Academy of the Sacred Heart Announces Bold, Innovative Funding Approach

Tuition Reduced for Early Childhood and Primary Programs, No Increases for Grades 2-12

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As educational institutions across the country struggle to survive the recession, Michigan's oldest independent school, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, has taken a bold and innovative approach to funding.  The Academy's 2010-2011 tuition structure aims to increase enrollment during the challenging economic times facing the regional community.  By offering the most competitive pricing possible at the school's earliest entry points, the Academy hopes to attract and retain new families for the long term.  

"Recognizing the financial realities that families are facing day-to-day, and in line with the mission of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, we have reduced tuition for our youngest students and held tuition for our older students," said Sr. Bridget Bearss, Head of School.  "Now, more than ever, it is vital that schools make it easy for parents to examine and compare all the educational choices available for their children, and for parents to understand that a premier education is within reach."

The Academy of the Sacred Heart's tuition includes many of the "line" items that result in additional fees at other private schools in the area.  One price reflects the true cost of attending the school and encompasses educational supplies and books; technology, activity, athletic, lab and art fees; and most field trips.

As an independent, private school, the Academy receives no funding from the state or federal government, or the Archdiocese of Detroit.  The school relies entirely on tuition dollars, supplemented by fundraising efforts, to support its operating budget.  In comparison, the surrounding Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts will receive more than $12,000 per student from the State of Michigan for the 2010-2011 school year.  

The tuition schedule for the 2010-2011 academic year reflects reduced rates for the Academy's Infant/Toddler, Preschool and Primary School programs and no increase for students in Grades 2-12.  Tuition rates range from $11,000 ($300 per week) for the Infant/Toddler Program on a full-day, full-time academic schedule to $19,900 for Upper School students, although flexible, half-day and/or part-time schedules are available in the Infant/Toddler and Preschool programs for a reduced cost.  

To support the school's enrollment goals financially, the school has enacted a more rigorous enrollment process, while reducing spending and exploring effective alternate uses for its campus resources.  The school's beautiful, serene chapel – graced by its signature stained-glass Rose Window – has long been a popular setting for elegant, intimate weddings.  In addition, the 44-acre campus, which includes a state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot Field House, has hosted the Leaders of Conscience Speaker Series, the Knit Michigan fundraiser and many local and state athletic competitions.    

As many schools race to add an international baccalaureate to their curriculum, the Academy's mission has always focused on global education and all aspects of diversity.  What may seem to be a new trend in "international" education has been – and continues to be – a mainstay at Sacred Heart.  Founded in 1851, the Academy is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart schools, which includes 21 schools in the United States and affiliation with educational institutions in 44 countries around the world.   The student body represents five continents and more than 40 communities in southeastern Michigan.  Thirteen native languages are spoken and approximately 40% of students are non-Catholic.  In addition, the Academy offers tuition assistance, beginning with Grade 1, based on family need.  Approximately 25 percent of the student body receives tuition assistance.  

"In addition to robust academic and athletic programs, the Academy of the Sacred Heart has the added dimension of moral underpinning, which is so crucial to preparing students to be creative thinkers, ethical problem solvers and those prepared to lead without hesitation in any walk of life.  Examples of what not to do are all around us; the Academy of the Sacred Heart instead chooses to focus on building tomorrow's leaders of conscience," said Sr. Bearss.  

Families are encouraged to learn more about the school's offerings, which begin at six weeks of age and continue through Grade 8 for boys and Grade 12 for girls, by visiting www.ashmi.org or by contacting Barbara Lopiccolo, Admissions Director, at 248-646-8900, ext. 129.  

The Academy of the Sacred Heart is the oldest independent school in Michigan.  Founded in 1851 in Detroit, the Academy moved to its 44-acre campus in Bloomfield Hills in 1958.  It is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young women from infancy through Grade 12 and for boys from infancy through Grade 8 of many cultures and faiths.  The Academy is a member of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, which includes 21 schools in the U.S. and affiliation with the Society of the Sacred Heart in 44 countries around the world.

SOURCE Academy of the Sacred Heart