Affording Private School
The cost of attending private schools can be intimidating. While you will get the largest chunk of your financial aid award from the school itself, there are some other forms of tuition assistance available.
All of these involve paperwork, deadlines, and a little bit of luck, as many scholarship organizations use a lottery system to ensure fairness. Some scholarships come from organizations or foundations with specific missions. Still, there is no harm in applying, and the reward can make a big difference in your ability to meet tuition obligations.
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia - K-8th grade scholarships awarded to qualifying families through a random lottery. Families must live in the city of Philadelphia, have a child entering K-8th grade the following year, and meet income guidelines. The priority deadline to apply is November 15, and applications will be accepted through March 1.
Other Resources
Pennsylvania Family Institute Family Choice Scholarship Program - This organization gives preference to students living in low-income households with two married parents. There are stringent income and geographical/residential requirements for this scholarship.
Philadelphia Foundation Community Scholarship Fund - K-8th grade scholarships up to $400 per year. Some scholarships administered by this foundation are restricted to particular schools or neighborhoods, but others have a broad reach.
Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools (BLOCS) - Scholarships for families applying to private Catholic and Archdiocesan schools in the Philadelphia area.