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| | | When the needs of a child or a family cannot be met through a traditional public elementary school, there are a variety of private options available. Whether nonsectarian or religious, each focuses on an individual teaching style with emphasis placed on any combination of sciences, reading development or the arts. Rates for each school are reflected by location and demand. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Public schools are funded through federal, state and local sources. While there is no charge for tuition, some school districts charge small fees for sports or specialty classes which vary by school.
- Private school tuition for first and third grade students averaged $14,050 in 2006-2007, according to a member survey of by the National Association of Independent Schools. Grades sixth and eighth averaged about $15,700. The NAIS represents about 1,300 of the nation's 28,000 private institutions.
- Nonsectarian school tuition averaged $12,169 per year during 2003-2004, according to the Digest of Education Statistics prepared by the National Center for Education Statistics. Costs at some of the more expensive schools run closer to $30,000.
- The average elementary school tuition at parochial schools was $2,607 in 2006-2007, according to the annual data report compiled by the National Catholic Educational Association. At
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| What should be included: | - Some schools include snacks or lunch in the tuition payment.
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| Additional costs: | - Extended day care past the normal 8a.m.-3p.m. school day starts around $5 per hour.
- Uniforms are required at a number of schools and cost about $150 for a school week's worth of clothing.
- Each school will have specific fundraising or volunteer-hour requirements.
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| Discounts: | - Subsidized parishioner rates may be available at religious schools.
- Many schools have discounts for multiple children from the same family.
- Parentcenter.com offers tips on finding financial aid.
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| Shopping for elementary school: | |
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Article updated July 2008 |
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