Saint Sebastian School is rooted in a strong tradition of religious values, quality academic programs, and an atmosphere of Christian community. A network of caring people---students, teachers, parishioners, parents, alumni and friends---strengthen our school. Our hope is that, each year, more students will be able to enjoy the benefits of a Saint Sebastian education. We make every effort to maintain tuition at an affordable level.
The value of a Saint Sebastian education is reflected in the tuition. Our parish is committed to this education and, per diocesan guide lines, parish school families only pay 60 percent of the actual cost.
2009-10 TUITION
One child $3,175 Full-day K through 8
Second child $2,100
Third child $ 750
Fourth child $ 0
Half-day kindergarten One child $1,800
Half-day kindergarten Second child $1,550
Non-Catholic students $4,450 Full-day K through 8
Non-Catholic students $2,225 Half-day kindergarten
Note: Each family is responsible for a cafeteria fee of $100 due with the first tuition payment. By volunteering in the cafeteria for 24 hours each year, your family can recover the entire fee. There is an additional $300 per family fund raising fee that is incorporated into tuition payments and which can be recovered through Market Day and the Gift Card Programs. There is a one-time, non-refundable, $50 registration fee per new family.
Here are some options available to pay your tuition
Option 1: You can pay in full at the time your contract is returned.
Option 2: If you do not pay in full, our partnership with Tuition Management Systems (TMS) offers you a selection of payment preferences that best suit your needs.
When completing the TMS form, families may choose to pay quarterly or on a monthly basis, either the 5th or 20th of the month. Families also select the method of payment, either automated deduction or through a billing system. Saint Sebastian School uses an 11-month cycle with payments beginning with the first payment to the school in March and continuing in May through February.
Once you register, the enrollment contract, including the TMS information, will be mailed to you. There is an annual, non-refundable, TMS processing fee per family: $35 if tuition is paid quarterly and $42 if tuition is paid monthly. The first tuition payment is due with your signed contract.
Option 3: Saint Sebastian School wants to support your family in the process of financing tuition. We want to make sure that you have investigated and understand every option available to you.
We encourage all families to apply for tuition grants. Financial assistance for qualified families comes from the generous support of Saint Sebastian parishioners and school alumni to the school Angel Fund. The Diocese of Pittsburgh also provides tuition assistance to qualified families.
Grants provide partial tuition assistance based on a family’s financial need as reported to us by the Private School Aid Service (PSAS). PSAS application forms are available at school and require your current and previous year’s tax return and other explanatory information, which is kept strictly confidential by PSAS. The application form is then mailed by you directly to PSAS. If you need assistance in completing the application, please contact the Parish Manager, Mrs. Peg Kirchner, at 412-364-8999.
Also please note that the Diocese of Pittsburgh uses the same PSAS information to determine a family’s eligibility for the Bishops Education Fund (BEF) and Scholastic Opportunity Scholarships (SOS). Other aid programs may be available through scholarship organizations in cooperation with the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
# of full-day kindergarten Per year Per month Per week Per day
-8th grade children (11 months) (42 weeks) (180 days)
1 child $3,475* $316 $83 $19
*includes the $275 fund raising fee
2 children $5,575 $507 $133 $31
3 children $6,325 $575 $151 $35
Here are answers to frequently asked questions
about tuition and tuition assistance
Who qualifies for tuition assistance and how much can I expect to receive?
Tuition assistance is based on a variety of indicators 2008-09 Tuition Assistance
used by PSAS. PSAS reviews the family’s financial
circumstances and gives an unbiased, confidential Parish: $24,500
evaluation of the family’s ability to pay. Tuition grants BEF/SOS: $21,300
generally range from $100 to $2,200. While financial EITC: $ 4,000
assistance is limited, this year we provided
grants and scholarships totaling nearly $50,000 Total $49,800
to 60 families, approximately 93 percent of all families
that applied.
If our family is granted assistance, when will we be notified?
The parish notifies families throughout the summer as PSAS reviews are received and as long as tuition assistance funds are available. Families are encouraged to apply to PSAS as soon as their tax returns are completed. The PSAS application deadline is March 15.
Are there any discounts available?
There is a $100, on-time submission discount for families who return their contracts by March 20.
What if our family financial situation changes during the school year?
While this occurs in few cases, any time there is a change in your financial situation, please contact the Parish Manager.
Are there other opportunities available to reduce tuition costs?
Saint Sebastian Schools offers a variety of options to help your family with tuition costs. Two significant programs are the Gift Card Program and Market Day.
Market Day is a national company that provides food products. Order forms are distributed each month and 10 percent of what your family orders is credited to tuition.
The Gift Card Program offers families cash cards from a lengthy list of entertainment, retail stores, restaurants, and services from which to choose. Total card purchases earn your family 4 percent in tuition credit.
For example, if your family spends $500 a month on food and shops at one of the grocery stores via Gift Cards, you could save $240 in tuition.
Your friends and other family members can help you too by participating in the Market Day and School Gift Card programs. More information is available when you register.
