Investment

What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that fits their families’ financial situation. This program makes CVC education affordable for many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community. It is important to make Christian education available to the children of believers. The Variable Tuition (VT) Program is in place to allow the community to collectively participate in making Christian education possible for all families.

How does Variable Tuition work?
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through 12th grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Central Valley Christian School and they think they may qualify for the program. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at Central Valley Christian.

An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the admission process. Parents should initiate the admission process as early as possible regardless of financial need. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for admission to the school.

It is only possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies after completing a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to FACTS, a third-party agency. FACTS evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify by the school’s financial office. Families might be required to meet in person to help clarify their needs.

Unfortunately, CVC cannot provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.

Do I need to apply to Central Valley Christian School to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Yes.

Upon completion of my Variable Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
You will typically be notified within 2 weeks of providing all required information to our confidential third party service.

Please note: When possible, our goal is to gradually wean a family off of the need. Some families will get a 50% discount every year, but others will realize a higher percentage of the full rate.

The Variable Tuition process:

1. The Variable Tuition Committee (VTC) will be comprised of the CVC Board Treasurer, the CVC Superintendent, and one or two other members with previous CVC Finance Committee experience.
    
2. Any family who wishes to apply for a tuition rate lower than the posted rate must complete the online application available on our website annually. The application will be processed through a third-party service (FACTS), which will provide the CVC VTC with a recommendation for a tuition rate.
    
3. All applicants must be willing to come to a meeting with the VTC if requested.
    
4. The CVC VTC, after reviewing all applications and conducting interviews, will make the final decision regarding each family’s tuition rate. For applications completed by the deadline of May 31, each family’s tuition rate will fall between 50% and 100% of the posted rate. For applications received after the deadline, each family’s tuition rate will fall between 65% and 100% of the posted rate. Families should expect to pay a higher percentage of the posted tuition rate each year they apply.
    
5. To be as equitable as possible, the CVC VTC will convene a meeting as soon as possible after the deadline to review all the applications. For applications received after the deadline, the committee will review them as they are submitted.

Should every new Central Valley Christian family apply for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should apply.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

Can I apply again next year if I do not qualify for the program this year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to Central Valley Christian School and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes.

Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process. Central Valley Christian practices need-blind admissions.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with varying circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

Are some families awarded full tuition through Variable Assistance?
No. Every family must make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means we share that investment with you.

Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school is not able to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The Central Valley Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:

Monica Bosma, Enrollment Coordinator
monicabosma@cvc.org
559.734.2684 ext. 260

Michelle Daley, Finance Manager
mdaley@cvc.org
559.734.9481 ext. 196

Should every returning CVC family apply for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the Variable Tuition's exit range should submit an application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

Can I apply again next year if I do not qualify for the program this year?
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

I'm currently receiving financial aid through CVC. How does this work for Variable Tuition?
CVC no longer provides financial aid. Variable Tuition will take the place of this program.

Do returning students receive priority over new students when applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. Returning CVC students who apply by the published deadline will receive priority consideration.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with varying circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

Are some families awarded full tuition through Variable Tuition?
No. Every family must make a financial investment in their child's education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means we share that investment with you.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The CVC School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:

Monica Bosma, Enrollment Coordinator
monicabosma@cvc.org
559.734.2684 ext. 260

Michelle Daley, Finance Manager
mdaley@cvc.org
559.734.9481 ext. 196