Variable Tuition Application

Variable Tuition | Overview

Variable tuition is a system designed to make private education more accessible by adjusting tuition costs based on each family’s unique financial situation. It is not a “one-size-fits all” tuition approach. Tuition costs range from 45%-93% of the total cost to educate a student. This makes a Lighthouse education accessible to many qualified families who would not otherwise be able to join our school community.

How It Works
Many factors, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family are taken into consideration when determining the amount of tuition a family is able to pay. Families submit a financial profile (or application) to FACTS, who evaluates the application on the basis of criteria set by LCS and makes a recommendation. The Tuition Evaluation Committee then reviews those recommendations and makes a final determination on the customized tuition responsibility for each family.

Why does Lighthouse offer a variable tuition program?
LCS wants to help change the perception of affordability and make a quality, Christ-centered education accessible to more families. This program is part of the school’s enrollment growth strategy. Growing enrollment will help us maintain and enhance both academic, spiritual, and extra-curricular programming and services that will benefit every student.

What is the typical financial situation of a family who qualifies for variable tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program. Because each family’s financial situation is different, variable tuition rates are matched to each family’s unique financial situation within the variable tuition range. Many factors are evaluated when determining each family’s rate, including income, assets, unusual expenses, family size, and LCS enrollment.

Variable Tuition | Customized Ranges

Customized tuition rates fall within a range of 45%-93% of the full cost of education per student.

Variable Tuition | Application Process

Click here to apply for variable tuition.

Variable Tuition | Expected Timeline

• The application review process will begin in March 2025. 
• Before Applying for Variable Tuition: For new students, you must first complete the admissions application process before applying.
• 2-3 Weeks After Applying: Application review. You may be contacted for additional information. 
• Decision communication after application review:
  • Ineligible Families: If a family is deemed ineligible for variable tuition, communication will be sent regardless of what stage the family is in during the admissions/continuous enrollment process.    
  • Eligible Families: If a family is deemed eligible for an adjusted tuition amount, details will be communicated if/when an offer of enrollment is extended by the admissions department for new families, or continuous enrollment is confirmed for the next school year for families with students who currently attend Lighthouse.  

Variable Tuition | Policy

• Variable tuition is designed to support families based on financial need and is not designed to support lifestyle choices that result in heavy financial stress or indebtedness. 
• All applications are reviewed by an independent financial assessment organization and a recommendation is provided for each application. Recommendations are reviewed by the LCS Tuition Evaluation Committee for final determination of eligibility and/or your customized tuition amount. 
• We recognize that every family's situation is unique. One of the greatest factors in evaluating financial need depends on a family's adjusted gross income to tuition cost ratio. However, the committee will take into account other factors. 
• Academic and disciplinary standards as presented in the Parent-Student Handbook must be maintained.
• Families receiving a discounted tuition rate through variable tuition must actively participate in the school community and stay current on financial obligations.
• Variable tuition applies only to the current school year. It may be renewed annually by application and may be different from past amounts if there are substantial changes in a family’s income, assets, or family makeup of enrolled students.