Seeking Mom's Advice on Catholic Tution for Philadelphia High Schools

I am not sure exactly, I went to Catholic School in the Philadelphia Archdiocese for 12 years straight living in Bensalem.
My elementary school, St. Charles Borromeo in Bensalem helped some parents, they may have advice.
Also, check with the Chamber of Commerce and some of the political offices in the area. Just an opinion, politicians like to help, especially when any election is brewing in the air so they may know some pointers.

It's not easy but you will find one, did you look in Bensalem or Bucks County? Ryan and Conwell-Egan Catholic are great Catholic High schools that may help, good luck!!

My youngest is graduating from Archbishop Wood this year. When I had both boys in high school at the same time, it was very, very tight at times, and there were definitely times that we fell behind. Talk to the school president and/or chaplain. Also, the Home and School Association may be able to help you out. The HSA sometimes knows of need-based scholarships. Also, local Knights of Columbus Councils sometimes have money available for Catholic education, as well. And if there is nothing at your particular high school, you might consider switching to another Archdiocesan high school with an active alumni association or home and school. That would be pretty drastic. I know that once my kids are through college and our finances allow, one of my wish list things to do it to provide some need-based money to my Archbishop Wood HS. I can't afford to do that now, but I would like to show my appreciation and support the Catholic education that turned out to be so wonderful for my kids.

Keep asking. Don't rely on just one source for aid. There are other people like me, who want to help kids receive a Catholic education, and someone at your children's school should know about them.

Hi A.!

My husband and I made a decision 6 years ago that one of us would stay at home with our soon to be 16 year old daughter. He and I will have been married for 29 years in May this year and both of us worked outside the home for many years. We cut our income in half when I quit my job 6 yrs ago. Obviously this was a shock to our financial situation. Looking back we would not have done anything differently because of the extremely positive affect it has had on all three of us, especially our daughter. Anyway, the reason we have been able to do ok is because about 5 yrs ago I was lucky enough to find something I can do out of my home, setting my own hours (around my daughter's needs) that has supplemented my husband's salary quite nicely. It has really been the perfect situation for us! I love what I do and especially enjoy helping others to do the same. If you would like to hear more about it, just send me an email at ____@____.com and we can explore if it is something that would solve some of your financial concerns.

Best of luck to you!!
M.

Not to sound harsh but maybe it's time to start thinking about going back to work again. Try and find a job that you can work from home or at night or during the day when you youngest is in school. Your income could be primarily for tuition fees.

Does your school sell scrip? Basically buy gift cards (even to the grocery store!) and a percentage of that goes to the school. The way our school works is a certain percentage goes to the student directly and the rest goes to the school.

Have you talked to the principle? They might be able to give you some ideas also.

There is a program in the Philadelphia area called A Better Chance that are of assistance with getting your children tuition assistance for private and parochial schools. The application is lenghthy but worth all of the effort. You can go on their website for information and the contact person's name is Keith Wilkerson. There is also a program called Stepping Stone. Even though I am not familiar with this program, I have heard good things about it. Good Luck.

Myself, I do not have answers to your good question, but maybe my sister in law Lisa does as her children go to St. Joseph's Catholic School in the Fogelsville PA area and she would know of other schools to help you out. Contact her at ____@____.com and tell her that her sister in law M. sent her to you with much respect and love for her! She is a mom of 2 boys, herself a clinical psychologist at Kutztown University, and she can even help your kids get in Kutztown Univ. someday! Smile, M.

Where did you apply to? I have a similiar situation with 1 in high school and 1 in grade school and a baby at home. Out of work due to a disability and husband had hours and benefits cut. We also did not qualify for WIC or any assistance even thought it was by $39. The deacon at our parish is in charge of something called a BLOCK grant that you apply to. I made an appoitnment with our Pastor and he is working with me. So far as long as I submit the minimum on Sundays and volunteer at school, we have been ok. I got $500 from the high school which hardly made a dent but anything at this point helps. Let me know if you hear of anything else. Did you try the St. Vincent DePaul Society?

Is there any way possible for you to do work from home. I know you want to be available for your family, but unless you are destitute the Catholic schools are tight with money. I have a son in Catholic high school and he received scholarship money for his grades. This is his first time in Catholic school and he is doing well.
Alsp try contacting BAEO and see if they can send you a list of funding sources too. Black Alliance for Educational Options
Good luck with that!