January 10, 2019
 
Dear Parents,
 
We are beginning enrollment for your children at St. Joseph School for the year 2019 – 2020. Last year we had an increase in the enrollment by 16%. Pre-school and kindergarten were full. We are expecting another increased enrollment this year.
 
The actual cost for a full time student last year and this year remained almost the same, $6,150. The difference in tuition charged and this real cost is made up by the parish contribution, fundraising by the Parish and Home and School, and gifts from alumni and friends.
 
The school is most fortunate in having superior and dedicated faculty and staff. Each year during my six year tenure here, we have been able to give salary increases. We are still below the average salary given to public school teachers. Last year we gave our faculty and staff a 3% raise even though we did not raise the tuition.
 
This year we are hoping to give the faculty and staff another raise above the cost of living increase. Last year we did not raise the tuition. This year, we are raising the tuition by an average of 4%. Food costs from Avalon Food have gone up by as much as 10%. Our Food Across the Curriculum Program, however is one of the most positive additions to our school curriculum and excellence.
 
The $100 application fee is per family and is non-refundable. However, it covers all the children of one family. We also note that children in pre-school are eligible for a 20 to 40% tax credit since pre-school is considered child care by the IRS. When filing your income tax, you should note this.
 
I bring your attention to the Ohio EdChoice Program which pays up to $4,650 for children in kindergarten through grade 6 depending on your financial eligibility. This year we had 34 receiving EdChoice Grants. The application period for EdChoice begins February 1st.
 
Catholic parents who are active members of Catholic parishes in Portage County receive the parishioner rate. These parents and their parishes support the school with additional contributions. Non parishioners and non-active parishioners pay a different rate but still one below the actual cost of the education.
 
The parish, the faculty, and the staff thank you for your support of St. Joseph School. We are a school always pressing upward with Superior Education Blended with Faith.
 
Cordially in Christ,
 
  
 
  
Fr. Tom Acker, S.J., Ph.D.     Administrator