Private school fees

This happened to a friends boys after their business failed. This was in the UK, but they negotiated with the Head Master and entered into a payment plan which went well beyond the years the boys were at school - but it worked for them.

celigo

My child attends a private high school in LA, California as a F1 international student. This is the second year at the school, but my financial situation has drastically worsened. I won't be able to afford the full tuition fees anymore. My child likes the school, but unfortunately, I cannot afford the fees any longer. If anyone has experienced this situation, what are my options? Thank you

Type those exact words into ChatGPT and see what comes up. AI often has a very wise and logical answer, maybe suggesting something you never thought of. I'd be interested to know if doing that provides something useful.

I don’t think you have many options. It is unlikely the school will agree to a reduced fee. You can ask. That’s one option.

You can take out a loan or try to borrow from relatives That’s another option.

You can improve your finances. Only you know your options for that.

That’s about it, I’m afraid.

If your child is no longer able to attend the school, the Visa becomes valid of course and they will have to return to their home country. I’m assuming you are not in the US or they would have had a derivative visa for accompanying you.

I think OP is in the USA and the child has an F1 visa which (probably) restricts entry to free state schooling.

A couple of ours got half scholarships - do they have those in the US ? It was still expensive but doable. It was hard with 4 children and they all went to different schools. One went to a state school ( her choice ) and she did just as well and went to uni . The state school was a good one, we were careful to choose one that had good results.

Send it to a state school? Seems like the obvious solution.

I have only heard similar stories from US I am afraid.
My cousin was about to sell her house to pay for her twins' college (university) fees when her DF conveniently died and left her his house. Not a great plan.

But surely there are plenty of non fee paying schools or am I being naive?

We are doubly lucky in Scotland. My DGS will start university this autumn with no fees to pay. Accommodation yes and it's astronomical but in theory he could have chosen a nearer university and lived at home.

I think the suggestion to ask the school itself if there are burseries is your best bet.

Sorry, this is a bit of a "niche" question I think.

Why not speak to the school?
I have a good friend in the UK who negotiated an individual agreement with a UK public school after a massive sudden circumstance change.

Good luck.