Real Cost of Tuition

Dear Family and Friends of PCA,
As we start the enrollment process for the 2022-2023 academic school year we are typically
confronted with some very difficult decisions regarding our tuition costs. Each year the tuition
increases to keep pace with inflation, helping us avoid sudden more extreme increases. As a
parent with two kids at PCA I understand the impact this can make on families. I would like to
share some information, ensuring the process remains transparent.
Our goal at PCA is to provide a high quality Christ-centered educational experience to all those
who seek it. In order to achieve this goal, we do everything in our power to be prudent with
finances. Some will pay the full tuition, while others may pay less, based on their financial
situation. Our current enrollment is approximately 206 students, and tuition is about $5,500-
$9,000 per student, depending on grade level. Some classes have additional fees for things
such as outdoor education, mission trips, and personal computers. At most our school can only
raise about $1,000,000 annually, based on current tuition. The 2021-2022 annual budget and
expenditures, were just over $2,072,500. If you asked one of our students to do the math, they
might question how we can continue to operate on what may seem like an unsustainable path.
If each of the 206 student shared the cost equally it would be $10,063 per student. Other similar
schools in the area charge up to $20,000 a year per student. We are proud to provide a high-
quality Christian education for significantly less cost to our families. This is largely because of
generous contributions that impact our bottom line.
Each year we receive generous donations from the local SDA churches of Central, Linwood,
South Hill and West Plains that exceeds $275,000. This is paramount to keeping our doors
open.
The “Student Success” program typically brings in over $100,000 each year. This is often
viewed as a fund that helps those facing financial difficulties. However, without this important
program we would struggle to keep the doors of PCA open. It truly benefits ALL the students at
PCA.
We receive substantial subsidies from the Upper Columbia Conference of Seventh-day
Adventist to support the mission of the school. The UCC subsidizes approximately a third of
PCA’s teacher salaries.
We feel that PCA scholastics, extracurricular activities, and Christian environment are second to
none in our community. We strive each year to ensure that we keep our tuition costs as low as
possible, providing competitive rates, and financial assistance when needed. We would like to
thank each and every one of you for your continued supporting Palisades Christian Academy,
where students can grow and thrive in their education and Christianity.
As a parent and the chairperson of the finance committee, my goal is to spread Christ’s love
through education to as many people as possible. Thank you for your continued support of
Palisades Christian Academy.
Best regards,

Ben Bartsch