GETTING STARTED Financial Aid Approximately 17% of the students at the Earth School receive some amount of financial aid. Financial assistance is limited, and is generally reserved for students beyond their first year at the Earth School. Previous Montessori Experience Although prior Montessori education is preferred, it is not a requirement. Admissions Procedure The admission process is quite simple. After reviewing the FMES/SFA website, please call 503/760-8220 for a school tour and interview with the Admissions director. An application and deposit should be submitted following the interview. When to start the Admission process Students and parents are interviewed year-round for the coming school year. A waiting list is not unusual for the Children's House and Lower Elementary programs. For a smoother transition, we prefer that students begin their education at the Earth School at the beginning of a cycle (Ages 2 1/2 -3; grades 1, 4, 7). Before and After School Care On-site before- and after-school Childcare is available for enrolled students only. Submission of an Application Submission of this application does not guarantee that the student will be enrolled. Registration fee payment must accompany the application (refundable for new students if student is not accepted for enrollment). An application is distributed during the initial meeting with an Administrator. New Students pay a $395 initial, one time registration fee, (refundable if student is not accepted for enrollment). This fee is NOT applied towards tuition. Returning FMES Students pay $375 by March 15th, with $225 applied towards next year's guaranteed tuition, otherwise not refunded. Returning SFA Students pay a $450 deposit, $250 towards next year's tuition, balance ($200) nonrefundable. Tuition: 2010-2011 Academic Year Children's House half-day 8:30-12:30 ages 2 1/2-4 $5,675 full-day 8:30-2:30 (remaining after 12:30) ages 2 1/2-6+ $7,150 Lower Elementary 6-9+ years, 8:30-3:30 $7,850 Upper Elementary 9-12+ years, 8:30-3:30 $8,100 Saint Francis Academy, 8:30-3:30, 12-15+ years $9,290 Ages are given in ranges only and may vary slightly based on the development of the child and other factors. Additional Fees: Residential Experience payable prior to event, $400 Earth Experience Fee payable prior to event, $300 Sibling discount: 1st - full tuition 2nd - 5% discount 3rd - 10% discount 4th - 15% discount Possible Tax Benefits Two possible tax benefits that parents may wish to investigate are the Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses (20% - 35% of child care expense) and "Flexible Spending Accounts" (using pre-tax earnings) subject to limits and restrictions. Montessori Children's House (pre-Kindergarten) and Montessori Aspect (before and after school care) may qualify as eligible child care expenses. For more information on the Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses, check out this document and consult a qualified Tax Advisor to determine if you qualify. Many Employers offer "Flexible Spending Accounts", allowing you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible child care expenses. Ask your Employer's Human Resources Department about "Flexible Spending Accounts" and consult a qualified Tax Advisor to determine if you qualify. | home page | site map | e-mail | 14750 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97236 | tel (503) 760-8220 | fax (503) 760-8333 | Websystem design and hosting provided by WolfPk - FMES/SFA alumni. Copyright © 1999-2010 Franciscan Montessori Earth School. Legal Information