Alta Lake School is announcing a new fee structure for the coming school year. The Waldorf school will now charge tuition fees on a "pay as you are able" system instead of a tuition fee for the entire school year.
The school is non-profit and hopes that the new fee system will allow families with financial restrictions to enroll their child in the alternative education school.
"This is ground-breaking for the school and the community. We hope it allows families who have been interested in the school to seriously consider Waldorf education, and not feel restricted by their financial situation," said Alta Lake School Society president Peggy Vogler.
The Alta Lake School currently has classes for children from preschool age to Grade 7. In 2006-07 the school will incorporate Grade 8 and possibly Grade 9 the following year. Class sizes are fairly small, ranging from six in Grade 7 to 15 in Kindergarten.
"The Waldorf philosophy is inclusive and schools generally offer a reduction in fees to be accessible to those who truly choose this education for their child but may not have the means to pay the full tuition," said Voger. "Many Waldorf schools work with this model. It has always been our intention, once we got on our feet, to be flexible in our fees. We are proud to say that we are now in that position. We want to ensure that no family will be turned away because of finances."
The Alta Lake School will be hosting two open houses, one on Saturday, Aug. 6 th and one on Thursday, Aug. 18 th . Both will take place at the Alta Lake School at Spruce Grove Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children are welcome and refreshments will be served.
