April 24, 2020
Challenging times require us to be clear about our imperatives for a Columbus Academy education and demand that we work to foster the finest parts of our community. Please know we are committed to giving our students the best possible education in the safest environment, to retaining our dedicated faculty and staff, to serving and providing for our committed families all while ensuring that the school is financially sound for its future.
The Board of Trustees and Leadership Team have been tirelessly examining options and thinking deeply about what we can do to support our families during this time of hardship. We do not want to lose members of our community. These are our classmates and our friends.
To this end, decisions have been made to keep our community whole through these initiatives:
- Columbus Academy will be reducing the tuition obligation for every student for the 2020-21 school year. This reduction will be in the form of a tuition credit (of up to $2,000), which is prorated based upon your tuition net of discounts, including financial aid. Families can choose to pay the special reduced tuition for the school year, or opt out--if you are able--and donate this credit as a tax-deductible charitable gift to the Academy Community Fund (more information below).
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We have established the Academy Community Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide a bridge in the form of a one-time grant toward tuition and fees for families experiencing substantial and unforeseen hardship. Grants will be made on a case-by-case basis but limited to the resources available in the fund and will be in addition to the tuition credit described above. Our usual need-based financial assistance program for Columbus Academy will continue as a separate program and has been expanded to accommodate increased need. For the foreseeable future this fund is the fundraising priority for the school, and this is where all contributions (including donated tuition credits) will be directed unless otherwise specified by the donor.
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There is an option to pay tuition with a 10-month plan rather than in one or two installments. Utilizing this option usually incurs a service fee, but for those choosing this option for the 2020-21 school year, the school will absorb these fees.
We are incredibly thankful for our amazing community, and we are doing our best to keep it whole. Please stay in touch, and open the lines of communication if your family is in need. We are all in this together, Vikings.
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What is the Academy Community Fund?
The Academy Community Fund has been established to support our CA families who have been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Monies from the fund will provide families with one-time grants and expanded financial aid, and help with other critical needs as they arise during the 2020-21 school year.
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How do families request a grant through the Academy Community Fund?
Families should notify the school of their need as soon as is practical through this brief, online Anticipated Assistance Form.
A member of the Admissions/Financial Aid Office will respond to your inquiry with additional instructions to request funds. As always, the sensitive financial information shared by families will remain confidential.
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How are grants awarded through the Academy Community Fund?
Qualifying families will receive a one-time tuition credit for the 2020-21 school year, thereby reducing their tuition obligation. Grants will be awarded on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Financial Aid Committee.
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Will families currently receiving financial aid be eligible to apply for grants through the Academy Community Fund?
Yes. The usual need-based financial aid program will continue as a separate program, which is also being expanded to accommodate increased need.
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How can the CA community help?
For the foreseeable future, the Academy Community Fund is the philanthropic priority of the school in lieu of the usual Annual Fund. The school's goal is to keep our Academy community whole, and unless otherwise indicated, all donations received will be directed to this effort.
Donors may still choose to direct their gift to another area of the school, and the traditional giving options are still available.
Click here to support the Academy community today with an online gift.
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Are donations to the Academy Community Fund tax deductible?
Yes! All gifts to the Academy Community Fund (including the donation of the offered tuition credit) are tax-deductible gifts, and you will receive a receipt for your tax purposes.
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How do families donate their tuition credit to the Academy Community Fund?
If you are able to donate your tuition credit to support fellow CA families, please email Erich Hunker ‘81, Assistant Head of School, Development/External Relations. The Development Office will record your pledge as a tax-deductible gift and send a pledge reminder after July 1 with fulfillment options.
Your reduced tuition for the 2020-21 school year will be billed by the Business Office through the new tuition processing system, FACTS.
Thank you for considering this option!