Understanding the Cost of Education at Good Shepherd Catholic School

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and understanding the financial aspects is a crucial part of the process. Good Shepherd Catholic School (GSC) recognizes this and strives to make quality Catholic education accessible to as many families as possible. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition costs, available financial aid, and scholarship opportunities at Good Shepherd Catholic School.

Tuition and Payment Options

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the stated tuition at Good Shepherd Catholic School is $5450. This represents the maximum tuition a family would pay for one child in kindergarten through eighth grade without any form of financial assistance. It's important to note that the actual cost to educate a student at GSC is around $7075. The difference between the stated tuition and the actual cost is covered through the generosity of donors, the Queen of Peace Parish subsidy, various fundraising activities, and the contributions of volunteers.

Tuition payments are managed through FACTS Management, a company specializing in tuition collection services for schools. FACTS offers several flexible payment plan options to accommodate the diverse financial situations of families. Their system is designed to be simple, convenient, and secure. For detailed information about payment plans, families are encouraged to contact Mrs. [Contact Name/Title].

Discounts and Financial Aid Opportunities

Good Shepherd Catholic School is committed to working with families to make Catholic education affordable. They offer multi-student family discounts, recognizing the financial commitment of families with more than one child attending the school. More significantly, GSC strongly encourages all families to apply for financial aid, regardless of their perceived ability to pay. Families with a household income below $136,483 with one dependent (and an additional $20,428 for each additional dependent) may qualify for tuition assistance.

To be considered for tuition assistance from GSC, the Diocese of Providence, or their parish, families must complete a FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment application by the specified deadline. It is crucial to adhere to the deadline, as late applications may reduce the chances of receiving aid. GSC provides FACTS information to all families, detailing the financial aid process. New families receive this information upon their child's acceptance. The FACTS application can be submitted online.

Each parish within the Diocese of Providence offers varying levels of tuition assistance for Catholic education. The criteria for awarding assistance differ among parishes. Some follow a set formula, while others base their decisions on financial need or specific mitigating circumstances. Families are encouraged to inquire about tuition assistance options directly with their home parish.

Scholarships

GWCRS provides several scholarships and offers some tuition assistance to qualifying families. GWCRS scholarships are funded through various fundraisers as well private donors. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and /or financial need. Some of the privately funded scholarships available are the Mr. & Mrs. Rene Frappier Memorial, Billy Rogers Memorial, Dennis Pruitt Memorial, Rev. Robitaille Trust, Sr.

Florida State Scholarships

Good Shepherd Catholic School also participates in several Florida state scholarship programs designed to provide school choice options for families. These programs offer financial assistance to eligible students, allowing them to attend private schools like GSC.

Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES)

The Family Empowerment Scholarship has two branches: Educational Options (EO) and Unique Abilities (UA).

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES EO): This scholarship provides additional educational options for all K-12 students, allowing them to attend participating private schools. Families apply and renew annually through approved Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs). The FES EO also offers eligible students a $750 scholarship for transportation to a public school different from their assigned school.

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Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES UA): This scholarship is designed for students with disabilities, starting as young as 3 years old. It provides access to additional education options, including enrollment in another public school or a personal education savings account (ESA). An ESA can be used for private school tuition and fees, online learning programs, private tutoring, community college costs, higher education expenses, and other approved learning services and materials. Families apply and renew annually through approved SFOs.

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program was created to expand educational opportunities for children from families with limited financial resources. The program provides state tax credits for contributions to non-profit Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs), which then award scholarships to eligible children.

Changes due to House Bill 1

Eliminates financial eligibility restrictions in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program while still prioritizing awards to students with household incomes that do not exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty level and incorporating a second priority to award scholarships to students who live in households with incomes between 185 percent of the federal poverty level and 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
Creates a new opportunity for up to 20,000 Florida students not enrolled full time in a public or private school to participate in the scholarship through a parent-directed Personalized Education Program.

Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program

The Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Education Program prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. Children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year to be eligible. The program helps build a strong foundation for school using educational materials that are geared to various stages in a child’s development.

School Readiness Program

Childcare services may include ELC tuition, extended-day, extended-year, and school age care to support parents in becoming financially self-sufficient. The School Readiness program is administered by 4C for those living in Orange, Seminole or Osceola Counties.

Scholarship Funding Organizations

To apply for either branch of the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program or the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, contact one of the Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOs):

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A.A.A. Scholarship Foundation- FL, LLC
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The Value of a Good Shepherd Catholic School Education

Good Shepherd Catholic School understands that a private, Catholic school education is a significant investment. However, they believe that the value of the education and the opportunities it provides are well worth the cost. Only by visiting GSC and learning what they offer can families truly appreciate the value of investing in their child's future.

GSC partners with FACTS Management Company to help manage their tuition payment program and financial aid assessment. FACTS is used by many schools locally and over 7,000 schools nationally.

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