The Sentinel - Volume 8, Issue 22

Posted Wednesday, February 6, 2008

This week I wish to share with you important information related to the re-registration process, including the new tuition rates for 2008-2009, as well as the details of a new program by which all families are encouraged to share the success story of All Saints!

Enclosed in your oldest PK-7th grade son/daughter’s take home folder, please find the re-registration forms for 2008-2009. Parents are asked to complete all of the forms and return them to the office no later than February 20th. Since registration of new students will begin on February 13th, it is important that parents return the enclosed forms by the deadline in order to insure that a place is reserved for each child who will be returning in the fall.

(Please note: Registration of students new to All Saints, including siblings who will be eligible by age for Pre-Kindergarten, will begin next week. Separate forms related to this initial registration process will automatically be sent home to parents who have expressed interest in enrolling another child in our program.)

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What is the actual cost?...What is the actual value?

As a point of reference and to provide parents with an understanding of what it costs to educate a student at All Saints, again this year the "actual costs" have been included on the 08-09 fee schedule. Thanks to the generous support of the parish and PTO, tuition rates are $792.00 less per child than the true cost. (Essentially, parishioners are extended a "discount" and are asked to pay less than what it actually costs the school/parish to provide educational services. The parish is able to offer this discount with the understanding that those same families are contributing to and participating in the life of the parish on a regular basis.)

Tuition Rates ~ The Parish Finance Council and our Pastor, Fr. Cilinski, have approved a tuition increase of 5% for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten-8. (See chart included in the Re-registration packet.)

Parish Subsidy ~ With the ever-increasing cost of living in our region, we recognize the importance of making every effort to maintain tuition rates that are reasonable for families. This is only possible through the continued generosity of our parish which subsidizes the school each year. In addition to providing significant funding for the maintenance and utilities costs, the parish provides subsidy to the school in the amount of $240,000 per year.

PTO Tuition Reduction Fund ~ As announced at the beginning of the year, a portion of the proceeds raised by the PTO will be allocated to the school for the purpose of slowing the rate of tuition increase. For the upcoming year, the PTO will invest $40,000 in support of the daily operations of the school, reducing the tuition increase from 8% to 5%. Thank you to the many members of our community, who through their generous support of PTO initiatives, are helping to ensure that Catholic education remains affordable for the families of greater Manassas.

In a region that is noted for its high cost of living, the decision to enroll a child in a Catholic school requires commitment and sacrifice, yet it is an investment that pays enormous dividends! All Saints provides an educational experience that both develops minds and provides students with a moral compass guided by the teachings of Christ. This is an investment that is priceless, for it affects the lives of children now and forever. With an average cost of approximately $20.00 per day, less than the cost of babysitting or daycare, one might argue that it is also a tremendous bargain! Thank you for continuing to choose All Saints as an investment in your child’s future!