Father Lopez Catholic High School
2010/2011 Tuition FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the tuition and registration fee for the 2010/2011 school year?
The tuition for the coming year is as follows:
Non-Catholics - $10,000
Catholics - $9,300
The registration fee is $350 for 1 student and $500 for 2 or more students in the same family.Students applying for financial assistance must register by March 31.Students not seeking financial assistance must register by April 16th.The registration fee increases to $425/$575 after April 16th.
Why is tuition going up in these tough economic times?
We recognize that times are difficult, but we have two things working against us.First, there still exists a large gap between the true cost of education ($12,500 per student) at Father Lopez and the actual tuition cost ($10,000/$9,300 per student).We must continue to narrow the gap between these two if we expect to remain viable for years to come.Second, we have done our best to hold down expenses, but we cannot control everything.Salaries were frozen in 2009/2010 and most likely will be frozen again or increase only slightly in 2010/2011.Still, costs continue to rise in health insurance, property insurance, utilities, fuel, and many other items needed to run the school.All these play a part in the cost of education.
Why does it cost so much to educate a student at Father Lopez?
Unlike public schools, Father Lopez does not receive any funding from federal, state, or local sources other than contributions from the local community.Unfortunately, the economy has also impacted the private sectors ability to contribute and has reduced the earnings on currently established endowments.The Orlando Diocese, however, has continued to contribute more than $600,000 per year to cover the gap between the true cost of education and the actual tuition cost.That equates to more than $2,500 per student.
In years past, if our family income was less than $75,000 we received a $1,000 discount.If our family income was less than $100,000 we received a $600 discount.Where did that money go?
That money will still be available within the total funds available for financial assistance.If your family financial situation remains unchanged, you will still be eligible for those discounts.The process for requesting those discounts has changed, however, and requires all those requiring financial assistance to follow the same procedures.
What are the procedures for requesting financial assistance?
First, all families seeking financial assistance must register their child(ren) and pay registration fees no later than March 31.In addition to registration, all families seeking financial assistance must complete a SMART application (paper or online at www.smartuitionaid.com).It is imperative that this be completed by the March 31 deadline in order to be considered for financial assistance during the initial review process.The majority of funds will be distributed to those requests received by the March 31 deadline.
How much money is available in financial assistance for the 2010/2011 school year?
In 2009/2010 there was approximately $600,000 granted in financial assistance.This was distributed in varying degrees to almost half of the student body.For the coming school year, financial assistance is budgeted to be less.We do not expect this to materially impact those families with students currently attending Lopez.The prioritization of distribution of these funds is first and foremost to protect the current students.
Who decides how financial assistance is allocated?
Where this responsibility was held by the Principal in years past, the Board of Trustees has now created a committee of five to review all applications and approve all financial assistance.No one person has the authority to grant or approve financial assistance individually.Although the committee members are anonymous to protect confidentiality, the Principal still serves as a member of that committee.Therefore, for those wishing to discuss extenuating circumstances in person, the Principal will be available to act as a pipeline to the committee.Keep in mind, however, that the Principal cannot grant any funds outside of the committee.
What if I can't get my registration and SMART application completed by March 31; can I still receive financial assistance?
Although the majority of financial assistance will be committed to those meeting the March 31 deadline, a small portion of funds will be held for late requests.These funds will be allocated on a first-come first-serve basis until all funds are exhausted.
When can I expect to hear if I've been approved for financial assistance and for how much?
We expect to notify all those who have met the March 31 deadline by the first week of May. All others will be notified as soon as possible following their requests.Keep in mind that it takes up to three weeks for the SMART applications to be processed and sent to Father Lopez.
What if I require more than what was offered in May; can I request more?
Requests for additional financial assistance should be communicated to the Principal to forward to the review committee.
What if I can't pay my registration fee by March 31?
The registration fee will increase to $425/$575 after the conclusion of general registration on April 16th, and your request for financial assistance may be deferred to a future review cycle, possibly reducing the potential award.
