You can afford a Catholic Education

Our Catholic Community desires to make the true teachings of Christ available to every family through Catholic Schools.  There are no substitutes for Catholic schools as the teachings set forth by sacred Bible and Catholic traditions are woven into the fabric of the entire curriculum.  The entire Catholic community encourages parents to consider our Catholic schools as their first choice in education.  To facilitate this, our supporting parishes in partnership with business and private donors, annually reduce your tuition investment and support your decision to seek a Catholic education.

Tuition Assistance

Many families receive tuition assistance to make Catholic school education more affordable and there are several tuition assistance programs. The first step is making an appointment with the school principal to discuss your situation and the options.

Tuition Assistance Guidelines

Catholic schools offer tuition assistance based on financial need. Some schools offer academic-based scholarships as well, so it’s important to contact the schools you are interested in attending for their guidelines.  When a family with financial need has the desire of sending its child(ren) to Catholic school, and a willingness to participate in a school and parish life is present, there are several forms of financial aid available. 

Some of the aid available:

FACE Grant Oakland - (Family Aid-Catholic Education)
Catholic schools have a long history of serving demographically disadvantaged families and a tradition of results.  Catholic schools provide opportunities for success that transcend the barriers of poverty.  

The BASIC Fund - (Bay Area Scholarships for Inner-City Children)
Individual School Grants – (check with principal for details)

FAQs

What is the source of the funds available through the Program?
Tuition Awards are funded through generous donations of individuals, foundations and corporations who appreciate the value of a Catholic school education and want to help families who cannot afford the full tuition bill.

Who is eligible to receive assistance and do I need to be Catholic?
Please see your school principal for the guidelines. In general, families must demonstrate need for tuition assistance and agree to make partial tuition payments. Awards are made without regard to ethnic background, religious affiliation or gender.

How are applications evaluated?
The first step is seeking guidance from your school principal. The principal understands your family’s needs and how best to apply for tuition support. Awards are made based on (a) financial need, (b) the principal's recommendation, (c) your pastor’s recommendation, and (d) other individuals and foundations who fund scholarships.

Does my child need to have perfect grades to qualify?
NO, tuition awards are based on financial need and the principal’s recommendation. Some Catholic schools provide academic scholarships based on achievements, but tuition assistance programs are designed to help families keep their children in Catholic schools to learn in a faith-filled, safe, values-based and rigorous environment. Today, 98% of students receiving tuition support are graduating from high school in four years and 98% of those graduates are going on to colleges and universities.

Do I have to apply for an award every year?
YES. Families must apply each year to be considered for an award since awards are based on criteria that could change from year-to-year, such as funding availability and family income.