Q: What should parents do if they want to send their child to private school but don’t think they can afford it?
A: “Some families believe that their income is too high to qualify for financial assistance,” says Christina Townsend Hartz, director of admissions and financial aid at University School. “But at the same time, they don’t make enough to afford an independent school. They should not count themselves out. Families will sometimes take out loans, but I don’t actually think that’s a great idea. Instead, they should explore the options that the schools have to offer. Families that think they won’t qualify for need-based [aid] very well may qualify. It’s not about price shopping. Instead, it’s about finding the school that’s the best for your student, and then having a conversation about your means and what’s best for your family and how a school can work within your budget.”
Ask The Experts: How Can Middle-Income Parents Make It Easier To Afford Private Schools?
Christina Townsend Hartz, director of admissions and financial aid at University School, parents often qualify for financial aid even when they don't think they will.
