Program Specific Annual Tuition
Big Minds Unschool Individual Tuition Rate Policy
Objective: The Big Minds Unschool Individual Tuition Policy is designed to ensure equitable access to our educational programs by providing financial assistance to eligible families. Big Minds is committed to ensuring access to our programs for all families. Limited funding inhibits this goal and we are actively working on more ways to fundraise in order to grow in this area. This policy outlines the process, criteria, and considerations for determining Individual tuition.
Individual Tuition Assessment: Individual tuition at Big Minds Unschool is assessed through the Clarity platform, taking into consideration the following factors (Note that both parents' and students' income & assets are considered in the assessment):
To get started, click the above link and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools.
To start your application, Clarity will ask you to select the name of the school. We have two listings:
Consideration: We separate Admissions and Individual Tuition decisions. Admissions and individual tuition decisions are made separately to ensure fairness and objectivity.
Annual Review and Changes: Individual tuition awards are based on the family's estimated tuition contribution and Big Minds Unschool’s individual tuition budget. Both figures are subject to change from year to year.
Incorporating Other Tuition: Other K-12 tuition payments made by the family are factored into the estimated tuition contribution.
Parental Financial Statements and Submission Requirement: Each parent must submit a separate Parent Financial Statement to Clarity for the individual tuition application to be processed.
Extenuating Circumstances and Consideration of Changes: Families experiencing extenuating circumstances may submit a letter explaining their situation to the Big Minds Unschool’s Board for consideration. Grants for the next school year are based on the previous year’s income. If there are extenuating circumstances that we should be aware of, please submit a letter to our Admission committee and our Board.
Individual Tuition Awards Notification: Individual tuition awards are included in the acceptance notification, with the specific amount listed on the enrollment contract.
Payment Options: Families can choose from two payment options:
Privacy and Confidentiality: The individual tuition application process is private, and all information shared is confidential. Families are expected to exercise discretion and not discuss their application or award with others.
Data Security: Clarity prioritizes data security and uses enterprise-level security standards, including end-to-end encryption, to protect personal information.
Appeals and Changes: Families seeking changes in individual tuition awards can write a letter to the Admissions committee and the Board explaining the reasons behind the request.
Financial Status Changes: Families receiving individual tuition should inform the Admissions Committee and the Board of any positive changes in their financial status to ensure equitable assistance.
Application Process: Families can apply for individual tuition through the Clarity platform. Webinars and support are available to assist with the application process via the Clarity platform. The admissions team is also available to assist families at any time during the process.
Sources of Support: Big Minds Unschool considers all available sources of financial support in this process. Each parent must submit their financial information via the Clarity platform. If one parent does not do so in a two parent family, even if the family is divorced or separated, we will be unable to finalize the process.
External Tuition Support:
Grant Determination: Grant amounts are determined based on various factors, including income, assets, family size, and obligations.
Funding Source: Support for the individual program comes from our school's budget. Big Minds Unschool is a non-profit organization and receives zero government funding. Big Minds also does not have an endowment at this time. Therefore all additional funding that is allotted to families comes from overall tuition and yearly fundraising.
This comprehensive policy document outlines Big Minds Unschool's approach to individual tuition and the use of the Clarity platform. The admissions team and the Board regularly review and update this policy to ensure that it remains current and aligned with the school's practices and values.
A registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Big Minds Unschool
PO Box 22869
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 630-2541
