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 for a specified period, it is common practice to place a deposit upfront. Likewise, we require a deposit in May which is our assurance that you intend to fulfill our contract. If the contract is fulfilled, the deposit will then be applied to the final installment of tuition.

Why do I have to pay 10 tuition payments when there are only 9 months of school?

Your tuition is based on an annual amount. When you register before the school year begins, you have the benefit of making 10 smaller payments. We simply break down the tuition into 10 installments rather than 9 monthly payments. (For example, if your annual tuition is $3800, your monthly installments are $380×10, but if we were to break it down into 9 monthly installments, your tuition payment would be rounded up to $425.)

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

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 determined by the annual tuition, divided by 9 months, and then rounded to a whole number. (For example, if your annual tuition is $2100 divided by 9 months, it would be $233.33, then rounded up to $235). You will only pay tuition for the months your child is enrolled in school. Whereas the “10 Month” plan is simply the annual tuition divided by 10 months (see question above regarding 10 payment requirements) and applies to children who are registered 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 8 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 a full month’s tuition for August when there are only a few days of school that month?

This payment is not tuition for the month of August, but rather 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 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 there is a 3% convenience fee applied. You may also pay by check or cash, or you may 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 by using online bill pay 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 out of your bank account to whoever you wish. This convenient service will cut and mail a check. You will set this up through your bank and can schedule one payment or recurring monthly payments. Be sure to plan ahead and add extra time for bank processing; five business days or more is usually necessary 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 will pay for your child’s school bag, curriculum, and daily supplies such as construction paper, craft supplies, etc. The supply list is additional supplies that are not included in your fee at registration.

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 the start time for your child. Your child’s schedule will be determined by the teacher they are placed with. The placement of your child is determined by their age (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 the learning environment of your child.

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 the time of 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”. Our goal is to make sure every child is in the best learning environment for their age and developmental level. We also take into consideration the boy/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 certain teacher for my child?

It is not always possible for your child to be placed with your favorite teacher. The placement of your child is determined by their age (we try to group them within 3-4 months of each other), and we want to keep the boy/girl ratio balanced. Our goal is to optimize the learning environment of your child.

Do I need to buy a backpack for school?

At Open House, you will be provided with a school bag for your child to keep their lunch box and any other materials that they need for school. This tote bag is provided as it is the appropriate size for take-home items to be sent in and is easily manageable for your child.

Do I send a lunch for my child?

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

Why am I not getting newsletters or other electronic correspondence?

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