage, especially if she's not a straight-A student. Teachers in a private school are more likely to have the time to recognize and nurture your child's personal skills and talents."

Nationally, the average tuition for a private school is $3,116. (Public schools spend an average of $6,500 per pupil, roughly twice the amount.) However, many of the top private schools can cost as much as $10,000 to $15,000 a year and may be out of reach of most families. But don't make the mistake of thinking that only rich kids can afford a top private school.

The different types of financial assistance
Scholarships and Financial Aid. Word of Life Academy and Preschool is not able to offer these programs at this time but hopes to in the future.

Loan programs. This option helps you borrow money to pay all or part of your child's tuition. Some schools offer loans directly; some are affiliated with outside agencies through which you can apply for a loan. You can ask your bank for loan information.

Payment plans. According to this option, offered by many schools, you pay your child's tuition in monthly installments as you would a mortgage (you may also have to pay a nominal signup fee).

finaid.org has a list of sources for loans and other types of financial help specifically to fund private school tuition.

privateschool.about.com offers extensive information on private school funding, from loans to scholarships.

EStudentLoan.com offers all kinds of information about financial aid and student loan sources.