Expert: Michael Wall Date: 4/29/2008 Subject: Expelling Child for non payment of tuition
Question With abour five weeks left in the school year I was brought into the business office of the private school my daughter is attending and told (with my 10 yr old daughter in the room) that she will not be allowed back in school unless I pay the remainder of the tuition due. Is this legal? My daughter is already on scholarship and we do not make much money so the 6k is an extreme burden. We will not be attending this institution next year but it seems extrodinary to threaten a child like that.
Answer Peter,
While I do not have personal experience with your situation (I was not in a financial position when I worked in Private Education), I have some thoughts for you. I can tell you now, though, that some of them may not make you pleased to read them.
No matter what happens, I do hope that you will communicate to the head of school the behavior of the person who confronted you in front of your child. While I know the need for financial responsibility on the part of the comptroller, no financial problem needs to be discussed in front of the student, especially at that age.
That said, one of the core differences between private and public education is that private education is not a right. It is based solely on a contract between the school and the family. I know it must be difficult to read that; it does seem cold given the import of education to the future of each student. But, given that a private school cannot survive without meeting its financial expectations, I do see the point that services (classes, diplomas, etc) cannot be offered if not paid for by the family.
I understand all about issues of affordability, and private schools are not inexpensive. That said, if your portion of the tuition is six thousand dollars, you have three choices, as I see it. Pay it if you are able. Ask for a reduction of your portion if it is warranted by your income and expenses as determined by the school), or lastly, if you are not satisfied with their terms, to take your child to another school. I do not know of another choice or option. If you knew ahead of time that the year would cost $6,000, any changes in your ability or intention to pay would need to be immediately reported to the school so that they can determine if they are able to do anything to change your required portion. As with the crisis of mortgages and foreclosures, those who were tricked may not be liable, but those who agreed to the terms are responsible to meet the terms of that agreement.
I would ask for extended terms to pay the debt, perhaps coming to them with exact monthly terms they can expect and for how long. It is only fair to the school, and hopefully they will see a way to treat you and your child in a fair and compassionate way.
