For most parents, their children’s education is their number one priority. Parents work hard every day to ensure that their children can obtain the best education possible. For many, this means sending their children to a private school, where their children can benefit from smaller classes, more individualized attention and greater flexibility in teaching methods and standards. Given the economic events of this past fall, however, the ability to send one’s children to private school has become more difficult for some and downright impossible for others. As a result, some private schools, particularly those that are tuition-driven, are beginning to feel the affect of the economic downturn. 

According to Dr. Michael Drake, President of the Georgia Association of Independent Schools, the troubling economy has presented the following three major issues for private schools:

1.      Schools that were intending to do a capital funds drive have probably postponed or scaled back the drive or are not doing as well as they had hoped.

2.      Schools that depend on their endowment are probably suffering because their endowment earnings are much less than projected.

3.      Schools may see a drop in enrollment next year given that the economic woes many parents have suffered this year were after the school year began. As a result, those that are tuition-driven may be most hard-pressed next year.

For many schools, the effects of the economic crisis are still unknown. “We really don’t know what to expect. Our number of inquires is down by about 50%, but that does not mean our enrollment will be down by 50%. It just means there are not as many shoppers. If we see any decrease next year, it will be in the pre-kindergarten (pre-K) classes because Georgia offers pre-K for free,” said Sondra Berry, Director of Communications for the Lakeview Academy, a pre-K through 12 school located in Gainesville.

Leslie Richardson, Director of Communications for Arbor Montessori of Decatur, is working hard to attract new families in the event that they lose existing families or do not see similar numbers of applications for next year. “We’re stepping up our advertising and having more informational meetings. We’re trying to put ourselves out there at more festivals to get a greater presence in the community,” she said.

Some schools such as the Atlanta-based Lovett School appear to be garnering the same number of admission visits and applications submitted as of this time last year. Additionally, while the Lovett School has seen a decrease in its endowment, “it is performing better than some, thanks in part to careful stewardship by the very capable endowment committee of our board of trustees,” according to the Headmaster William S. Peebles IV. Although the Lovett School’s endowment has not been greatly affected, some of its’ families have. "Clearly, the changes in the economy have affected Lovett families, just as they have all families. But we've been blessed to have some new gifts made to the school specifically earmarked for student financial aid,” said Peebles.

These schools as well as others are counting on parents already enrolled in private school to stay, which for many parents might be a stretch, but one that’s important and worthwhile. Clayton County resident and single parent Tammie Franklin feels strongly about sending her daughter to private school even in these difficult times. “I will not send her to public school. Even before Clayton County lost its’ accreditation, I had her in private school. I think the education is better and the Christian atmosphere is important to me. He father pays alimony, which pays for her tuition,” said Franklin.

For Reni Vaughn, an employee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a resident of Grant Park, the economic situation did not change her desire to send her child to private school, but it did change her practices. Instead of applying to several different private schools for next year and paying over $500 in application fees alone, Vaughn only applied to one school this year. “The public schools are OK, but they are not what I want for my son. We will make cuts to pay private school tuition,” she said.

While some parents of children attending private schools have been fortunate enough to be able to stay in the private school system, others are concerned about their ability to continue affording tuition. Morningside parent and realtor Jenny Hutchinson is worried about her family’s ability to send their three children to St. Thomas More, a private Catholic school in Decatur, in the years to come. “We have enough for next year, but we’re not sure after that. My husband’s a builder and I’m a realtor – not the best careers at present. Up until I sold a property two weeks ago, we weren’t sure what we were going to do,” she said.

With tuition expected to increase 10-12% every year and with her oldest child soon to be entering high school, which if she attends St. Pius X Catholic High School, costs twice as much, Hutchinson is hoping the economy turns around quickly. “It is an incredible expense, but it’s worth it. It’s the right choice for us,” she said. For some parents, though, paying private school tuition this year has been tough. Some parents who relied on company stocks to pay for tuition can no longer do that. And with companies cutting commissions and bonuses instead of employees, saving money for tuition is difficult.  Some formerly stay-at-home moms have opted to return to work to cover costs.

Don Robertson, President of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools and the Headmaster at the Walker School in Marietta, has not seen a huge impact on private schools as a result of the economic crisis. “Everyone is doing OK so far. We have some parents who have been affected, but for most, the education of their children is their highest priority. They try to cut other things before cutting education,” he said. Those considering private school for the first time, however, may opt to wait until the economic situation improves. At the Walker School, however, the attendance at recruitment open houses has been similar to previous years. “It’s a little early to tell. But it’s understandable if people choose to wait,” said Robertson.

Even with enrollment remaining fairly stable, many private schools are exploring ways to trim budgets, due to losses suffered from endowment earnings. At Walker for example, the coaches have placed a moratorium on new uniforms for next year. “Everyone’s looking awfully hard at budgets and next year’s tuition and faculty salary increases and trying to be conservative and cut where they can,” said Robertson.