California private schools rethink tuition practices in economic downturn

"I was truly in shock," said Winograd, whose son, Toby, is a sixth-grader. "I wanted to stand up and say, 'Thank you.' Paying for a private education is always difficult, but this has made it easier, and there are few things in the current economy, or in life, making things easy."

Lowering tuition is almost unheard of in the private-school world, where the prevailing strategy is to increase annual fees each year but make more financial aid available. The current economic collapse, however, is causing some schools to rethink the status quo. They are concerned about middle- and even upper-income families who can no longer afford to pay full tuition but who resist applying for financial aid out of pride or because they don't think they're eligible. Still, some schools have reported increased requests for financial aid this year.

hopes to stem attrition and attract new families, with a goal of 300 total enrollment next fall, up from the current 260. Tuition for students at Kadima Heschel West Middle School will fall from $20,910 to $16,905 next year and in elementary school (grades 1-5) from $18,314 to $14,300.

"My concern has been that we're losing that middle class who don't feel comfortable asking for financial aid," said Barbara Gereboff, Kadima head of school. "For us, this is an investment in our future. These are the kids who are going to be contributing to the community, giving back."

The school will maintain programs and competitive faculty salaries with increased donations from families who can pay, along with foundation and community support. Tuition assistance will still be available for families who qualify.

Kadima administrators said they hope their action will serve as a model for other private schools.

"The reality is all of the old assumptions have to be looked at in the context of the current economy," said Kadima's Director of Finance Arnold Rudnick. "Schools have to begin thinking outside of the box."