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The Village Scholarship
AFFORDING PRIVATE SCHOOL
Selecting a private school for a child is a highly personal choice. Families can assess the value of private K-12 education through many different lenses -- parents and students may choose a private school because they want smaller class sizes or increased educational resources. In addition, they may want specific religious education, enhanced academic offerings, or a safer-feeling community. All these components and more make the 30,000+ private schools across the country attractive to millions of families.
Unfortunately, for Black and brown communities, private school is often not considered for myriad reasons, but the cost is an understandable barrier. On average, private elementary school tuition in California is $15,309 per year (2022-23), and the median annual tuition at California Independent schools, K-12, is $35,000. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), approximately 24.5 percent of students at day schools receive financial aid (K-12), and the average amount they receive is $11,500; among students at boarding schools, 46 percent receive financial aid, and the average grant is $24,787.
But tuition is not the only cost -- technology can run as high as $1,500 a year, books and supplies can add up to $500 a year, supplemental tutoring (if needed) can be as much as $4,000 a year, and then there are costs such as class field trips ($500), uniforms ($400), and school athletics ($300). As a result, the overall bill can be much higher than anticipated, even for those families who can afford private school. These extra expenses can raise the total average nationwide cost by at least 30%, according to EducationData.org.
To address affordability, most private schools offer various forms of financial aid. To determine eligibility for assistance, applicants submit an application form and financial statements. While no income limit automatically makes applicants ineligible for aid, financial aid officers consider income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children in the family. Each school has its process and policy governing who receives aid, the type of aid, and how much each family receives.
Most California private schools, 60% of which are private elementary or elementary-middle schools, feel as if they don’t have enough financial aid to meet the demand, leaving wonderful families without support.
A NEW SOLUTION: THE VILLAGE SCHOLARSHIP
The Village Scholarship (TVS) is a highly selective, first-dollar, renewable scholarship for outstanding Black and Latino/Hispanic elementary school students from low-income households. Scholarships are awarded to exceptional students with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
With TVS launch, Private School Village addresses its commitment to supporting and resourcing Black and brown families in private schools, particularly by impacting representation in these schools. Additionally, TVS will be the first and only Black and brown parent-led scholarship providing this type of direct-financial assistance to other Black and brown private school families (realizing the power of the for us, by us notion).
This unique scholarship program addresses:
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Racial diversity in private schools, which is impactful as racial diversity yields stronger academic outcomes for all students in a school,
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The fact that there are no elementary-focused scholarships for Black and brown students despite the notion that early intervention around education in a family unit yields greater success (early, successful parent engagement and intervention matters),
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The many ways we can build cultural pride in knowing this program is the only of its kind where scholarship funds are provided by, and awarded to, the Black and brown community in private school.
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Accessibility and the positive impact private school can have later in life (data shows private school students perform better on college admissions tests and according to a 2017 study by NAIS and Gallup, more private school students graduate from college on time -- 77% of students in private schools under the NAIS banner earned a bachelor’s degree within four years, compared with 64% of public high school graduates).
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The importance of having a committed, supportive community along the private school journey (it takes a village of support to manage the emotional, social, and cultural aspects of private school),
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The opportunity to positively impact the financial aid private school model while also eliminating some of the financial barriers for families to even apply to private school (aid typically comes directly from a school, not an outside organization),
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The opportunity to create “portable” private school scholarships (allowing for school change)
Additionally, TVS provides support to Scholars by engaging with them and their institutions in a variety of ways to ensure they have access to the resources and services they need, from their first to last day of classes on through the transition to middle school and beyond.
Make A Donation
Suggested Giving Levels
Village Innovators $50,000 - $99,999
Village Visionaries $25,000 - $49,999
Village Legacy $10,000 - $24,999
Village Heritage $5,000 - $9,999
**Village Circle $2,000 - $4,999**
Village Friends $500 - $1,999
Community Captain $250 - $499
Community Gifts Up to $249
**Donors at this level and above are invited to a special appreciation event towards the end of the school year.
Donations made on this website are managed through PayPal and Stripe and will read “PSV Village," "PSV," or "Private School Village" on your bank statement. Immediate payment transaction details will be emailed to the donor from the vendor, however, PSV will also forward a donor acknowledgement for gifts over $200. If you would like an acknowledgement for donations under $200, please contact us and we will be happy to provide one.
PSV is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Tax ID # 83-1829449). No goods or services were provided in exchange for your gift. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual situation.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at psvadmin@privateschoolvillage.org.