Camellia Waldorf School

Camellia Waldorf School
Tuition Adjustment Committee
Philosophy and Policy Statement
February 2003

PHILOSOPHY

Camellia Waldorf School (CWS) is committed to a tuition program that helps families meet their commitment to a Waldorf education. This includes tuition adjustments and sibling discounts. At the same time, it is the position of the School that the primary responsibility of financing a child's education rests with the family, and we expect families to make this education a first priority in the budgeting of their financial resources.

Because CWS has no endowments, the only mechanism it has for tuition assistance is to reduce a family's tuition annually on the basis of need, carefully weighing that family's capacity to pay against the capacity of all other financial-aid applicants. Each year the Board sets a guideline for the reductions available. Our first priority is to meet the needs of returning families. Or next priority is for new children in the grades, followed by incoming Kindergarten families. To be fair to all children and families in the School, the Tuition Adjustment Committee (TAC) must be consistent and equitable in assessing each family's ability to pay tuition.

Kinds of Assistance

The Board offers two ways for families in financial need to receive assistance. First, the TAC is charged with distributing a set amount of school monies in a fair and equitable way to families who request reductions. Presently, 1/4 of the families apply for adjustments.

Second, it offers a sibling discount for families with more than one child in the School. Currently, this equals a 25% reduction for second child and and 50% for the third and subsequent children from the same family (excluding the Parent/Tot programs).

The range of tuition adjustments given generally falls between 5% and 50% of the total tuition costs for an individual family. The TAC may, under unusual hardship conditions, provide reductions beyond this amount.

Responsibility of the Tuition Adjustment Committee

As a Committee of the Board, the TAC evaluates the means and need of families requesting tuition adjustments and provides adjustments accordingly. The TAC bases its assessments on financial information provided by the families. The Committee then offers financial help based on this information while keeping within budgetary allowances. Given the on-going needs within our community, this is a very difficult task.

Responsibility of Families

The School is not in a financial position to support lifestyle choices that have negative impact on a family's ability to pay tuition. Out of respect for the School's financial health and for families for whom it is a financial sacrifice to send their children to the School, the Board expects that parents will look beyond the School's resources for assistance in paying tuition. For instance, some take additional jobs to earn more income, while others receive help from grandparents or take bank loans. However, when a family has exhausted these channels, they should apply for a tuition adjustment through the Committee.

In keeping with this, the TAC expects that families in need report changes in their financial status. If more assistance is needed and money is available, the TAC will consider increasing the grant. If a family's situation improves, the Committee expects the family to forego their award out of fairness to others whose need is greater.

Timeline for applying

An applicant family's award will be jeopardized if their completed forms are not received by the TAC in advance of the grants meetings.

Documentation for Divorced or Separated Families

Tuition adjustment is determined by a family's ability to meet educational expenses. In general, it is the position of this School that divorced or separated parents retain the obligation to contribute to the education of their children whether or not there is a legal agreement between them to do so. The School requests that both natural parents should provide financial information each year. In addition, if the custodial parent has remarried, the step-parent's financial information also should be provided. All parties responsible for tuition payment are requested to sign all documents. If requested information is not provided or available, the custodial parent must provide a written explanation.

Additional Information

There may be times when a family feels that their financial statements do not give a complete picture of the family's circumstances. This is often true in cases of separation and divorce or when job situations change. In these cases, families should include a written explanation of their circumstances with the application.

Adjustments to Financial Statements

Occasionally a family receives housing, services (food, automobile, electricity, etc.) or other assistance in lieu of income. In these cases an estimated value of such will be added to the families' income for determining eligibility for adjustment.

Change in Finances Mid-Year

A family who experiences an unfortunate change in its economic situation after its award has been granted may apply to the committee in writing through the Administrator for more adjustment. Those families who experience a significant improvement in their economic situation should notify the Committee through the Administrator so that it may determine if adjustment should be adjusted.

Outstanding Balances

The TAC will determine the amount of assistance with the understanding that it will not be issued until any outstanding balance with CWS has been settled or arrangements for payment have been officially made with the office.

Appeals

All appeals of the amounts awarded should be made to the TAC in writing through the office. An interview may be arranged by the TAC to fully understand the family's financial situation, including personal and lifestyle choices.

Exceptions to TAC Guidelines

The TAC recognizes that there are exceptions to every policy. When extenuating circumstances occur, the Committee will review the need to adjust certain policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who and when should I ask about tuition adjustments?

   Administrator Meredith Johanson is available during the school day to help you. If your children are currently enrolled, you should ask for the application form for the coming year in February. If you are new and making application, ask for information when you are in the office. Be sure to ask for the application deadlines.

2. How do I begin the tuition adjustment process?

   Obtain a copy of the application form from the office. Complete and return this by March 14. Include a copy of the prior year's W-2, or your year-end pay-stub, AND 2002 IRS form1040.

3. What information does the Committee use to determine an estimated family contribution?

   A number of factors are considered-taxable and nontaxable income; assets including home equity, other real estate, savings; liabilities; family size; age of parents; number of children attending independent schools and colleges.

Tuition Adjustment Committee Membership

The Committee shall have 3-7 members. Members can be drawn from the faculty, staff, and the parents of current students or alumni of the School. All members pledge confidentiality in reviewing all applications for tuition adjustments.

Camellia Waldorf School is nonsectarian and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or national or ethnic origin in its educational, administrative, admission and school program.

Current (February 2003) committee members: James Meier, Dee Tollefson, Meredith Johanson