Understanding Cornerstone Christian School Tuition and Financial Policies

Cornerstone Christian School (CCS) offers a Christian education centered on a biblical worldview and maintains K-12 accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Understanding the tuition structure and financial policies is an important part of the enrollment process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Cornerstone Christian School's tuition, what it covers, payment options, financial aid, and related policies.

What Tuition Covers and Excludes

Tuition at Cornerstone Christian School covers a range of operational costs essential for providing a quality educational environment.

Included in Tuition:

Teacher and administrative costs, including salaries and benefits.
Most standard textbooks.
On-campus technology needs.
Art supplies.
Maintenance of the campus.
Entrance for students to all CCS home games.

Not Included in Tuition:

Food.
Class supplies.
After-school care.
Yearbooks.
School pictures.
Some specialized workbooks or supplies.
Field trip expenses.
Extracurricular expenses ($500 per sport).

The lunchroom staff can assist with pre-paid accounts for supplies and food. A menu is provided in elementary student folders each week for the following week’s available items.

Payment Options and Deadlines

Cornerstone Christian School offers several payment options to accommodate different family budgets:

Payment in Full: Tuition can be paid in full by August 15.
Two-Payment Plan: Sixty percent (60%) of the tuition can be paid by August 15, with the remaining 40% due to FACTS by January 2.
Automatic Withdrawals: Tuition payments can be made to FACTS utilizing a 9-month monthly tuition payment plan. Payments are due on either the 15th or the last day of each month, from August through April, via Electronic Funds Transfer.

A minimum of ten percent (10%) of the total tuition cost is due by August 1, representing the August payment. All balances not paid by the first day of school are required to be set up on a payment plan (ACH) via FACTS beginning in September. There is a ten percent (10%) administration fee added for utilizing FACTS payment plans.

Discounts

The following discounts are applied to tuition balances (not previously discounted) if paid by the corresponding “Pay By” dates. Military discounts (active, retired, or disabled) of 10% are available with proper documentation. This cannot be combined with other discounts.

Financial Policies and Consequences of Delinquency

Cornerstone Christian School has specific financial policies in place to ensure the smooth operation of the school. The annual financial obligation is prorated on a quarterly basis for early withdrawal or expulsion. All fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of enrollment or acceptance, unless otherwise specified.

Any family contract canceled by FACTS renders the balance of the FACTS contract plus any fees due and payable immediately to CCA. Any account that is delinquent will result in suspension of students until the account is brought up to date at the discretion of the administration.

A $30 service charge will be assessed for each returned check. Late fees are applied as follows:

$25 for accounts 1-30 days overdue.
$45 for accounts 31-60 days overdue.
$65 for accounts 61-90 days overdue.

Tuition balances overdue by thirty (30) days or more may jeopardize continued enrollment. Students whose families do not pay the previous year’s tuition balance on or before the last day of school cannot re-enroll for the next school year.

Tuition Assistance

Cornerstone Christian School is committed to making Christian education accessible. Thanks to the generosity of donors, 100% of Cornerstone families receive tuition assistance. On average, families pay about $2,900 per year in tuition. With flexible payment plans available, the average monthly tuition bill can be around $240 per month.

As part of the enrollment process, families complete an application to determine eligibility for tuition assistance. Families are asked to submit the first two pages of their most recent 1040 tax forms to ensure a fair and accurate assessment.

Applications for tuition aid (available for only K-12 students) are processed through FACTS. (Pre-K tuition does not qualify for tuition aid.)

Additional Expenses

Besides tuition, families should be aware of other potential expenses:

Lunch Items: Available at CCS.
After School Care (ASC): May be offered if demand warrants, but it is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. ASC is $8.00 per hour or $240.00 for monthly access per student.

Admissions Process

Cornerstone Christian School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The admissions process strives to identify students who:

Are open to spiritual instruction.
Possess average to above-average abilities.
Are working within a range appropriate with grade placement.
Yield to correction and discipline according to scriptural principles.
Desire to attend Cornerstone Christian School.

Admissions also considers parents who:

Desire to have their children trained in accordance with the school’s Statement of Faith.
Will enter into a supportive partnership with the administration, faculty, and staff.
Are faithful in meeting their commitments to the school.

Through the testing of students entering Grades 1-12, CCS can ensure that the program is a great fit.

Accreditation and Christian Education

Since 1981, Cornerstone has partnered with families in providing a Christian education centered on a biblical worldview. Cornerstone maintains K-12 accreditation by two organizations, with the leading agency being the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). The Connecticut State Department of Education recognizes ACSI as an approved accrediting agency. Cornerstone teachers actively maintain ACSI teacher certification.

The partnership with ACSI provides the ability to join other, like-minded Christian schools for various events and competitions.

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