Exploring Tuition and Affordability at Dayspring Christian Academy

Choosing the right educational environment for your child is a significant decision. Dayspring Christian Academy (DCA), a co-ed private day school located in Pennsylvania, offers a unique approach to education rooted in biblical principles. This article delves into the details of tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities available at Dayspring Christian Academy, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for prospective families.

Dayspring Christian Academy: An Overview

Dayspring Christian Academy stands out as one of approximately 25 Principle Approach® schools in America. This approach emphasizes reasoning from biblical truth and applying these principles to all aspects of life. Every class at Dayspring begins with God’s Word, integrating faith into the academic experience. Dayspring Christian Academy-PA is offering 8 AP courses. In 2011-2015, some students attended Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Amherst College, Washington University in St. Louis and Swarthmore College.

Founded in 1975 in Northern Colorado, DCA is committed to providing a premier Christian education grounded in biblical principles. Accredited by both ACSI and Cognia, the academy partners with Christian parents to educate and train students from Pre-K to 12th grade. Dayspring believes Christian education is vital to creating healthy children, families, communities, and a healthy nation.

The Value of a Dayspring Education

A child’s educational journey lays the foundation for their future. Like building blocks, the school years nurture their unique gifts, talents, character, and skills, creating opportunities for growth and achievement. Dayspring's commitment extends beyond academics, integrating compassion into teaching standards and emphasizing the importance of values and moral character. The teachers are truly invested not only in academics but how students are growing.

Dayspring is a community in itself, working together to raise up the next generation of Christian leaders. The staff, families, and teachers all contribute to a safe environment that strives for excellence, teaches respect, and participates in local community service.

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines "invest" as "to adorn, to grace, to clothe, and to surround," and also as "to clothe money in something permanent or less fleeting." As believers, we are called to “train up a child in the way he should go” so he will not depart from it later in life.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

Dayspring Christian Academy’s comprehensive tuition covers extensive student field studies. In addition to tuition, it's important to be aware of other fees associated with enrollment:

APPLICATION FEE: A $100 (non-refundable) application fee is required for all new student applicants.
ENROLLMENT FEE: An enrollment fee of $200 (non-refundable) is due for all new students and returning students paying after March 1st. A discounted enrollment fee of $100 (non-refundable) is offered to returning students paying between January 1st and March 1st. Enrollment fees are payable at the time of enrollment.
RE-ENROLLMENT FEE: A re-enrollment fee of $200 (non-refundable) will be due for returning students paying after March 1st. A discounted re-enrollment fee of $100 (non-refundable) is offered if paid between January 1st and March 1st. Re-enrollment fees are required at the time of re-enrollment.

Payment Plan Options

Dayspring Christian Academy offers several payment plan options to accommodate different family needs:

FULL PAYMENT PLAN: A $200 discount per student is granted for full prepayments made on or before August 20th for grades Preschool to 12th. Payment is made directly to DCA.
TWO PAYMENT PLAN: Half of the total tuition is due by August 20th, and the remaining half is due by January 1st. A $100 prepayment discount applies to this option.
BUDGET PLAN: A ten-month automatic withdrawal payment plan is available through FACTS Tuition Management Company. Payments run from August through May, due on the 20th of each month.

PAYMENT METHODS: Cash, Check, Credit Cards and online Bank Account. If using a Credit/Debit Card, a 3.05% processing fee will be applied.

After Care Program

Dayspring Christian Academy offers an optional After Care Program. After Care rates are $20/hour for each student, or in increments of 15 minutes at $5.00. A discounted yearly Morning/Aftercare program rate of $4,000 is available if paid in full.

Read also: Generation of Disciples

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Dayspring Christian Academy is committed to making Christian education accessible. 56% of Dayspring Christian Academy students receive financial aid. The school believes that Christian education is vital and desires to make it affordable for families who wish to send their children to the academy.

Variable Tuition

Variable Tuition is available to all families with students enrolled in PreK-5 - 12th grade and qualify financially. Parents who work as pastors, missionaries, or para-church professionals now must apply for assistance through the FACTS Grant and Aid system for our Variable Tuition Program.

Families interested in a multi-student discount are encouraged to apply through our Variable Tuition program. Please note that there is no automatic discount for enrolling multiple students. However, families who do not qualify for Variable Tuition may still receive a discount of up to 10% with three students enrolled, while families with four or more students can receive a discount of up to 15%.

Employee Tuition Discounts

For new employees, tuition discounts will also be assessed through the FACTS Grant and Aid system. Discounts will be determined based on financial need and may range from 0% to 50%. In some cases, discounts may be up to 85% of tuition costs.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Financial Aid applications are accepted between February 1 through March 30 for priority consideration.

Read also: DCS Tuition Information

A general guideline is to consider applying for assistance if your family’s tuition expenses exceed 10% of your household’s NET Income. All new students awarded Variable Tuition, ACE, or the Opportunity Scholarship must complete the full application process. Receiving any of the awards does not automatically guarantee acceptance as a student at Dayspring Christian Academy.

To complete the application, ensure you have the following:

A non-refundable application fee of $40.
Your previous year’s income tax return.
The current W-2 form (or 1099 if you are self-employed).
Information regarding your other financial obligations beyond tuition.

Grant and Aid applications are available in FACTS starting mid-November. Applicants are typically notified of their award within 3 weeks of submitting their completed application. Financial assistance is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

ACE Scholarships

ACE Scholarships is an external organization that provides financial assistance to families based on income levels that meet the free and reduced lunch guidelines set by the State of Colorado. This application is separate from the FACTS Grant and Aid application for Dayspring.

Application Period: ACE Scholarships open for applications on the first Monday in February.
Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted along with all required tax documentation from the current year, including W-2s and 1099s, by April 15th.
Award Notification: ACE does not announce scholarship awards until mid to late June.
ACE will not accept late applications.

Opportunity Scholarship Program

The Opportunity Scholarship program is aimed at welcoming NEW students in grades 6 through 12 to Dayspring Christian Academy. If your family qualifies for free and reduced lunch, you are encouraged to reach out to explore potential openings.

To apply for this scholarship, families must complete the following steps:

Submit a Variable Tuition application through FACTS Grant and Aid.
Families will be recommended for Opportunity Scholarships by the principal(s).
Students will need to submit a written essay and required documents to the Generosity Director.

There are academic standards associated with this scholarship, and student performance will be reviewed quarterly.

Multi-Student Discount

50% of tuition for two students
55% of tuition for three students
60% of tuition for four or more students

Variable Tuition does not apply to student fees or other charges outside of tuition.

Additional Considerations

Continuous Enrollment

Dayspring Christian Academy offers a continuous enrollment system for students in kindergarten through 11th grade. Once enrolled, families do not need to re-enroll each year.

Fundraising

Tuition covers the school's basic operating expenses. Additional financial needs (e.g. scholarships, financial aid, equipment and vehicle purchases, capital improvements, etc.) are funded through donations and fundraising activities.

Tuition-assistance applications are submitted through FAST, which provides a need-based financial aid analysis that includes a recommendation of reasonable family contributions toward tuition. FAST does not decide whether financial assistance will be given or how much to give. All information from FAST is kept confidential.

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