4211 Hermitage Road
Richmond, VA 23227-3718
p: 804.266.2494
f:  804.264.3281
Questions And Answers About The Costs Of An Education At The New Community School

  • What is the tuition fee for a full year?
  • When are tuition payments due?
  • How can my child attend the school if I can't afford
         the full tuition?
  • How are currently enrolled students and their
         families meeting the cost of tuition?
  • What factors determine the annual tuition rate?
  • How are the school's tuition revenues and
         contributions used?
  • How can I start the financial aid process?
  • What is the timetable for financial aid application?
  • What if I have questions along the way?

    • What is the tuition fee for a full year?
    The tuition fees for the school year 2010-2011 are as follows:

  • Grades 6 to 8 = $23,900

  • Grades 9 to 10 = $24,500

  • Grades 11 to 12 = $25,100

    • When are tuition payments due?
    The following is a typical payment schedule, based on the enrollment agreement for Grades 6 to 8.

  • Enrollment Fee: Due with signed enrollment agreement by April 9th = $1,000

  • Installment #1: Due by June 1st = $5,000

  • Installment #2: Due by July 31st = $4,475

  • Installment #3: Due by October 31st = $4,475

  • Installment #4: Due by January 31st = $4,475

  • Installment #5: Due by March 31st = $4,475

    • Payments are expected on or before the due date. Modified payment schedules are available depending on need and are coordinated through the school's business office.

    How can my child attend the school if I can't afford the full tuition?
    Not all families are able to meet the full cost of tuition. A few alternatives are described here:

    1. Federal/State/Local Funds. Public school systems have placed students at The New Community School. In these instances the public schools pay all of the tuition costs. Occasionally the public school system initiates the placement process because it believes that it is not able to provide an appropriate program for the student. In other instances parents have gained placement for their child at New Community under Public Law through due process procedures developed by the Department of Education in Virginia.

    2. Financial Aid from The New Community School. The school's founders were committed to the idea that the school should serve all segments of the community. Although our funds are limited, we encourage parents to apply for assistance from the school after other sources of funding have been explored. We make every effort to see that a student is not denied attendance due to financial limitations. Financial aid is "need based" and usually partial in nature. Financial aid forms are available from the business office and should be submitted at the time of enrollment each year. Financial aid is awarded after careful and confidential review of the application.

    The earliest decisions on aid are usually made for returning students in May, later decisions are made in July and possibly August. Financial aid is limited and the school advises application as early as possible before the budgeted financial aid has been fully distributed.

    3. Scholarships and Loans. Education loans or scholarships from church related opportunities, community service organizations or philanthropic foundations may also be available to you. The school may suggest that you apply to some of these groups who give aid to individuals instead of schools.

    How are currently enrolled students and their families meeting the cost of tuition?
    Currently, 68% of our students are meeting the tuition need based on the typical enrollment agreement payment schedule, 6% are enrolled on a modified payment plan, 23% are receiving some portion of supplemental financial aid and 3% are attending the school under contract with their local public school systems.

    What factors determine the annual tuition rate?
    The cost of intensive remedial and special education is unavoidably expensive. It is driven by the need for a low pupil/teacher ratio, which is critical to successful individualized instruction. (The total ratio of students to teachers at TNCS is currently projected to be 4 to 1 for school year 2010-11 allowing for 2 - 4 students to one in LF classes and 6 - 8 in academic studies). When compared to other programs of its kind in the nation, the tuition is still low. In addition, the average tuition charged our students is $1,490 below the school's actual average operating cost per student. This means that, in addition to 2010-11 tuition revenues, we will need to raise over $463,000 in annual gifts or other income. The Board of Trustees, other volunteers, and groups like the Parents Association, and the Alumni Association work together to provide this difference through very active and essential fund raising efforts like the Annual Fund. In the present economy, our modest endowment is unable to support the school at past levels.

    How are the school's tuition revenues and contributions used?
    The school's expenses are well focused on the mission of the school. Expenses related to the education program and services comprise 76% of the total expenses. Additionally, 10% provide for general and administrative services, 8% for maintaining buildings and grounds, and 6% for other expenses including development costs.

    How can I start the financial aid process?
    The Financial Aid Committee does not act on applications for aid until after the Admissions Committee has made its decision. Upon acceptance, parents may, call the business office to request a financial aid packet. The financial aid packet includes: the TNCS financial aid form (gray) and the School Scholarship Service Parents Financial Statement form (PFS). Submit the gray form and the required IRS forms to the school's business office and submit the PFS form to the School Scholarship Service. You may complete and submit your PFS online at www.nais.org/go/sss.

    What is the timetable for financial aid application?
    The Financial Aid Committee does not act on an application until all of the following have occurred:

  • The Admissions Committee has determined that placement at TNCS is appropriate.

  • The business office has received the gray financial aid application plus copies of all requested IRS forms.

  • The business office has received the School Scholarship Service's PFS report regarding the amount of need. (This may take as long as three weeks from the time you submit your application to School Scholarship Service by mail. Online submission is usually processed within 72 hours.)

    • Funds are limited and the school advises application as early as possible. As soon as the Financial Aid Committee has acted, you will be notified of their decision.

    What if I have questions along the way?
    Contact the school's financial aid officer:
    L. Brooks Zerkel
    The New Community School
    4211 Hermitage Road
    Richmond, VA 23227
    804.266.2494
    FinancialAid@tncs.org
    Signs of Dyslexia

    • Poor oral reading skills, dislike of reading or low reading comprehension.

    • Poor spelling and handwriting.

    • Extreme disorganization and trouble following directions.

    • Difficulty with math and letter/number confusion.

    • Difficulty paying attention.

    • Increased emotionality.

    • Self-esteem problems.
    Directions to The New Community School

    From Williamsburg & Points East, take 64 West to 95 North (Washington/Baltimore).  (Do not take 295 to 95 North)  Get off at Exit 80 (Hermitage/Lakeside Avenue) and bear to your right to the stop light at Hermitage Road.  Turn left (Scottish Rite Temple will be on your right, directly across from our school).  Make a U-turn at first left (Princeton Rd.) to come back to the school – 4211 Hermitage Road.  

    From Washington & Points North, take interstate 95 South to Exit 78 (Boulevard).  Turn left at the Boulevard and proceed through the next intersection (after which the Boulevard becomes Hermitage Road).  Continue on Hermitage Road for approximately 1 mile, the school will be on your right – 4211 Hermitage Road.  

    From South of the James River via 95 North – Continue on 95 North (Washington D.C.) to exit 80 (Hermitage/Lakeside).  Bear to your right to the stop light at Hermitage Road.  Turn left (Scottish Rite Temple will be on your right, directly across from our school).  Make a U-turn at first left (Princeton Rd.) to come back to the school – 4211 Hermitage Road.

    From Charlottesville & Points West – Take 64 East to exit 187, 95 North (Washington D.C.).  Immediately get off on Exit 80 (Hermitage/Lakeside Avenue – exit 80 is the very first exit as soon as you get off ramp onto 95 North).  Bear to your right to the stop light at Hermitage Road.  Turn left (Scottish Rite Temple will be on your right, directly across from our school).  Make a U-turn at first left (Princeton Rd.) to come back to the school – 4211 Hermitage Road.

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