Handbook
Tuition & Fee Policies
The tuition setting process begins with the drafting of a working budget based on the strategic financial plan, ongoing financial demands, community priorities, projected enrollment and projected fundraising. This working draft budget is presented to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees by the Business Manager and Administrator. The Finance Committee reviews the proposed working budget and sets a recommended tuition amount for each level. The Finance Committee recommends a tuition amount for approval to the Board of Trustees at their December meeting. Parents are then informed of the new tuition level by letter.
Tuition, Supplies, Trips, AWSNA Dues
Parents receive invoices each July for the upcoming school year. Tuition, supplies, trip fees and AWSNA dues are billed at that time. Parents may choose from several payment options ranging from single payment to various installment plans. Specific information is included with the contract.
Other Fees Payment
All fees for programs such as Parent-Child, after school sports, music lessons, therapeutic Eurythmy, After Care, Rumble Club, etc., are invoiced separately from tuition. These invoices are due and payable upon receipt unless other arrangements have been made directly with the Business Office.
Tuition Assistance Policy
Families with children in Grades 1-12 only are eligible to apply for Tuition Assistance. Applications should be requested at the time of re-enrollment in January for the following school year. All applications are confidential and must be completed by the deadline stated with the Tuition Assistance applications. Both parents submit all financial information regardless of custodial agreements including but not limited to the prior year’s tax return.
Tuition & Fee Collection Policy
The Chicago Waldorf School will make every effort to come to an equitable resolution when a family is facing financial difficulties. If a tuition payment is missed, the Business Office will contact the parent(s) to discuss the situation and come to a payment solution. If a second payment is missed, the family will receive a similar call with the addition of a verbal warning that a third occurrence could result in financial suspension.
If a family is facing financial suspension, they will receive a financial suspension letter. The parent(s) will have two weeks (ten business days) from the date of the letter to respond and bring the account current. Failure to respond to the letter or failure to meet the conditions of an agreed upon payment plan will result in suspension.
If a resolution is not reached in a timely fashion and upon recommendation from the Business Office, the Administrator makes the final decision to expel a family for financial reasons. All unpaid tuition and fees will be pursued through collection.
Custody Agreements
A copy of the custody agreement regarding children of divorced couples must be on file with the Business Office.
Service Charge and/or Fees Policy
The Chicago Waldorf School reserves the right to apply reasonable service charges and/or fees when:
• Payments are returned or late
• End-of-day pick-up times are not observed
Withdrawing a Student
Parents must notify the Business Office, Director of Admission, Registrar and Class Teacher or Class Advisors of the Chicago Waldorf School in writing at least 30 days prior to withdrawing a student from school. Please see your contract for information pertaining to financial commitments to the school in the case of withdrawal.
Transcripts
Requests for transcripts or transfer documentation for all students should be directed to the Registrar.
Transcript & End of Year Report Release Policy
No official transcripts and/or year-end reports will be available until the Business Office verifies that a family is in good financial standing. Official High School transcripts will only be sent directly to the new school, program or institution a student will be attending. Parents may request, in writing, an unofficial copy of their student’s transcript for their own records.