Frequently asked questions

Why do I have to make a May tuition payment when I register my child for school?

When a contract requires monthly payments over a specified period, it is common practice to require an upfront deposit. Likewise, we require a deposit in May as assurance that you intend to fulfill our contract. If the contract is fulfilled, the deposit will be applied to the final tuition installment.

Why must I pay 10 tuition payments for only 9 months of school?

Your tuition is billed annually. When you register before the school year begins, you can make 10 smaller payments. We break down the tuition into 10 installments rather than nine monthly payments. (For example, if your annual tuition is $3400, your monthly installments are $340×10, but if we were to break it down into nine monthly installments, your tuition payment would be rounded to $380.)

Why is there a difference between the “10 Month” and the “Monthly” plans?

The “Monthly” plan applies to children who register after the school year has already begun, and you no longer have an opportunity to make 10 smaller payments. Your monthly payment is calculated by dividing the annual tuition by 9 months and rounding up. (For example, if your yearly tuition is $3,400 divided by 9 months, it would be $377.77, then rounded up to $380). You will only pay tuition for the months your child is enrolled in school. The “10 Month” plan is the annual tuition divided by 10 months (see question above regarding 10 payment requirements) and applies to registered children before the school year begins.

If school hasn’t even started yet, why have I already had to make 2 payments?

Your first payment is a deposit that will be applied to the annual tuition (see question regarding the May payment above), and the second payment is scheduled for August 1st. With this plan, your payments will end before school is out. The remaining eight payments are due on the 1st of each month from September through April. (see the question regarding 10 tuition payments above)

Why do I pay for an entire month of tuition in August when there are only a few days of school that month?

This payment is not for August tuition; it is 1 of 10 installments of the annual tuition. (see question above regarding 10 tuition payment requirements)

Do you send tuition notices to remind me when my payment is due?

An electronic monthly newsletter will be sent out to all families, with a reminder that your tuition is due by the 1st of the month and is considered late after the 7th. We do not send individual reminder notices.

Do you accept credit card payments?

Yes, you may pay by credit card, but a 3% convenience fee is applied. You may also pay by check, cash, or set up online bill pay through your bank. (see question regarding bill pay below)

How do I set up automatic debits for payments?

We do not do automatic drafts from your bank. The best way to have your payment sent to us automatically is to use an online bill payment service through your bank. (see question regarding bill pay below)

What is bill pay?

Online bill pay, offered by your bank, is a service that sends money from your bank account to the payee you choose. This convenient service will cut and mail a check. You will set this up through your bank and can schedule either a one-time payment or recurring monthly payments. Be sure to plan for extra time for bank processing; five business days or more is usually required for the check to be cut and mailed.

Why do I need to bring school supplies when I’ve already paid a book and supply fee when I registered?

The book and supply fee you paid at registration covers your child’s school bag, curriculum, and daily supplies, such as construction paper and craft supplies. The supply list includes additional items not covered by your registration fee.

I see that you have different start times. Can I request the scheduled time for my child?

Due to limited parking, we have had to stagger our starting times. However, we ask that you allow us to choose your child’s start time. Your child’s schedule will be determined by the teacher with whom they are placed. Their age determines your child’s placement (we try to group them within 3-4 months of each other), and we try to keep the boy/girl ratio balanced. Our goal is to optimize your child’s learning environment.

I understand you will choose my child’s start time, but what happens if I need to carpool with another family?

If you notify us at registration that you will be carpooling with another family, we will try to place the children on the same schedule.

When will I find out who my child’s teacher is for the school year?

You will learn who your child’s teacher is at our “Open House.” We aim to ensure every child is in the best learning environment for their age and developmental level. We also consider the boy-to-girl ratio for each classroom. Due to the many changes that occur over the summer, class lists are finalized shortly before the new school year begins.

Can I request a specific teacher for my child?

It is not always possible for your child to be assigned to your preferred teacher. Their age determines your child’s placement (we try to group them within 3-4 months of each other), and we want to maintain a balanced boy/girl ratio. Our goal is to optimize your child’s learning environment.

Do I need to buy a backpack for school?

At Open House, you will receive a tote bag for your preschooler through kindergarten to store their lunchbox and any other school materials. This bag is provided because it is the appropriate size for take-home items and is easily manageable for your child. 1st through 3rd grade will bring their backpack.

Do I send a lunch for my child?

We do not have a food service, so you must send a lunch and a water bottle with your child each day.

Why am I not getting newsletters or other electronic correspondence?

We do send out monthly newsletters. They may be going to your spam or blocked folder if you are not receiving them. Please add our email addresses (steffani@firstfoundations.com and info@firstfoundations.com) to your contact list so they don’t get blocked. If you are still not receiving them, please notify the office. Also, let us know if you have changed your email address so you don’t miss our correspondence.