Are you wondering how you can pay for tuition at an independent school like Wye River Upper School?
Our school was founded on the premise that we are ALL neuro-diverse learners, meaning that we all learn differently, and that’s okay. However, some students face challenges in a typical school setting and benefit from a smaller learning environment like Wye River Upper School. Typically, a more intimate setting comes at a price, often one that families struggle to afford. Rest assured that there are ways - besides financial aid - families can pay for their child’s educational investment, including 529 plans and other savings vehicles that are typically used for college purposes.
Most people are unaware that funds in a 529 savings plan can be used to pay for K-12 tuition expenses up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary for enrollment at an elementary or secondary public, private, or religious school (excluding homeschooling) and 529 savings plans are open to all individuals, regardless of income level. Maris Beigel, an Annapolis-based Certified Financial Planner ™ Professional, stresses that the strategies behind education savings plans vary; however, the best savings plans offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay for qualified education expenses. He says the key to choosing a savings vehicle is one that offers you the best combination of tax advantages, financial aid benefits, and flexibility while meeting your overall investment needs.
Savings plans aren’t the only choices for financing a student’s education. Other savings plans, scholarships, and loans can supplement them. Be creative when it comes to paying for tuition by considering these additional options:
Make monthly payments. Many independent schools, including Wye River Upper School, offer several payment plans to accommodate a family’s budget.
Find a sponsor or ask a loved one to help. Many families will ask someone close to them to help pay for tuition.
Consider a loan. Student loan providers, banks, and credit unions provide affordable repayment structures and extended terms allow parents to put the quality of education first by financing the total cost of private school over time.
Check into state vouchers. These often are written so that children who have special needs can benefit from private school education. The voucher programs vary from state to state, so research carefully and thoroughly.
No child should be denied the gift of an independent school experience because of financial hardship. Contact our admissions department today to discuss financial aid options.
Resources
The Education Hub, “Neurodiversity: An Overview”
Maryland 529, “Save for K-12 Education with a 529”
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