Tuition & Financial Aid

What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their families’ financial situation. Thus, this makes a Christian Heritage education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.

How Does Variable Tuition Work?
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through twelfth-grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Christian Heritage School and they think they may qualify for the program. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year are also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at Christian Heritage.

An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for admission to the school.

It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to a third-party agency, FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition – by Independent School Management (ISM)).  FAST evaluates the application and makes a recommendation to the school’s finance office. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify directly from the school’s financial office.

Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.

Do I need to apply to Christian Heritage School for admissions to receive Variable Tuition?
Yes.

Upon completion of my Variable Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Typically within 3 weeks of providing all the required information to our confidential third-party service.

What is the cost to apply for Variable Tuition?
During the Open Enrollment portion of our Application Timeline the cost to apply for Variable Tuition is $45.

Should every new family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the top range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year; especially if their family income changes or another child begins private school or college.

Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to Christian Heritage School and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.

Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the top range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

I see that the Variable Tuition ranges don’t include a “multi-student discount.” Is there a multi-student discount?
Multiple students are one of the key factors in determining Variable Tuition. One of the important questions asked on the confidential Variable Tuition application relates to family size and number of students enrolled at CHS.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is less than our published range.

Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?

CHS uses a Continuous Enrollment Agreement.  The term of the agreement shall be in effect for the academic year in which the student is enrolled and shall renew automatically each successive academic year unless the CHS Finance Office receives a written notice of withdrawal for the following school year by February 28.

The overhead expenses of the school do not diminish with the departure of some students during the course of a year. Upon acceptance of a  Continuous Enrollment Agreement by CHS, parents become obligated to pay the tuition for the full academic year.  No portion of tuition paid or outstanding will be refunded or canceled in the event of absence, withdrawal or dismissal of a student. By signing the enrollment agreement, parents oblige themselves to pay, to the extent permitted by law, the school’s costs for enforcing the collection of tuition and fees including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and expenses.  Please refer to your enrollment agreement for more detailed information.