BY SCOTT PICKERING spickering@eastbaymediagroup.com
Every July, a small group of people gather in a conference room inside the Rhode Island Division of Taxation offices in Providence and watch as index cards are drawn one by one from a raffle bin. There are typically fewer than 10 people in the room, watching with high anticipation.
As each card with a unique number is drawn from the bin, a private school admissions or development director will feel a rush of excitement. The more times their number is called, the more tuition scholarships they can offer to disadvantaged children.
See FACING PAGE
It’s an unusual scene, with little index cards determining which schools, and by extension which students, receive thousands of dollars toward their edu cational program, but this is the way it happens, every July, in a conference room at One Capitol Hill.
nesses to redirect their would-be state taxes toward scholarships for Rhode Island families. (For details of the pro gram, see the separate box, “Dollars for Scholarship – Step by step”.)
The program is a win-win-win for the businesses, the schools and the families. The businesses make philan thropic donations for what would oth erwise have been pennies in the state’s $13.6 billion budget. The schools receive money they desperately crave for financial aid. The families see new doors open to provide their children a unique education.
But there’s a cap — literally.
Businesses direct money that would be going toward their corpo rate state taxes to private school scholarships instead. They receive tax credits for their donations.
1. Rhode Island-based corporations that pay Rhode Island taxes com plete a simple application where they pledge to donate toward the state’s scholarship fund.
4. The business designates which SGO, or SGOs, receive their money.
ROBIN LANSINGER, SCHOOLThe drawing is part of the Rhode Island Scholarship Tax Credit program, a little-known opportunity for busi
The state caps the available tax cred its each year at $1.5 million. Last year there were corporate applications pledging twice that amount, meaning that if they were able to, Rhode Island corporations would have donated nearly $3 million toward scholarships forHowever,children.with a limit on tax credits
See TAX CREDITS Page
2. They can pledge as little or as much as they want. The maximum tax credit available to any single entity in a single year is $100,000.
3. On the receiving end are seven recognized Scholarship Granting Organization (SGOs). Each SGO is a group of private schools — ranging from groupings of two partner schools, to a 35-member group of Catholic schools.
5. Once it completes the donation, the business receives most of that value back in a state tax credit. If it makes a one-year pledge, the tax credit is 75% of the value. If it makes a two-year commitment, the tax credit is 90% of the value. To receive the maximum tax credit possible, a business would pledge $111,111 two years in a row.
6. The SGO receives the money and spreads it to qualifying students — defined as families earning 250% of the federal poverty level or less.
7. The students use the scholarships toward their private school tui tions.
“They’re going to be paying the money in taxes anyway, so wouldn’t they rather have it to go to a good cause, like helping lowincome students go to a great school?”
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available, the state cannot approve all the applications. Thus, the drawing.
This past July, the familiar small group gathered to watch the drawing. There were 59 numbers in the bin, rep resenting the 59 corporations that had submitted applications by the July 1 deadline. As each number was called, the running tally of scholarship pledg es grew. By the time the 16th ball had been pulled, the $1.5 million cap had been reached. The remaining 43 appli cations were put on hold, pending dis qualification or failure to follow through from any of the first 16 busi nesses.Robin Lansinger, director of devel opment for School One in Providence, attends the drawing most years. She said it can be stressful, exhilarating … everything one would expect in a highstakes lottery.
“We got lucky,” Lansinger said. “One of our numbers was in that first 16 …
It’s possible you can get shut out. I remember one year, one of the women was crying because they didn’t get any.”
As her school’s lead representative for fund-raising, Lansinger is often talking with businesses leaders and families with means. She talks about this program any chance she gets.
“We want to be as accessible as we can, and offer educational opportuni ties to students across the state …
About 70% of our student body is on some kind of aid,” she said. School One’s tuition this year is $25,000.
“I know, anecdotally and personally, that we’ve given awards to families that would never have been able to access a school like School One otherwise, and these students are such phenomenal students,” Lansinger said. “The way that some of these students make their way here is just incredible.”
Donna Dube is Chief Revenue Agent for the Rhode Island Division of Taxa tion. She has been involved with this tax credit program since its inception
n $1.5 million: Money donated annu ally by businesses to scholarship pro gram
n 496: Scholarships distributed in 2021
n $200: Smallest scholarship given (Barrington Christian Academy) n $49,800 Largest scholarship given (The Wolf School)
n 7: Scholarship Granting Organiza tions (see list at tax.ri.gov)
in When2007. launched, the program had a $1 million cap. About a decade ago, the Rhode Island General Assembly increased the cap to $1.5 million, where it has been since.
Dube confirmed, “We always get applications for more credit than we haveThoughavailable.”responsible for bringing in the money that keeps state govern ment running, Dube is happy to see all the scholarships funded to the maxi mum amount possible.
n 49: Private schools registered that benefit from the program
n 59: Number of businesses that filed applications for the program in 2022
n 16: Number of applications that were accepted
n 43: Number of applications that were not accepted (put on waiting list) because of the state’s cap of $1.5 million
“It helps students who could not afford these tuitions, and we want to be sure everyone takes full advantage of the opportunities that are available,” sheLansingersaid. would love to see more businesses aware of the program, and making pledges — not only to School One’s SGO, but to all of them.
“They’re going to be paying the mon ey in taxes anyway, so wouldn’t they rather have it to go to a good cause, like helping low-income students go to a great school?” Lansinger said.
An independent private school educa tion may be more affordable than parents think. Most independent schools are committed to helping families find cre ative, manageable ways to pay for their child’sAmongeducation.theoptions parents can explore: n Tuition Payment Plans allow fami lies to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Many schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.
n Grants are the most common type of financial aid offered by independent schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must re-apply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be
paid back.
n Merit scholarships awarded by the school are relatively rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics.
n Scholarships from outside organizations are also relatively rare. They are often awarded by local chapters of nation al groups like the Rotary Club. Families should ask the school for a list of organi zations that have provided scholarships to the school’s students in the past. Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and dead lines.
n Tuition loans are personal loans pro vided by a private lender. Families must
apply directly to the lender, and the loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some families use loans to cover only the expenses not covered by a financial aid grant, rather than borrowing the full cost of Mosttuition.families pay for independent school tuition through a combination of these options. Many students receive help from family members, such as grandpar ents, as well. Each school’s financial aid officer or admission director works with families to help them review options that fit their unique circumstances.
To determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid, families must submit an application form and financial state ments. Financial aid officers will then use this information to determine how much the family can reasonably afford to spend on tuition. There is no income limit that automatically makes a family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account income, assets, and
expenses, including educational or day care costs for other children. The amount of financial aid each school can offer is based on its financial aid budget, award criteria, and the number of families with demonstrated need who attend the school.
Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions. In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Families learn about financial aid award decisions shortly after the child is admitted to a particular school.
© 2022, National Association of Independent Schools. Reprinted with permission. school education?
For families who feel they cannot afford the full cost of an independent school education, it’s worth the effort to talk to the school’s financial aid director.
Families who need help paying for private schools can find help from many different sources
All Saints STEAM Academy PK-8 135 15 Tours available 915 West Main Road $6,820 by appointment allsaintsacademy.org401/848-4300Middletown
Antioch School PK-8 70 7:1 ratio
Call for a private 618 Rock St., Fall River $4,993 - $5,293 tour anytime. antioch-school.org508/673-6767
Barrington Christian Academy K-12 200 18 Call for tour. 9 Old County Road Barrington $8,400-$13,500 bcacademy.org401/246-0113Barrington
Bishop Connolly High School Grade 8 250 16 $11,730 Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m.; 373 Elsbree St. (L.E.A.P. Nov. 3, 5-7 p.m. Fall River program) 508/676-1071 and 9-12 bishopconnolly.com
Bishop Hendricken High School 8-12 875 22 $15,750 Oct. 23, 12-3 p.m. 2615 Warwick Ave. (all boys) hendricken.com401/739-3450Warwick
Bishop Stang High School 9-12 700 20 $11,800 Nov. 6, 12 p.m. 500 Slocum Road North bishopstang.com508/996-5602Dartmouth
Community Preperatory School 4-8 125 18 $18,000 Virtual tour on website. 135 Prairie Ave. communityprep.org401/521-9696Providence
French-American School of R.I. PS-8 170 16 $18,023 Nov. 5 75 John St., fasri.org401/274-3325Providence
Friends Academy Early 210 12 $14,100 - $30,600 Virtual tour on website. 1088 Tucker Road childhood-8 North friendsacademy1810.org508/999-1356Dartmouth
Gordon School Nursery-8 364 12:1 ratio $5,000 – $39,200 Oct. 29 (Lower and Middle); 45 Maxfield Ave., E. Providence Nov. 5 (early childhood) gordonschool.org401/434-3833
The Grace School K-8 120 15 $11,600 Virtual tour on website. 1000 Eddy St., Providence Thegraceschool.org401/533-9100
LaSalle Academy 6-12 1,560 21 $14,625 - $20,775 Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 612 Academy Ave. lasalle-academy.org401/351-7750Providence
Lincoln School 1-12 (girls) 400 14 $33,500 - $41,300 Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m. 301 Butler Ave., Providence Nursery-K (coed) lincolnschool.org401/331-9696
The Montessori Centre of Barrington 18 months 60 15 Varies depending Enrollment opens Jan. 16 303 Sowams Road through K on age, hours, Barrington program montessori-centre.com401/245-4754
Moses Brown Nursery-12 775 14 $37,585 - $42,820 Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 250 Lloyd Ave., Providence mosesbrown.org401/831-7350
Ocean State Montessori School PS-6 100 20 $9,250 - $14,750 Call to schedule a visit. 100 Grove Ave., E. Providence oceanstatemontessori.com401/434-6913
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School PK-8 150 20 $6,075 January 127 State St. olmcri.org401/253-8455Bristol
Pennfield School PS-8 165 13 $11,750 - $21,500 Nov. 4; Dec. 9; Jan. 27 110 Sandy Point Ave., Portsmouth pennfield.org401/849-4646
Portsmouth Abbey School 9-12 360 12 Boarding: $69,850 Oct. 22 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth Day: $43,500 portsmouthabbey.org401/683-2000
The Prout School
4640 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield 9-12 420 18 $16,100 Oct. 23, 1-4 p.m.; 401/789-9262 Nov. 1, 6-8 p.m. theproutschool.org
Providence Country Day PreK-12 350 12 $15,000 - $25,000 Oct. 25 (Pre-K-5); 660 Waterman Ave., E. Providence Oct. 29 (5-12) providencecountryday.org401/438-5170
Rocky Hill School PreK-12 300 14 $33,245 - $41,510 Visit website for details. 530 Ives Rd., East Greenwich rockyhill.org401/884-9070
Sacred Heart School PreK-8 160 20 $4,800 Call for details. 56 Purchase St., East sacredheartepri.com401/434-1080Providence
Sally Borden Program 3-8 45 8 $40,100 Virtual tour on website. at Friends Academy 1088 Tucker Road North friendsacademy1810.org508/999-1356Dartmouth
School One 9-12 85 9 $25,000 Oct. 19, 8:45 - 10:45 a.m. 220 University Ave., Providence school-one.org401/331-2497
St. Andrew’s School 6-12 and PG 225 10 Day: $25,000- Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 63 Federal Road, Barrington $44,650; 401/246-1230 Boarding: $67,300 standrews-ri.org
Friday, November 4 8:15 a.m. Friday, December 9 8:15 a.m.
To RSVP, visit www.pennfield.org or call 401-849-4646.
St. George’s School 9-12 380 10 $48,375 372 Purgatory Road, Middletown Virtual: Oct 24, Dec 5 stgeorges.edu401/847-7565
St. Luke School PS-8 165 16 $6,545 - $9,025 Oct. 30, 12-1:30 p.m. 10 Waldron Ave., Barrington stlukesri.org401/246-0990
St. Margaret School PK-8 200 20 $6,750 - $7,600 Call for more information. 42 Bishop Ave., 401/434-2338stmargaretsch.orgRumford
St. Mary Academy Bay View PK-12 400 16 $11,760 - $17,480 Nov. 6, 12 p.m. 3070 Pawtucket Ave. (all girls) bayviewacademy.org401/434-0113Riverside
St. Michael’s Country Day PS-8 210 8:1 $27,500 - $30,700 Nov. 4, 9-11 a.m. 180 Rhode Island Ave. student-teacher Newport ratio smcds.org401/849-5970
St. Philomena School PK-8 430 20 $10,275 Call to schedule a tour. 324 Cory’s saintphilomena.org401/683-0268PortsmouthLane
St. Raphael Academy 9-12 500 18 $13,950 Oct. 2. 123 Walcott St. saintrays.org401/723-8100Pawtucket
The Wheeler School Nursery-12 813 12 $38,130 - $41,830 Oct. 22 216 Hope wheelerschool.org401/421-8100ProvidenceSt.
The Wolf School K-8 71 9 $64,400 Oct. 23 215 Ferris Ave., East Providence thewolfschool.org401/432-9940
For families considering private schools, visiting the campus can help determine which school or schools are the best fit.
Each school has its own process for visits. Some schools prefer that fami lies come during planned open hous es, other schools schedule individual or group tours. Check the school’s website to find out what the options are.
Many school open houses take place in the fall. They provide an opportunity to learn about the school’s programs, see the campus, and meet other pro spective students. Admission directors recommend that families:
n Check to see if you need to register, or if you can just drop in.
n Find out if there will be a formal welcome during the open house and what time it will occur. This presenta tion is an ideal opportunity to hear the school head of school and admissions director talk about the school.
The open house is not the best forum to ask in-depth questions — it’s too crowded and busy. Jot down questions as you think of them so you can ask them later, during a personal tour or interview.
School tours offer another chance to learn about the school and to see if it’s the right fit for your family. Admission directors suggest:
n To schedule a tour, contact the school’s admissions office.
n Ask whether tours are conducted during the school day or when school is not in session.
n If there is a particular program that you’re interested in, tell the admission director or the person giving the tour. Often, they’ll try to provide more infor mation about the things that interest you most.
If your tour is conducted by a current student, try to ask:
n Where else did you apply?
n Why did you choose this school?
n If you could change anything about this school, what would it be and
have special programs for children seeking admission during open houses or school visits. These may include small group classes for younger children to attend with or without their parents or shadow days, which allow older children to see what a typical day for someone their age would be like.
© 2022 National Association of Independent Schools. Reprinted with permission.
> A Proven Path to College Success for all Learners. 22 Advanced Placement courses, 26 Honors courses and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum that prepare students for success in their college studies.
> Academic Center of Excellence with expanded course offerings in Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Programming and Biotechnology, including dual enrollment courses for college credit through Stonehill College and Creighton University.
> 100% College Acceptance Rate with Millions in College Scholarships and financial aid offered to BCHS grads each year.
> Small Class Sizes and caring faculty foster a learning environment that helps all students reach their individual potential.
> Academic Support Services. Bishop Connolly’s RISE Program provides a full range of academic support services to advance every learner, including individualized tutoring and school accommodation plans.
> Interscholastic Athletics Program with 14 sports and 18 boys/girls teams that put you in the game right from the start.
> LEAP Program offering 8th graders an early start to high school.
> Extensive Scholarships and Tuition Aid Resources to help families with tuition costs BOOKING SHADOW VISITS & PRIVATE TOURS Ms. Jo-Ann Bettencourt, Director of Admissions 508.676.1071 jbettencourt@bchs.dfrcs.orgx333 1–3 / THURSDAY 5–7
