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private school questions and answers

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Q: What income threshold is there for private high school financial aid?
Our son is applying to private high schools in our city, which has a very high cost of living. The private school that he attends now has families who appear to be pretty well off who are receiving financial aid. Is there an income level above which you just shouldn't bother applying? The whole process is mystifying, but with high school tuition here nearing $30k per year, we feel like we need help even with our relatively high income.

A: Each school will be different on their need-based financial aid guidelines. It goes beyond income, the clearing house, or school, takes into consideration other issues, like illness paid out of pocket, elderly care, home equity, college tuition being paid for siblings. Also, some people appear to have more money than they actually have. If you're up over about $200,000 - 250,000 you might not bother applying unless you have unusual expenses, very large family, plus no home equity, no vacations, etc. Some schools will give limited financial aid above about $150,000 but typically only under unusual circumstances. (FYI; for Harvard, at $180,000 is where the need-based financial aid drops off in most circumstances, so you can imagine it would be less for most elem and high schools.) Financial aid isn't usually supposed to affect admissions, but right now, I don't know if that's as true as they'd like it to be...... So if you're really into the school, think you likely wouldn't qualify for aid, you might think twice before applying for financial aid. But, if that's the only way you can afford it, go for it. Call the financial-aid person and ask questions. They can't give you a definite answer, but maybe you'll learn something useful. Also, scour their website. This is going to be a tough year from what I've been hearing, especially in NY, where there are families not returning for next year to schools that usually have far too many qualified applicants. Usually in tough times schools prefer first to give aid first to those families who have been in the school and paid tuition in the past and who have fallen on hard times. Lower donations and bad investments means aid might be tighter. (I'm in LA and it seems applications are just as high as usual and families are staying in their schools.) Even the schools I've looked at with the biggest endowments make it very clear that they differentiate between necessary expenses and "lifestyle choices" and will not offer financial aid where they believe money could be spent for education and isn't. They say things like they expect you to sacrifice and will help you decide where you can cut back on expenses. I really wish there was more merit-based aid, it tends to be only at the Catholic schools in my area. After all, the kids with the top scores and grades and thus typically top college matriculation are often what makes the school desirable, yet many of those families don't qualify for aid, but the difference in income isn't that great when you really consider taxes, hours worked, and paying tuition! Believe me, I feel your pain! We're doing the high school applications now and tuition will likely be around $30,000 next year, which is more than K - 8. It's surreal, isn't it?

Q: What is the best Private Elementary School in Chicago?
I have a 2nd Grader, I am Looking to put her in a private school that will give her the best academic education she can have. I would enroll her next year of course when she goes into the 3rd grade. 1st I ask what is THE best, 2nd, what is THE best diverse private school, I don't want her to be the only minority child in the school. Thankyou people.

A: I'm sorry to say that I do not know any good private schools for such young kids. But I do recommend regional gifted centers when she reaches seventh or eighth grade. Whitney Young's seventh and eighth grade program is #1 in the state. And once she reaches high school I recommend selective enrollment schools like Northside, Walter Payton, and Whitney Young. The nice thing about these places is that you are typically surrounded by intelligent kids, more advanced classes, it is racially and culturally diverse, and you don't have to pay a cent for it. Keep in mind though, that usually the really good private schools require you to test and do really well academically to get in. Competition in the elite schools in Chicago is really intense, so its important that your child does well academically.

Q: How can I help my friend cancel this private school year plan?
Okay I have an atheist friend here who attends this private school Madison academy. (A super religious Christian private school) He wants to leave there so badly so he can attend my public school however, he asked his parents if he could leave but, they have told him they already signed him up for a yearly plan. The question here is how can he cancel this gay yearly plan thing? Note: He has not told his parents about his atheism due to fear of being ridiculed.

A: The private schools in my area have the parents sign a contract for the next year during the current school year. That way the school knows if they need more students for each grade for next year. Here, the contracts can be broken, but only until June. The schools are confident that they can get new students from their waitlist for the next year in June, but after that, it might get tough. So after June, the parent is stuck paying the whole year, whether the kid goes to the school or not. And they are serious about it! Most private schools have a hard time meeting all their expenses with tuition so it's important they fill their vacant spots. So... it seems from your post that his parents would end up having to pay a full year's tuition, which probably means your friend is SOL. Maybe next year?

Q: How do I know if my private school loan is upper or lower tier?
I was recently approved for a private student loan through Citibank. How do I know if the loan is upper or lower tier? I did receive the requested amount but on the school code for the loan it says; LTCA. Anyone know what that means? Please help, I really need the money to come to me and not be kept by the school. Thank you so much for your help.

A: Since you applied for the student loan at Citibank, the money is probably yours. The money will probably go to you and not the school. I couldnt find any info on the acronym and the tier stuff. Maybe you should ask the person at Citibank what that acronym is and you can ask them about the tier stuff too.

Q: What type pf schooling do you think is best for a child, Home School, Private School or Public school?
Some people would say if they had the money, their child would go to a private school, others may say that if you are home schooled that you are sheltered, others says that private school are the best because they think they are more discipline per day others says its the way you raise your child, the way they learn and the type of environment they are in. What do you guys think of all this?

A: Public School. There's nothing special about private schoold whatsoever. Yes, they cost a lot but look at the exam reusults. The one near my school did quite frankly, crap. Home schooling is a waste of time. The child will never be at the same level as the other children no matter how much training the parents do. They're basically ruining their child's future.

Q: How to get my parents to send me to a private school?
I really want to go to a Quaker School in the area. I don't have that many friends and my problem is that i come off snobby because i have so many clothes and so many are designer. I really want to go to private school where i'll fit in. What are some good things to say to my parents to get them to like private school? (money is not an issue, my parents love for me to go to school with a lot of jewish people)

A: I go to a Quaker school, and its great. Everyone is different and unique, but were all really great friends. Quakers believe in simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality — everyone is accepted, and in my opinion it's a much nicer environment compared to other schools. Tell your parents that you think you'd be a better student at a private or independent school, and that you feel you aren't doing the best you can at your current school. Hope this helped!!! Vote me best answer!! :D

Q: How do i get my son into a private elementary school?
My son will be entering elementary school next year and I am really interested in getting him into a private school. I don't know where to start. I also want to know if their are grants or loans available for these types of schools.

A: You get him in with $$$$$$$$$$$$$. Contact individual schools about their own special programs. They are separate from state funding and regulations so right now their aren't grants or loans for you to use unless your state has a voucher program. Contact the school and start early.

Q: How to convince parents not to pull me out of private school?
My parents are thinking of pulling me out of private school because it has gotten too expensive (supposedly). I have already established a solid network of friends there. My academics are doing great; I'm first in the grade. How can I convince them not to pull me out? Money shouldn't be such an issue either, since we're going on a big holiday in June.

A: Private school cost way more than a family vacation, so their concerns may be legitimate.

Q: Can a Private School not allow you to graduate early from high school even if you have all of the credits?
I want to graduate early from high school, a year to be exact, and im afraid that since I attend a private school that they can deny me the option to do so? Is that a likely outcome?

A: No, they cannot prevent you from graduating early. You need to sit down with your school's administrators and your parents and decide what the best option is for you. Not for the school or anyone else. They may decide not to issue you a diploma, but I'm pretty sure that a lawyer would agree that if you have completed all necessary components of the diploma, the school must graduate you early. Note: if your school has a "4 year policy" or the like, it is possible that they may require you to complete senior year, though this is unlikely.

Q: What are the differences between a private and a public school?
Does a child learn more things in a private school than they would at a public school?

A: well i know private schools teach at a faster pace. for example a 6th grader at a private school will be a bit more ahead of the 6th grader in public school. my daughter is in kindergarten in public school and she is learning to write in print.. my friends son is kindergarten in private school and learning to write in script.

Q: How much does a private High School teacher make a year?
I know that because some private schools dont require a teaching credential as well as the lack of funds for salaries that it is less than a public school teacher but i wanted to get a estimate.

A: It depends on what "Private" means. If it is religious they make as much as 5,000 less than the local public to start. High school may be a bit more in than primary "private" teachers. Still not on par with the public school teacher. Teacher do have to have credential if they expect to be paid as a teacher. Your location will determine your salary and the requirements you need or don't need,

Q: Does going to private school mean your automatically a prep?
I'm into the preppy look and all, but does going to private school mean your automatically a prep? I would say 99% girls are preppy.

A: no??? it just means you go to a private school you can be whatever you wanna be put you may have to wear a preppy uniform

Q: How do i find out how much a teacher makes at a private school?
Since private schools are nonprofit (at least the one I am wondering about is) they have to publish their financial details. How do i determine how much individual teachers make at that school? I am NOT asking about what teachers make. I know what they make. I also KNOW that teachers at this particular private school make MORE than public schools. My question is asking.... HOW do i determine what the teachers make? How do I get info about details relating to a non profit.

A: Why do you think it matters so much? I am sure that most teachers in private schools do not make more on average than public school teachers. One teacher I know who used to teach at a private high school made less than public school teachers.

Q: Should I go to public school or my Private school next year?
I have been going to this private school since I was in Pre school and I'm really confused.

A: Look at several factors -the quality of education -the character/quality of the people who go there - which will help with college admissions -cost of each This is a great time to rely on your parents to help you. This is a very hard decision for a teen to make. Best of luck, jana http://www.purehomeschooling.com

Q: What essays are there to write for UC applications and other private school applications?
I hear people saying that there's a question on the application that you can't work on before November 1st or other private school application dates, and then I hear other people saying that you should start the essay now. HELP.

A: The UC personal statement prompts for Fall 2008 application cycle is here: http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/apply/how_apply/personal_statement.html#fall08