Tuition Policy

Academic and Discipline Policies are listed in the Family Handbook. All tuition billing and payments are accepted with the understanding that all students must qualify each school year under the terms of these policies in order to be enrolled in school. Payment of tuition does not supersede adherence to our Academic and Discipline Code. Please read this section of the School Handbook for further detailed information. 

Eligibility for In-Parish Rate Scale 
Criteria to Qualify for In-Parish Rate Tuition Scale:
1.    Must be a registered worshipping member of St. Benedict Church. 
2.    Must contribute to St. Benedict Church, by use of the Sunday envelope collection system or WeShare, the recommended weekly amount of $10 ($520 annually). Contributions should be made weekly, but must be made at least once each month. 

Tuition Scale Placement Category:
Tuition scale placement is reviewed once a year. This review is administered only to those families who meet the criteria as registered members of the parish. Tuition Scale is based upon contributions/participation made between the first Sunday in May and the last Sunday in April. For example: Tuition for the 2018 -2019 School Year will be based upon participation/contributions made between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. 

Sunday envelope contributions and WeShare contributions for the last one year period will be totaled up and reviewed. If the contributions are not sufficient, or if they are not made on a timely basis, the family will not be eligible for an In-Parish Tuition Rate. 

The use of checks, placed inside a Sunday contribution envelope, or use of WeSahre rather than cash contributions is strongly recommended for record keeping purposes. Canceled checks or WeShare records are your only proof should a problem arise. 

Consideration will be given to families who transfer into our Parish from another Catholic Parish/Catholic School where they have been active parishioners. Their prior participation must be documented. 

Policies 
Registration Fees for New Children
All new registrations require a $250 non-refundable registration fee per family. The $250 registration fee will be refunded if the child is not accepted for enrollment. This registration fee is paid directly to the school at the time of application and is not credited to tuition. This registration fee is not part of the FACTS program. 

Tuition Deposit 
In March of each school year, families will be asked to submit a tuition deposit in the amount of $100 per family. This deposit will confirm the family’s enrollment for the upcoming school year. The $100 will be credited to the family’s tuition account. For example, $100 paid in March 2019 will confirm the family’s enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year. 

Withdrawal Policy
All unpaid balances must be paid prior to transfer. Enrollment in St. Benedict School is on an annual basis and represents a full school year commitment. Tuition is non refundable. 

No release of school information or records will occur if an unpaid balance exists. Additionally, any inquiry from another school will be denied and they will be informed that our school and staff members cannot furnish information because an unpaid balance exists. 

Returned Check Fee
All checks made out to the school for any purpose, returned by the bank unpaid for any reason, are charged an additional fee of $25.00 per returned check. This includes payments for tuition, application or registration fee, EDP fees, class trips, classroom events, library book events, school purchases, etc. Repayment of returned checks and fees must be made with cash, certified check or money order. 

Late Payments & Unpaid Balances
We anticipate that families will honor their commitment to make their Tuition Payment in a timely manner. If extenuating circumstances arise, we further anticipate that families will contact the School Office. In the event that a family’s commitment is not met, and pursuant to our fiduciary responsibility, we reserve the right to take appropriate measures. 

No child will be eligible to attend (transfer into) another Catholic Elementary School in the Trenton Diocese until all their financial obligations are met at the school they have been attending.

No student will be eligible to attend a Catholic High School until all their financial obligations are met at the school from which they are graduating. In the case of families with more than one student, the last student to graduate will not be eligible to attend a Catholic High School if the family has unmet financial obligations at the Catholic Elementary School from which they are graduating.

Financial Hardship
St. Benedict School strives to be accessible to all who seek to join with us in growing in the light of Christ. Any family who has concerns about their ability to meet their Tuition obligation should contact the School Office in confidence. St Benedict School has a small Financial Assistance Fund available. In order for a family to be considered for tuition assistance from that fund, they must first file an application for Diocesan Tuition Assistance. It is also strongly recommended that families participate in our SCRIP program. Information about our SCRIP program can be found on our website at www.stbenedictholmdel.org. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE information and application link can be found  on our school website. 

If you have any questions about this Policy and School Tuition please contact the School Office.