Weeks after the release of the controversial film “Won’t Back Down” the disdain that has been expressed regarding the current state of our country’s public education infrastructure is not new, yet it can be said that the film put an actual face to the parent that is struggling to provide the best education for their child. Fighting for an exceptional and challenging learning environment without the financial means is tantamount to fighting a battle with your hands tied behind your back, impossible and discouraging to say the least.

Providing a private primary and secondary education is an expensive feat that can fall in the range of $10K – $30K a year. Without a generous salary or handsome inheritance, a private education is just a dream for so many children and parents. Although not often advertised, there is financial need based assistance in the form of scholarships, grants and loans to assist parents in providing a private education for their children.

While no assistance program is totally free, there are many creative ways to fund a private elementary, middle and high school education, it just requires a little research and hard work on behalf of the parent and child.

• Start early. The application process can be long and competitive. Now would be the opportune time to begin looking for admission and assistance requirements for the 2013-2014 school year.
• Don’t assume there is no help available. Start with the financial aid office of the school you are interested in. Often there is private assistance that is offered independently of outside help and is only available to students within the school.
• Seek out resources. A Better Chance (www.abetterchance.org), Alliance for School Choice (www.allianceforschoolchoice.org), and Admissions Quest (www.admissionsquest.com) are great places to start.
• Check the Department of Education within your respective state to see if they offer private education assistance.

Have you been able to successfully obtain funding for your child to attend a private school?  We would love for you to share your experience and offer any other valuable tips.

Words By: Mimi Scarlett