Anonymous wrote:In general, I think the amount privates would like families to pay is something like 18% of the tuition per child as that is the gap between the tuition and what it costs to educate the child.

People aren't dumb enough to believe this gap nonsense. They know that if any gap exists, it is due to the families on financial aid who are paying at a steep discount and donating their spare change from the couch cushions.

Anyone who is full pay is already paying enough. Donate only if you want to.

Schools do ask for specific amounts—especially if it’s in the lead up for a major building project. We’d always given in the $2500/year range, but then the school asked us for a $50k donation that would be spread across multiple years for an upcoming project. I actually spit out my coffee when I read the amount.

This is the sort of situation that “bless your heart” was invented for.

In general, I think the amount privates would like families to pay is something like 18% of the tuition per child as that is the gap between the tuition and what it costs to educate the child.