Catholic school policy on withdrawal/dilema

[Anonymous]

We were just offered a spot at a local catholic school which we love very much. We also put our child's name in the MCPS language immersion, which would have been our first choice if it weren't a lottery. Local public isn't an option. Unfortunately, we won't hear about the language immersion lottery results until May. If I'm understanding correctly, the catholic school's contract says that if we withdraw after signing this week, we are responsible for full year tuition. Is there a way out of this if circumstances were to change by May due to the lottery results? or say moving? (we arent, just another example). Another school that also offered us a spot but we declined stated that we would have until June 1 to withdraw. This is all new to us so trying to understand how it all works and what our options are. Thanks for your kindness.

[Anonymous]

You should check the language again for the catholic school. We were in a similar position and just lost the $500 deposit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should check the language again for the catholic school. We were in a similar position and just lost the $500 deposit.

+1. At ours, you would not have been responsible for the full year's tuition. Maybe just one month if you couldn't withdraw 30 days before June 1st (when the 1st tuition payment is due).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should check the language again for the catholic school. We were in a similar position and just lost the $500 deposit.

What school was this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should check the language again for the catholic school. We were in a similar position and just lost the $500 deposit.

What school was this?

O'Connell

[Anonymous]

At MOST schools you would only lose a deposit if you withdraw by June 1, but you have to read the language of the contract carefully, because that might not be true at YOUR school. I would reach out to Admissions to get clarity.

[Anonymous]

Accept the spot. You love it. The language immersion is not definite, nor are you sure you will love it.

[Anonymous]

You can also ask for an extension. I did that, though ours was only a matter of 2-3 weeks. They let us have extra time to deposit and held our spot. They knew we were waiting on another admissions decision. Might be worth asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can also ask for an extension. I did that, though ours was only a matter of 2-3 weeks. They let us have extra time to deposit and held our spot. They knew we were waiting on another admissions decision. Might be worth asking.

We asked our school, and they said no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were just offered a spot at a local catholic school which we love very much. We also put our child's name in the MCPS language immersion, which would have been our first choice if it weren't a lottery. Local public isn't an option. Unfortunately, we won't hear about the language immersion lottery results until May. If I'm understanding correctly, the catholic school's contract says that if we withdraw after signing this week, we are responsible for full year tuition. Is there a way out of this if circumstances were to change by May due to the lottery results? or say moving? (we arent, just another example). Another school that also offered us a spot but we declined stated that we would have until June 1 to withdraw. This is all new to us so trying to understand how it all works and what our options are. Thanks for your kindness.

Reread the contract because usually you have more time- I think- than this. Having said that, once you sign a contract that says you are responsible for full tuition, then rest assured you are responsible.

This really becomes an issue when somebody accepts a spot at a private school and then later is offered a spot off a waitlist at their “dream “school. Some people who are wealthy enough will just pay the double tuition. Is that something you could afford?

[Anonymous]

Mcps is burning down. Even the immersion programs are affected. Also unlikely you'll get an immersion spot just based on numbers. Take the Catholic school spot and run from Mcps.

[Anonymous]

Jealous you have a good Catholic option. Our nearest is far away and only one class a grade which we thought wasn’t enough. We’re in dual immersion and it’s only marginally better than regular school. My oldest is in regular because dual immersion wasn’t an option yet.

I’d take the good Catholic option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mcps is burning down. Even the immersion programs are affected. Also unlikely you'll get an immersion spot just based on numbers. Take the Catholic school spot and run from Mcps.

Are you actually IN MCPS or just going off of what you have heard.

[Anonymous]

Who would pick a language immersion over the private school option?

[Anonymous]

Language immersion is not going to necessarily be better than your local public. People just think it is…. There are still large class sizes, staffing issues, mcps policies to follow. Plus the bussing to and from unless you’re driving.
I would take the Catholic spot and stick with it
( mom who was in mcps K-2nd and is now in Christian private)