How to Afford Private School

If you're wondering how to afford private school, chances are, you've decided that the public school system is not right for your child. Once you have decided this, it is difficult not to do something about it. Unfortunately, affording private school can be difficult for many of us. Below are some ideas on how private school can be workable for the average family.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. To afford private school, the first thing you should do is investigate scholarships that are available at the private schools that you are interested in. Almost all schools have them, it is a matter of filling out paperwork and waiting for a response.

2. Private schools also may offer reduced tuition, or tuition on a sliding scales, dependent on your family's income. All schools do not offer this, but it never hurts to ask.

3. See if the private school will barter with you for services that you can provide, such as teaching a class, doing maintenance, etc. You may be able to get a reduced rate this way.

4. To afford private school, look at your budget and see exactly how much you lack. Then set a goal to make up that amount every month. When my son was in private school, I taught adult education classes twice a week to make up the difference.

5. Of course, you may be able to afford private school by subtracting other things from your budget. Get rid of the second car and its insurance, the cell phones, the cable and anything else you can think of.

Tips & Warnings

• You can usually find a way to afford just about anything if you get creative enough! Never be afraid to ask what you can do in order to get exactly what you want.
• Some private schools are no better than public schools and are a complete waste of money. Do extensive research before forking over the dough.

Resources

• Homeschooling