FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COSTS OF AN EDUCATION AT AUCOCISCO SCHOOL
WHAT FACTORS DETERMINE THE ANNUAL TUITION RATE?
When considering our tuition, is it important to remember these factors:
Our teacher to student ratio is extraordinarily low. Our customized instruction and student success depend on these low ratios.
Our teachers are our most important asset. With years of teaching experience, it is critical that we retain our exceptional faculty and attract dedicated and enthusiastic new teachers.
100% of tuition goes to the operation of the school. Capital projects are supported through separate fundraising initiatives.
WHAT IS THE TUITION FEE FOR A FULL YEAR?
The tuition for the school year 2023-2024 is $52,500.
2024-2025 Tuition TBD
Enrollment agreements are offered in the spring. A deposit of 10% of the full tuition is due with the signed tuition contract.
WHAT OTHER COSTS CAN I EXPECT?
In addition to tuition, expected fees include, but not limited to:
Field trips, costs vary
Yearbook
Personal school supplies
ARE THERE WAYS TO MAKE AN AUCOCISCO SCHOOL EDUCATION MORE AFFORDABLE?
Following are resources available to help with tuition.
Use of Section 529 Plans to Pay Tuition
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 contains a provision that allows the use of Section 529 accounts to pay for private K-12 education up to $10,000 per year, per child starting in 2018. These accounts can be established by parents, grandparents, or family friends and contributions can receive state tax advantages. The investments grow tax free and withdrawals are not taxed on capital gains, to the extent they are used to fund qualified educational expenses. There is additional information on this new tax law change on the Saving for College website.
Medical Expenses as Itemized Deductions
If you itemize your tax deductions, you may be able to include in medical expenses the cost of attending Aucocisco School, as a Special Education tuition expense. For more information, see IRS Publication 502 Medical and Dental Expenses for use in preparing returns, and/or check with your tax professional.
Scholarships
Education loans or scholarships from churches, related opportunities, community service organizations or philanthropic foundations may also be available to you. The school suggests that you apply to some of these groups who give aid to individuals, instead of schools.
Extended Family Support
Some of our families receive assistance with tuition from relatives. While there is an annual limit on gifts to others, gifts of tuition are not limited.
Federal/State/Local Funds
Public school systems have placed students at Aucocisco School. In these instances, the public schools pay all of the tuition costs. Occasionally, the public school system initiates the placement process because it believes that it is not able to provide an appropriate program for the student. In other instances, parents have gained placement for their child at Aucocisco School under Public Law through due process procedures developed by the Maine Department of Education.