Is sending your child to private school a priority for you? If so, there are a number of factors you need to consider as you go through the process of choosing a private school. One of the elements that likely falls near the top of your list is cost. You will need to determine how much private schools in the Bay Area typically cost. When you have a basic understanding of the cost for a private school in this area, you can use that knowledge to compare the various options with price as one of the deciding factors.
Costs Vary Between Programs
The costs associated with a private school in the Bay Area will vary between programs. Some programs have an all-inclusive cost structure, while others break down costs based on the services you use each month or year. You may be able to get a price break on a private program by paying for the whole year in advance or find a program that allows you to pay tuition on a monthly or quarterly basis. There is not a single price that covers all scenarios. For a detailed breakdown of costs, you have to research each program you are considering.
Admission Costs
The first costs you are likely to encounter on your search for a private school in the Bay Area are admission costs. Some programs have application fees, assessment fees, material fees, registration fees, and enrollment fees. You may find that some fees are applied to the first month of tuition upon acceptance into the program. These fees can come as a surprise if you are not prepared for them as a possibility. Before you get too far into applying for any program, be sure and ask about upfront fees during the application process.
Tuition
Paying tuition is part of the deal if you want to put your child in private school. The monthly cost of tuition can vary significantly depending on the program. For example, kindergarten tuition at Fountainhead Montessori school currently is just over $1600 per month, and the rate varies based on the grade level. This cost is a real-world example, but to get actual numbers for monthly tuition, you need to look at the specifics of the program you are considering.
Before and Aftercare
Before and aftercare are services that many people need. Some private schools offer these services at an additional cost for students. It is worth noting that choosing before and aftercare at the school your child attends is convenient and often cost-effective. For example, at Fountainhead Montessori School, current tuition for kindergarten with complete access to before and aftercare (7 AM to 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM) is just under $1900 per month. When you compare that to the cost of tuition alone – just over $1600 per month – it makes before and aftercare a great deal. (Keep in mind that costs may change over time. Check directly with admissions for the most up-to-date pricing information.) Plus, consider the costs associated with before and aftercare so you can effectively calculate your costs.
Each private program in the Bay Area that you consider will have its own pricing structure and payment options. Do not be afraid to ask detailed financial questions of the admissions staff – they are there to help you make an informed decision!