For families in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay Varina exploring private education options, one question often arises before all others: "Can we afford this?" At Resurrection Lutheran School, we realize that private school affordability concerns every family considering Christian education for their children. The good news is that quality, Christ-centered education may be more accessible than you think.
This guide will help you understand the various options for paying for private education at Resurrection Lutheran School, demystify the financial aid process, and discover resources you may not have known existed.
The True Value of Private Education
At Resurrection Lutheran School, our small class sizes mean that teachers know each student individually. This personalized attention allows teachers to adapt instruction to meet individual needs in ways that larger classroom settings simply cannot accommodate.
Our Christ-centered approach integrates faith formation into daily learning. Students don't compartmentalize their spiritual development from their academic growth; instead, they experience education as a holistic journey where biblical values inform how they approach challenges, treat classmates, and understand their purpose in the world. At Resurrection Lutheran School, these values are woven into daily interactions, curriculum decisions, and school policies.
The academic rigor at Resurrection Lutheran School prepares students for honors-level coursework in high school. Our emphasis on writing across all subjects, STEM programming, and critical thinking skills creates a foundation that serves students throughout their educational careers and beyond. Read our School Life page for more.
Financial Aid at Resurrection Lutheran School
Resurrection Lutheran School is committed to making Christian education accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. We recognize that many families who would benefit most from our educational program face genuine financial constraints, and we work diligently to bridge that gap.
Our financial aid program operates on a need-based model. Families apply through an independent assessment service that evaluates their financial situation objectively and recommends an appropriate level of assistance. This process ensures fairness and confidentiality while helping us allocate limited resources to families with the greatest need.
The financial aid application process includes:
- Completing an online application through our assessment partner
- Providing documentation of income, assets, and expenses
- Submitting any required supporting materials
- Receiving a confidential assessment of demonstrated need
- Working with our financial administrator to finalize your aid package
Awards vary based on demonstrated need and available funds. Some families receive partial assistance that makes tuition manageable when combined with their budget, while others receive more substantial support. We encourage any family with financial concerns to apply rather than assuming they won't qualify.
Flexible Payment Plans
Beyond financial aid, Resurrection Lutheran School offers flexible payment arrangements that help families manage educational costs within their monthly budgets. Sometimes affordability isn't about the total amount but rather the timing and structure of payments.
Families can choose payment schedules that align with their financial situation. Monthly payment plans spread tuition across the school year, making the expense feel more manageable than a lump sum payment. Some families prefer to pay by semester or term, while others arrange customized schedules based on their unique circumstances.
Understanding Tuition Structure
Transparency in tuition helps families make informed decisions about private school affordability. At Resurrection Lutheran School, our tuition structure reflects the full-day educational experience we provide.
Our school day runs from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, mirroring a traditional school schedule. This differs significantly from many preschool programs that offer only partial-day options, and it provides tremendous value for working families who might otherwise need to arrange childcare for portions of the day.
Junior kindergarten through eighth grade students all participate in this full-day program. The comprehensive curriculum includes core academic subjects, specialist instruction in music, physical education, art, library, and technology, as well as daily faith formation through chapel and integrated biblical teaching.
External Scholarship Opportunities
While Resurrection Lutheran School provides financial aid from our own resources, families should also explore external scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce the cost of Christian school financial aid.
North Carolina offers several scholarship programs specifically designed to help families afford private education. These programs operate independently from individual schools, meaning families can combine external scholarships with school-based financial aid for maximum benefit.
Potential external funding sources include:
- State scholarship programs for qualifying families
- Denominational scholarships through Lutheran organizations
- Community foundation grants supporting private education
- Corporate scholarship programs offered by employers
- Private scholarship funds established by donors interested in Christian education
Our admissions team can provide guidance on external resources and help families understand which programs they might qualify for. While we cannot guarantee external funding, we can direct you toward opportunities worth exploring as you build your financial plan.
Tax Benefits of Private Education
Families paying for private education should understand potential tax benefits that can reduce the effective cost of tuition. While tax situations vary and families should consult with tax professionals for personalized advice, several provisions may apply.
Some families can utilize education savings accounts or 529 plans for private K-12 tuition. Recent tax law changes expanded these accounts beyond college savings, allowing families to use up to $10,000 annually per student for elementary and secondary private school costs.
Employers increasingly offer education assistance benefits that can be directed toward private school tuition. If your employer provides educational benefits, explore whether K-8 private school qualifies under your specific plan.
The Admissions and Financial Aid Timeline
Understanding when to begin the financial aid process helps families plan effectively and access maximum support.
Applications for junior kindergarten and kindergarten are accepted on a rolling basis until classes reach full capacity. However, applying earlier in the process—ideally beginning in November or December—provides the best opportunity for both admission and financial aid consideration.
Financial aid applications should be submitted as early as possible. Since funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified applicants, early submission maximizes your chances of receiving support.
Timeline for optimal financial aid consideration:
- November-December: Begin researching options and gathering financial documents
- January-February: Submit financial aid applications and complete admissions materials
- March: Receive financial aid decisions and finalize enrollment
- April-May: Arrange payment plans and complete registration
- August: Begin the school year
Of course, families with immediate needs or those discovering Resurrection Lutheran School later in the year should still reach out. We work with families year-round and accommodate situations that don't fit the standard timeline.
Starting the Conversation
The first step toward making Christian education accessible for your family is simply starting a conversation. Our admissions team welcomes inquiries from families at any financial level and approaches these discussions with sensitivity and respect.
Schedule a tour to experience Resurrection Lutheran School firsthand. Walking through our building, observing classes, meeting teachers, and seeing students engaged in learning helps you evaluate whether this environment matches what you envision for your child.
During your visit, feel free to discuss financial considerations openly. Our staff regularly works with families navigating these decisions and can provide realistic guidance about available support and typical costs.
You can also review detailed information about tuition and fees on our Affording Resurrection page, which provides transparency about costs and available assistance.
If you have questions or want to explore how Resurrection Lutheran School might work for your family financially, we encourage you to contact us. Our financial administrator can discuss your specific situation confidentially and help you understand what support might be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will other families know if we receive financial aid?
Absolutely not. Financial aid status remains completely confidential. Only designated administrative staff involved in financial decisions access this information, and it never affects a student's experience at school.
Can we apply for financial aid after enrolling?
While it's possible to apply for aid after enrollment, funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying during the initial enrollment process provides the best opportunity for support.
Does receiving financial aid obligate us to volunteer or participate in specific ways?
Not at all. All families are encouraged to participate in school life according to their ability and interest, but financial aid carries no special obligations beyond normal parent expectations.
What happens if our financial situation changes during the school year?
We understand that circumstances change. Families experiencing significant financial hardship should contact our financial administrator to discuss their situation. While we cannot guarantee additional assistance, we work with families facing genuine difficulties.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Financial aid is awarded based on demonstrated need rather than automatic discounts. However, when assessing need, we consider the total cost of educating multiple children, which often results in support for families with several students enrolled.
A Community Committed to Accessibility
At Resurrection Lutheran School, our commitment to accessibility reflects our core mission. We believe every child who would benefit from a Christ-centered, academically rigorous education should have the opportunity to receive one.
We invite you to explore whether Resurrection Lutheran School might be the right fit for your family. The conversation costs nothing, and you may discover that the education you envision for your child is within reach after all. To learn more, or to schedule a campus visit, please contact us.
