Various tuition aids abound

"I am always looking for different ways to make tuition remain affordable to our families," said Sister Patricia Houlihan, RSM, principal of St. Teresa's School in Albany.

For example, while there is a set rate for tuition, she negotiates with families if there is a financial need. "Through the interview process, I learn about the family's fair ability to pay tuition, what they can and can't afford," she explained, "so our negotiations are based on their need."

Partial aid

Principal James Leveskas and his staff are always looking for alternative ways to make a Catholic education available to the area students. The school also provides financial assistance to parents who cannot afford the full tuition.

The larger community supports St. Casimir's efforts as well. Last year, Friends of St. Casimir's held their annual benefit, with Mayor Gerald Jennings of Albany and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard in attendance. As a result of its success, St. Casimir's plans on adding new computer labs with some of the money that was raised.

Special assistance

"We have the Molinari scholarship fund available for former St. Mary's students planning to attend college," said Sister Mary Christopher Comproski, CR, principal. "We also have the Frank A. LaMonica Jr. Scholarship," which is available to a graduating high school senior who is an alumnus of St. Mary's grade school and is considering attending a trade school. The scholarship is for $500.

Additionally, the school offers the St. Bonaventure University John Scarzafava Scholarship to any Oneonta High School senior planning on attending St. Bonaventure University in Olean. This scholarship, which is based on academic achievement and financial need, offers up to $4,000 for an upcoming academic year.

Offering help

* St. Brigid's Regional Grade School, Watervliet, which offers scholarships to eighth-grade students going on to area Catholic high schools as well as partial tuition scholarships to its students;

* Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, Schenectady, which provides financial assistance to attending students;

* Catholic Central High School, Troy, which offers partial tuition scholarships funded by alumni;

* St. Pius X Grade School, Loudonville, which has partial tuition scholarships.

Sister Mary Jane Herb, IHM, superintendent of diocesan Catholic schools, said that most diocesan schools offer some sort of tuition reimbursement or scholarships. She suggested that any parent considering enrolling their child in a Catholic school should contact the principal for information.

(For further information on Catholic schools, call the Catholic Schools Office at 453-6666 or visit its website at www.rcdaschools.org.)

(08-30-01) [[In-content Ad]]