Yes, You Can Afford It!

Visitation Catholic School was founded with the goal of educating rich and poor without distinction. Eighty years later, we are proud to maintain this tradition.

Tuition Assistance at Visitation Catholic School

The goal of the Tuition Assistance Program at VCS is to make our school accessible to students whose families could not afford it on their own. The primary responsibility for financing a student's education rests with the family; however Visitation Catholic School recognizes that not all families can afford the full tuition.

Tuition Assistance is meant to supplement family resources when they are not sufficient. All assistance is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need, which is defined as the difference between what a family can afford and VCS's tuition. Our programs are designed to aid those most in need as a first priority.

If you have a financial need, you are eligible for aid.

Myth and Reality

Myth: Catholic education is only for wealthy families.

Reality: During the 2006-2007 school year, 40% of our families received some form of financial aid. Assistance grants totaled nearly $100,000.00.

Myth: If I apply for aid, it will hurt my child's chances for admission.

Reality: Students are accepted to VCS based on their qualifications. Applying for Tuition Assistance is a separate process.

Types of Tuition Assistance

Several different categories of assistance are available, most of which are grants. Some grants are restricted to students who meet the criteria set by the donor. Other grants are from a general fund for families in need.

1. Archdiocesan grants through the Fulcrum Foundation: grants are available to families of continuing students.
2. PACE (Pierce County Association for Catholic Education) grants: these grants are available to families of continuing students.
3. Neighborhood Parish grants or subsidies: many parishes make money available to their parishioners for their children to attend Catholic school. See your pastor or parish administrator for more information. VCS extends in-parish tuition to families of our own Parish cluster. This includes Sacred Heart, Saint Ann, Saint John of the Woods, and Visitation Parishes.
4. VCS New Family Grants: these grants have been designated by donors as specifi cally for families new to Visitation Catholic School.
5. VCS General Tuition Assistance Grants: these grants are available to all VCS families with financial need, whether the students are new or continuing.

Applications for Archdiocesan and school grants require full financial disclosure. Further information will be included with the application form.

Please call (253) 474-6424 if you would like an application or to schedule a tour.