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Hello Everyone,
I have been looking into the educational system in the USVI, on and off, for about 4 years now. Other than the private schools, I have not come across much info on alternatives to public schools. We have three children and the idea of paying $25,000 a year to send them to school is overwhelming. (what about saving for college!!!). I know there have to be other parents who also need an alternative.
Do any of the current VI residents know of any Charter School start-ups? Any info on groups of parents that get together or individually teacher their children via home-school? Any other ideas?
Is the private school tuition really what they state it is? Or do most receive financial/merit aid? Do native children get to attend at a discount?
When I look at the population stats for the private/religious schools, it is hard to believe that there are that many people on the islands who could afford to pay the tuition. Especially, if they have more than one child. It is hard to get a answer to that question. It is almost as if you need to apply before you can find out.
I would love to hear the ways others are dealing with the situation.
Thank you so much,
Jamie
Posted : January 6, 2007 4:29 pm
Antilles offers financial aid to the most people. Montessori offers financial aid. Most of the parents who send their children to private school pay the tuition and scrape by as best they can. St. Thomians do not receive a discount. All Saints and St. Peter and Paul and the other religious private schools are less expensive. I have found that the private schools here are cheaper than where I came from in the states.
Posted : January 6, 2007 5:13 pm
I have in-laws who just enrolled their three children in an on-line charter school, ages 12 to 8 years old. My sister-in-law has been home-schooling them for 6 years or so, and has shopped and purchased many home school curriculums. She is amazed at the extremely high quality of the K12 program, and the reasonable price. This on-line charter school provides all books AND computer equipment. Since K12 has a "home-base" in Pennsylvania it is FREE as long as they return all books and computer equipment at the end, because it counts as a "public school" for them as Pennsylvania residents.
Although I doubt St. Croix has a "home-base" for K12 that allows you to get it for free, there is an alternative option. K12's program can be purchased and used for home schooling.
I don't know much more about it (but was very impressed by the "tour" that my nephews and niece gave me). If I were you I would look into this and other on-line options. Especially with three children.
Good luck -- Joanna
Posted : January 6, 2007 6:26 pm
Topic starter
Joanna,
Thank you for the link and the information. The course looks very interesting. There is not a course for VI but there is an independent study course that can be purchased. It is a great start. I am going to call them to inquire about starting a USVI "virtual academy"and pick their brains for further information.
Thanks! Thanks!
Jamie
Posted : January 6, 2007 7:05 pm
