Sliding Scale Tuition

Financial Aid

 
Thank You for expressing interest in our sliding scale tuition.  This is our fourth year offering a sliding scale and it’s something that we are constantly refining. We believe it will help us in our mission to “teach dance from the inside-out”.  We thank you in advance for your patience as we learn how to manage this discount system.
 
No one will be denied a dance education based on financial status.
 
What is sliding scale tuition? At LFDC, sliding scale tuition is an integral part of our mission and supports our continuing commitment to diversity. Financial support for the sliding scale is derived from the school’s operating budget (i.e. tuition revenue, grants, and fundraising). We offer sliding scale tuition based on each families’ unique financial situation. We encourage families to apply for our sliding scale who have concerns about their ability to afford full tuition. While every family is expected to support the LFDC community to the extent individual family circumstances permit, we do not expect tuition to be the same.
 
Should my family apply for sliding scale tuition?
One simple way to know if you should request sliding scale tuition is to look at the tuition payment dates. If, by stretching your finances, you can afford this figure, then you should not request sliding scale tuition. However, if this is not possible, then you should request sliding scale tuition on your registration form. Sliding scale tuition is a new way of thinking about access to a LFDC education. Because it is a new concept, and because tuition at LFDC may be difficult for families to give, this system makes it possible for families to pay what level of tuition they will be able to afford. We encourage all families who would like to explore sliding scale tuition to submit a letter requesting a discount as early as possible. 
 
Annual Family Income
$0 - 10,000 90%-100% Discount
 
$10,001 - 20,000 80% Discount  
 
$20,001 - 30,000 60% Discount  
 
$30,001 -40,000 40% Discount  
 
$40,001 and up 20% Discount  
 
Who's eligible?   Everyone.  Your eligibility will be based on income.  Depending on this criterion you could qualify for free or discounted classes.
 
Do I have to pay back the discount?   No!  It's not a loan or grant.  You don't have to pay back any money.  The discount will be applied directly to your bill. 
 
How long will I be eligible?   Once your eligibility has been determined, your sliding fee will be in effect for a period of one school year.
 
  • Step One: The first step is to notify us that you are interested in using this discount.  Please submit a letter to us or check the interest box on your registration form.
  • Step Two: After you have registered for dance classes, we will send you a letter that shows the discounts that are available to you. If you still cannot afford the discount assigned to you, please pay what you can. It is our expectation that over time you will try to align your budget with your family’s needs in this area.  We do not want your child to miss this opportunity but we also want to award this opportunity to as many children as possible.  Please be considerate to the values we hold as an organization and help us with fund-raising as you can.
  •   Step Three:  Fill out the Income Statement Sheet and keep it in a safe place in case we would ever need to see it.  Living Fountain does not need you to submit proof of income at this time.  We may request the following if an audit is initiated.
      • Proof of income for every adult in the household:
          if paid weekly, four current, consecutive pay stubs; or if paid bi-weekly, two current, consecutive pay stubs; or a letter from employer on company letterhead stating gross income; or Text Box: We will notify you if we need to see your financial records.a current tax return
      • Proof of all additional income (if any), such as:
        Child support documentation (copy of check)
  • Step Four: Compile your tuition check with a note stating the student’s first and last name and mail your payment to Living Fountain P.O. Box 9015 Canton, Ohio 44711-9015.
  • Step Five: Communicate any questions, concerns, or needs to LFDC.  You have completed the process.             
 
IF you have ANY concerns please contact us through our voicemail system 330-649-0773 and we will help you get your student into dance classes.  No one will be denied a dance education based on financial status.  Again, Thanks for your patience as we put this system into effect.