Before we address the question "Why should parents apply for financial aid?,"
let’s look at what God’s Word says about money.

There are six principles that are found in Matthew 25 in the "parable of the talents" that one needs to understand.

	God is sovereign. He has entrusted and endowed us with money -- some much, some less, and some little.
	God wants us to invest the money He gives us for His causes.
	God reminds us that we must account for the money He gives us.
	Money will either bring us reward or rebuke.
	God's approval is based on our faithfulness and stewardship, not the amount of money we have.
	There are only two kinds of servants - good and faithful or wicked and slothful.

Understanding these principles will help us understand that God never intended our Christian schools to be designed just for those that are wealthy. At the same time God does not expect a school to sacrifice excellence and quality by keeping its tuition artificially low so that those with less money can attend.

What is the answer? FFNA believes that the answer is twofold:

1. Charge what it costs to provide quality educational services and
2. Offer financial aid to assist those who can not afford to pay.

Parents then who apply for financial aid are assisting the school by:

	Providing a cross section of socio-economic levels that is healthy for the school and giving the school the same mix as our society.
	Filling up empty seats that otherwise would not be filled. Once the teacher has been hired, then the cost of having 18 students in the class as opposed to 14 students is minimal.
	Providing additional revenue to the school. Using the illustration listed above, the additional four students in this classroom will provide significant revenue even if they receive a 50% grant. Multiplying that number by the total number of classrooms gives a significant increase in tuition dollars. Additional income will also be provided when you charge what it costs and when you eliminate multi-child discounts. It does not cost less money to educate the second child in a family, and, when you provide discounts, you in fact may be providing financial aid to the wealthiest families in the school. Providing need-based financial aid to those who qualify will provide the help needed when you have more than one child enrolled in the school.

Bottom line then is a "win-win" situation for both the parent and the school. The families who have to apply for financial aid need not be ashamed. Remember that God is sovereign. He has entrusted and endowed us with money - some much, some less, and some little.

Be a good steward of that which God has given you and understand that God has given clear direction to those whom He has blessed with more.

Schools can in good conscience take a portion of every tuition dollar to provide the needed dollars to fund a need-based financial aid program. FFNA recommends a minimum of 3% of your budget be earmarked for financial aid. As you eliminate the multi-child discounts, you can raise this to 6 or 8 percent. Advertise your financial aid program. It is a "win-win" situation for your parents and the school.