Affording a Christian School Education: Financial Assistance – Is It Available and Who/How Do I Ask?

John Fedele – National Director, DiscoverChristianSchools.com

As national director, one of the more frequent questions I receive from parents is “how can we receive financial assistance or aid to send our children to a Christian school.” This is an important consideration for many families as they look at the expense of a Christian school education in light of current economic conditions, rising prices, and especially if they want to enroll more than one child.

Let me first say that most Christian schools today offer some kind of financial assistance or financial aid program. Schools also may have multiple child discounts for families with more than one child. Each school is different, so a parent needs to inquire about financial assistance with each Christian school. Check with the admissions officer and if necessary speak to the administrator. I want to emphasize “needs to ask.”
In my experience as an Administrator and Development Director I have come across numerous parents who were either hesitant or did not ask because of not wanting to be viewed as needing financial assistance, or were simply “embarrassed” at the thought of asking. The purpose of a financial aid program is to assist parents, so why not inquire to see if you are eligible or even qualify?
Secondly, I have found that family members, (grandparents, in-laws, etc.) are many times looking for opportunities to bless someone in their immediate family. What can be more wonderful than helping a grandchild, nephew, niece or loved one receive a Christian education? It provides an opportunity to invest in the life of someone they truly love and care about. Your family members could be a great resource.

Thirdly, your church may have a scholarship fund or a program to assist parents who desire to educate their children in a Christian school. Don’t overlook your local church as a potential avenue of financial assistance.

In conclusion, I encourage parents to take these steps:

1. Inquire at the Christian school about their financial assistance or scholarship programs. Ask the person in charge of admissions or the school administrator.
2. Don’t rule out family members who may be able and wanting to assist you.
3. Inquire at your local church about existing financial assistance programs or ministries.
4. Get over any hesitancy or embarrassment on your part in asking, if you don’t ask, you may never be the recipient of a blessing!

Finally, make known your need to the Lord. Pray that He will supply the needed funding through his miracle power or through someone, He will!!