Economic advantage should not determine the exercise of human potential. Unfortunately, it often does. This is not only unfair but also counter to the common good. The purpose of our Tuition Adjustment program is to make Waldorf education accessible to as many families as possible.
We recognize that economic obstacles to the free development of individual ability cause, in some measure, a loss to us all. Therefore, balanced with a strong sense of fiscal responsibility – not the least of which includes the health of the school, we see adjusted tuition contributions as an addition rather than a reduction in our income. Tuition adjustment is not a subsidy or a charitable act, but a conscious enrichment of our community by expanding the scope of our collective resources.
The school operates on set tuition system. This provides a stable financial base, which, coupled with grants, donations, and fundraising, comprises our operating budget. We have created the Tuition Adjustment program to accommodate those families who are not able to pay the published tuition rate. What a family/person pays reflects the best of what each has to offer to the community and all are strengthened as a result.
Tuition Adjustment Policy
The Cedar Valley Waldorf School will not turn away any school- aged child[1] for financial reasons. However we must balance this ideal with responsible planning and our desire to deliver the highest quality education possible. The school is committed to working with families to ensure access and find a financial arrangement that will benefit us all. The Tuition Adjustment process will be conducted confidentially. The only people made aware of application details are the TA committee and necessary school administration.
In cases of financial need, families may make an application to the school for tuition adjustment. This application is due at the time of enrolment (March 31 for returning families). Timely application is essential for the school’s planning. Budget decisions for the following school year are made in the spring, and the school requires an accurate financial picture. For this reason, late applications will only be considered under emergency circumstances and a $25 late fee will be charged.
Families will be expected to provide a detailed household budget and their most recent income tax assessment with their application. The application will be reviewed in confidence by the Tuition Adjustment Committee. One or more committee members will then meet with the family in person to determine the final adjustment amount. As a TA recipient, parents are given the opportunity to render volunteer services or goods which would serve to reduce the school’s expenses. The committee members will meet again with the families midterm (January or February) to review the arrangement and discuss any changes.
The Tuition Adjustment program is in its truest sense an expression of the community’s oneness. It opens up possibilities for creative solutions that can create more abundance for the school and builds a powerful sense of community. Most importantly and most obviously it brings the school its most treasured gift, the opportunity to educate children.
Application
If you choose to apply to the program based on financial need, the Tuition Adjustment application process allows us to review relevant information in order to help meet your request. Once your child(ren) are accepted into the school and you decide that your financial situation is such that you need an adjustment to the posted tuition, you are required to complete an Tuition Adjustment Application which can be accessed online or from the school office.
[1] School age is defined as being 5 years or older by December 31 on the school year they are applying.
