Looking for Ways to Send My Kids to Dallas Christian School

Wow -- what negative responses you have received. Don't listen to them. All goals are achievable with the right determination and sacrifice. My mother was a single mother and she put me through catholic 7-12 grades. And my inlaws put 3 kids through k-12 private school – and trust me none of those people made very much money. And there were lots of sacrifices. I did not have the best/coolest toys. But I do now – because of the sacrifice my mother made to help me get a great education ;-)
Now, on to your question. First, call the school. Find out what kind of aid they offer (how much, who qualifies, etc). Then ask them if they have any sort of work study program (where the kids work at the school sweeping floors, emptying trash, etc after school for reduced tuition. You may even want to go in to meet them - most schools are more willing to help a "person" find a solution instead of a computer (i.e. email). Also, ask about payment plans.
2nd – you need to take a hard look at your budget. If you don’t already know where every dollar you earn is spent, get several months of bills and sit down at the computer, open excel and start plotting. Start with your income. Then list all of your bills – home, electricity, etc. Then figure out where you spend the rest either by using your credit card receipts or thinking of how often you go out to eat etc. It may take you a couple of months of doing this to really discover where you spend your money. Then figure out what you can cut. Can you get a lower cell, phone, cable, etc bill? Call around and see if they have a cheaper plan and get rid of anything you aren’t using or can live without. If you are spending a lot on kids toys – talk to you kids about what they can give up too. Can you go out to eat less, can you use more coupons to save money. Can you buy your kids less clothes, etc. As you start freeing up money, put this into a separate account for the private school.
Now – figure out what the shortfall is, ie. – Cost of tuition – money you freed up for this – financial aid you think you can get = what you need. Then investigate how to get that. Maybe get a second job, a better paying job, ask for a raise, investigate some sort of home business, etc. It may be hard – but if this is something that you really want you may have to do things that you aren’t necessarily thrilled with.
Other things you may consider – it may be easier on you to start with one kid and add a kid every year. Many people find this easier because they can “get used” to spending the extra money. Maybe send the oldest first, or the one that would benefit the most, or simply the one that wants to go the most. Sit down with your kids and talk to them and get them on board with this family decision. You may also have to accept that you can’t do this for another year. But don’t despair – just start saving and know that you will have all your ducks in a row next year.
Ask relatives that normally give your kids toys to help pay for tuition instead. It is a lifelong gift!
Also, consider using your tax refund check (if you get one) to help ease the burden of sending this first child and then add a child each year using the same technique.
The point is you can do this. I hope this gives you some ideas of ways you can find to afford this. Just find the thing that works for you. Good luck!

No offense meant, dreaming is fun, but I don't think you are being realistic here. Like a previous responder mentioned, if you can't even afford the application fee, I don't think you should be considering this option. I do know of a part time Christian school in the Carrollton area that is much less expensive than most private schools. You would have the option of sending the kids to school 2 or 3 days a week, then homeschool the rest of the days. It is called Coram Deo Academy. If you don't like your public schools, then you could homeschool with a Christian curriculum or you could move to a better public school district and get your kids deeply involved at church. Oh, I do know that Prestonwood Christian Academy offers scholarships, too. Good luck.

Baby, I'd like to have my kids living in a million-dollar home, attending private school and a trip to Disneyworld every year...but it just ain't gonna happen. Unless I work my butt off to make more money. And what's the good in that? Then I'd just spend less time with them. I'm not trying to belittle your request, but really, think about what you're asking. If your concern is your children's spiritual aspect of life, you and your husband are their best bet. Have an age-appropriate nightly bible study - 15 to 20 minutes. You can get biblical aids from any bible bookstore. If you feel you need to supplement their education, do that. It's all about spending time with your children and sacrificing a little time to teach them yourself. Because no public or private school teacher is going to do that with the love that you will. Live within your means and enjoy your family. That's the best advice I can give.

HaHa! Good try! Welcome to the big city. Nobody is going to give you money for private school... for free. You should try home schooling....that will be the only thing to fit your budget.

Do you have grandparents or other relatives that would help? I don't see how you can put 5 kids through private school, even with financial aid if you can't even afford the $600 application fee and then put them through college also. Have you considered other private schools? Maybe another school would offer a scholarship. I know that Jesuit has a scholarship program. If you are not pleased with your public school, then why don't you home school?