Fulton Science Academy: Tuition, Financial Aid, and Educational Value

Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSA), located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is a STEM-certified, accredited institution serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education and its commitment to gifted learners, FSA offers a unique and challenging academic environment. This article delves into the tuition structure, financial aid opportunities, and overall educational value proposition of Fulton Science Academy.

Tuition and Payment Options

Understanding the financial commitment associated with private education is crucial for families considering FSA. Tuition and fees may vary depending on the grade level and other factors. It's important to note that tuition and fees may have changed for the current school year.

Payment Plans for Current Families

Current families have specific deadlines and options for tuition payments:

Re-enrollment Deposit: A $3,000 re-enrollment tuition deposit is due by February 5th.
Full Payment Option: The remaining tuition balance can be paid in full by March 5th.
Installment Option: Alternatively, families can opt for an installment plan where the remaining tuition is divided into 9 payments, due from May 5th to January 5th. Note that a $500 fee is added to the tuition for choosing the installment option.

Payment Plans for New Families

New families also have two options for paying the remaining tuition:

Re-enrollment Deposit: A $3,000 re-enrollment tuition deposit is to be paid within 10 days of receiving the acceptance letter.
Full Payment Option: Full payment of remaining tuition by the 5th day of next month
Installment Option: The remaining tuition is divided into 9 payments from May 5 to January 5.

Financial Aid Opportunities

FSA recognizes that the cost of private education can be a significant investment. To make its programs accessible to a wider range of families, FSA offers financial aid through the Apogee Scholarship Program, which is a State Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

Eligibility Requirements

Several criteria must be met to be considered for financial assistance:

Prior Georgia Public School Attendance: Students must have previously attended a Georgia Public School immediately prior to attending FSA.
Admission and Acceptance: New students must meet all admission criteria and receive an official admission notification of acceptance before applying for financial assistance.
Financial Need: Financial assistance is solely based on demonstrated financial need.
Parental Responsibility: FSA considers tuition the responsibility of both parents. Therefore, both parents must complete a Financial Aid application and provide the required documents.

Application Process

The financial aid application process involves several key steps:

Online Application: The FSAPS Financial Aid Application must be completed online through Blackbaud Financial Aid.
Required Documentation: All necessary tax records and supplemental documentation, as indicated in the FSAPS Financial Aid Application, must be provided to Blackbaud Financial Aid.
Application Submission: Completing the financial assistance application does not guarantee that assistance will be available or granted.

Award Determination

The Financial Assistance Committee plays a crucial role in determining award recipients and amounts:

Committee Review: The Financial Aid Committee convenes in mid-April to review the requests and determine if a financial assistance award will be granted and the award amount.
Factors Considered: The committee determines the award amount based on available funds, the number of applicants requesting assistance, and the need demonstrated by the applicant's family.
Award Range: ASP financial assistance awards can range from $1 to a maximum award of $12,140 tuition assistance per year per student through the ASP funds. The award cap is adjusted each year by the state of Georgia.
Application of Award: Any award amount will be applied to the tuition for the academic year it is awarded, and the remaining tuition due will be divided into monthly payments from May to January.
Annual Re-application: ASP recipients must re-apply each year and prove eligibility to receive financial assistance through financial aid application and tax record evaluations.

Communication Protocol

To ensure a fair and unbiased process, a specific communication protocol is in place:

The FSAPS admission office distributes, processes, and maintains the records for all financial assistance materials.
Communication between the applicant's family and other FSAPS staff regarding financial assistance awards is prohibited.

Academics and Educational Philosophy

Fulton Science Academy is distinguished by its commitment to providing a rigorous and engaging academic experience, with a strong emphasis on STEAM disciplines.

STEAM Focus

FSA's curriculum is designed to foster a "Yearn to Learn" culture, where students embrace curiosity, creativity, and excellence through a dynamic STEAM curriculum. The school boasts award-winning STEAM labs that provide students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Gifted Education

FSA is particularly well-regarded for its programs tailored to meet the needs of advanced and gifted students. The school's elementary program is specifically designed to provide these students with the tools and opportunities to become successful learners.

College Preparation

FSA's high school program is a premier college preparatory institution committed to providing students with a world-class education. The school offers a wide range of Honors and AP courses, allowing students to challenge themselves and prepare for the rigors of college coursework. FSA also has a high college acceptance rate, with a significant percentage of graduates gaining acceptance to top universities.

I CARE Values

At the heart of FSA's educational philosophy is a commitment to the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Curiosity, Advocacy, Resilience, and Empathy. These values are integrated into all aspects of the school's culture and curriculum, shaping students into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead with compassion and make a positive impact on the world.

Integrity: Encourages ethical behavior, cultivates positive values, and empowers students to make responsible decisions.
Curiosity: Fosters openness to new ideas and perspectives, fueling discovery through exploration, collaboration, and deeper understanding.
Advocacy: Promotes active engagement in communities, demonstrates support for humanity, and values service in pursuit of a more equitable world.
Resiliency: Strengthens students’ ability to persevere through adversity, view challenges as learning opportunities, and adapt to change.
Empathy: Builds trusting and caring relationships, increases the capacity to learn from one another, and ensures every member of the school community feels supported and valued.

Extracurricular Activities and Enrichment

FSA offers a wide array of extracurricular activities and enrichment opportunities to complement its academic program.

Clubs and Teams

With over 150 student clubs and academic teams, FSA provides students with ample opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents, and build valuable skills. These clubs and teams cover a diverse range of areas, including:

Robotics
Chess
Destination Imagination
Science Olympiad
Math competitions
Video editing
And many more

Sports

FSA offers 14 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, E-sports, Fencing, Flag Football, Golf, Indoor Soccer, Martial Arts, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting.

Student Research Journal

Scripta is a student-led and peer-reviewed journal showcasing the work of talented FSA students. This publication provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in rigorous academic research and scholarly review, gaining meaningful experience that prepares them for college-level scientific and mathematical inquiry.

Admission Information

Tours

Tours of FSA are available both in person and online from mid-September through mid-February. On-campus tours are offered multiple times per week, while virtual tours are generally offered bi-weekly or monthly, depending on need. Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.

Admissions Tests

FSA uses MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) as its primary test for applicants applying for grades 1-12. The test is offered on campus and remotely multiple times per month from November through mid-February. Prospective students applying for grades 1-5 must take the test on campus unless they currently live out of state. Applicants applying for grades 6 through 12 may take the test in person or remotely. FSA will also accept SSAT, ISEE, PSAT, SAT, Pre-ACT, and ACT tests in lieu of MAP testing.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate of Fulton Science Academy Private School is 20%, which is lower than the national average of 79%.

Community and Culture

FSA prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community and a caring, supportive environment.

Parent Involvement

FSA boasts an outpouring of parent involvement. The parent community provides invaluable help and support, contributing to the success of the school's programs and initiatives.

Diversity

The school enrollment reflects a global perspective, where children of many different backgrounds work and learn together in peace and understanding.

Testimonials

Parents, students, and staff consistently praise FSA for its welcoming atmosphere, dedicated teachers, rigorous curriculum, and supportive community. Many highlight the school's ability to challenge students academically while also nurturing their personal growth and development.

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