Private education is not as unattainable as you think. There are several programs available for your family to make a quality Christian education a reality for your son or daughter. Portsmouth Christian Academy proudly offers Variable Tuition. Tuition at PCA is not “one-size-fits all.” It’s a range that spans from 40-80% of the actual cost of education. Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates to meet your family’s unique financial position. No family at PCA pays the full cost of education.
Additionally, families can apply for scholarships via the Maine and New Hampshire Children’s Scholarship Funds, receive grants from the Giving and Going Alliance, and, new to New Hampshire in 2021, qualifying families can apply for Education Freedom Accounts. In concert with Variable Tuition, you can gain access to private education for less than what the sticker price indicates.
Variable Tuition allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their unique financial situations. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Awards are communicated to applicants within 10 to 15 business days of the time that FAST receives the Variable Tuition application and supporting documents.
”“It’s a huge relief – knowing that we can send our daughter to this school we’ve been hoping for and dreaming for. We still have to work towards it, but it’s worth it.”
The Sieman FamilyFamily of 1 PCA Student
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 is right for their unique financial situations. Thus, this makes a PCA education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
How Does Variable Tuition Work?
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through twelfth grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Portsmouth Christian Academy 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 PCA.
An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for re-enrollment or admission to the school.
It is not possible for a family or school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Because of this, applications are submitted directly to FAST, a third-party agency. FAST evaluates the application and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are then notified by PCA of the tuition level for which they qualify.
Unfortunately, the school is not able to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should every new PCA family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay full tuition should submit an application.
Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
What is the deadline to apply for Variable Tuition?
Applications are submitted to FAST and considered after you have submitted a student application to Portsmouth Christian Academy. Applications for new families are accepted throughout the year as families apply to PCA.
What do I need to submit to FAST?
You will need to fill out an application in FAST, and upload your most recent tax documents.
Is there a fee to apply for Variable Tuition?
FAST charges $48 per application whether you have one child or multiple children.
If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next 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 Portsmouth Christian Academy and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.
Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the full tuition rate to those who are at the entry level of the variable tuition range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. Visit this link to see a sampling of families from different situations who have applied for Variable Tuition.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. Your family will not receive Variable Tuition that is less than our published range.
Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.
Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to:
PCA Variable Tuition
pcavariabletuition@pcaschool.org
603.742.3617
2022-2023 Variable Tuition Rates
- Lower School (K-8th): $6,652 – $13,305
- Upper School (9th-12th): $8,650 – $17,300
2022-2023 Preschool Rates
- 3-Year- Old, 2-Day (T-TH): Full Day – $4,715 | Half Day – $2,955
- 3-Year-Old, 3-Day (M-W-F): Full Day – $7,065 | Half Day – $4,405
- 3-Year-Old, 5-Day: Full Day – $9,125 | Half Day – $5,885
- 4-Year-Old, 3-Day (T-W-TH): Full Day – $6,755 | Half Day – $4,110
- 4-Year-Old, 5-Day: Full Day – $8,820 | Half Day – $5,350
