Tehiyah for middle-income families?
Hello out there! My husband and I make approximately $140-150k/year combined and have fallen in love with Tehiyah Jewish day school but not sure if we would even be considered for financial assistance. Sure, on paper we may appear financially capable of paying for their hefty tuition but sadly that's not our reality after taking all expenses (mortgage, bills, debt, etc.) into consideration. My husband is a little more pessimistic than I am and feels it wouldn't be worth our while even applying...feels we're nor here nor there on the eligibility list. I was hoping to hear quite the opposite from parents on here that may have received financial aid in the past or are familiar with their admissions process. And if so, what kind of help are we talking...20%? 50%? More? We are a non-jewish hispanic family (college-educated couple) - mostly driven by their excellence in academics and sense of community - who would be willing to have an active role in the school community. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Parent Replies
Definitely apply! I don't have direct experience with Tehiya, but my son attends another independent school in the Bay Area and receives significant financial aid (we pay 28%, are also Latino, and have an income sort of in your range). We applied to four schools, and they all offered him the same "package". At $140-150K, I think it is totally possible to receive aid. We worked with a consultant, who told us he had worked with families with incomes in the 400K range getting at least some aid, because sometimes family finances are not as liquid as they seem. The only thing you know for sure is that if you don't apply, you won't get any. Simple. During the application process, the schools will tell you what percent of their students receive aid. If it's low, then maybe they don't have much to give, but if it's 50%, for example, they probably have a pretty healthy fund set aside for that. In my experience, the schools understand how expensive it is to live in the Bay Area and do not expect you to beg, borrow, and steal in order to send your child to private school. At my son's school, I think the families appreciate that there is a mix of kids, including more middle-income like yours. anyway, I think I'm getting off point... The point is, it costs very little to apply (although it is a huge pain in the butt), and you have nothing to lose. Oh, one last thing: if your child is in 4th grade or higher, I suggest you apply to A Better Chance. They are experts at this, and they will guide you through it all for free. Good luck!
My grandchildren attend Tehiyah Day School and in my opinion (and I am a retired school teacher), it is (using your words) excellent in academics, offers a sense of community and is most welcoming. I think you should apply, discuss your finances, and I think you will find them open to compromise.