You want the best education for your child.
You want a learning environment where they can thrive and flourish. You want a place where their unique identity in Christ is what makes them special, where they feel a sense of belonging, and where exceptional faculty and staff provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for in-person learning that helps them discover and develop their God-given gifts and abilities.
But finding a school that’s the right fit isn’t the only challenge.
Affording a tuition-based school can be daunting for families that are accustomed to public or home schooling. That’s why we’re now offering:
- VARIABLE TUITION for students K-12
- TRANSFER DISCOUNT for new students entering grades 6-12
VARIABLE TUITION is a need-based tuition assistance program that matches a family’s tuition rate to their unique financial situation.
This makes a quality Christian education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise benefit from our school community.
CLICK HERE for tuition rates.
ATTENTION 6-12th Grade Students!
We now offer a TRANSFER DISCOUNT that significantly reduces tuition to the same rate as an elementary student for your first year at LCS.
The Transfer Discount amounts to a $1,895 discount for a new high school student and a $1,140 discount for a new middle school student BEFORE variable tuition!
NEW FAMILIES
CURRENT FAMILIES
Variable Tuition applications are considered on a rolling basis. Variable Tuition amounts are communicated to applicants within 15 business days of the time that Blackbaud Financial Aid Management receives the Variable Tuition application and supporting documents.
In the current year, Variable Tuition applications will begin to be reviewed at the end of January.
Click here for detailed information about the Variable Tuition application.
Variable Tuition Ranges K-12 (2023-2024)
| Grades K-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12 |
| $ 5,940 – 9,440* | $6,880 – 10,580* | $7,335 – 11,335* |
*Exit range of tuition BEFORE scholarships, transfer discount, or Variable Tuition is applied.
Tuition For New Early Learners Preschool Program (2023-2024)
| 3 Year Old Half-Day Option | |
2 Days per weekTu, Th 8:00 am – 11:00 am |
|
| 4 Year Old Half-Day Option | 4 Year Old Full-Day Options |
Morning optionMon-Wed-Fri 8:00 am – 12:00 pm |
3 Days per weekMon-Wed-Fri 8:00 am – 3:00 pm |
5 Days per weekMonday – Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm |
After school we have a Junior Pilgrim After School program for preschool through 5th grade. Click here for more information on Junior Pilgrims.
Other Resources
Pilgrim Scholarship:
The Lansing Christian School Pilgrim Scholarship allows current LCS students entering grades 1-12 to apply annually for a scholarship based on their qualities, abilities, activities and their family’s financial situation. The scholarships range from $250 – $1,000 depending on the funding available and the number of applicants. The scholarship committee will be looking at evidence of the student having positive leadership and contributions in the classroom, school, church and community and showing compassion for others. The committee will also be looking for the student to be demonstrating positive relationships with teachers and other fellow students. If a student is applying for a Pilgrim Scholarship, we recommend their family apply for Variable Tuition no later than March 1, 2023 in order to qualify for the maximum scholarship available to them under the Pilgrim Scholarship program. Applications for the Pilgrim Scholarship are due March 1, 2023 and can be picked up in the Main Office or online. Click here for the application and to learn more. Pilgrim Scholarship applications cannot be submitted after the deadline.
LCS offers Ministry Scholarships. Lansing Christian School values the contribution of those in full-time ministry both in Greater Lansing and at Lansing Christian School. If you are in full-time ministry as a paid profession, complete the Variable Tuition application and this form. When complete, the form should be submitted to Mary Dunsmore in the Main Office.
Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP):
TRIP is a volunteer run program in which families purchase gift cards through Lansing Christian School to shop at grocery stores, gas stations, clothing vendors, restaurants and more! The stores sell the gift certificates to the school at a discount. The school then sells the certificates at face value and the participating family receives a credit for tuition from each certificate. For more information visit our Fundraisers page.
Tuition FAQs
GENERAL FAQS
What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their families’ individual financial situation. This makes a Lansing Christian School (LCS) education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
How Does Variable Tuition Work?
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through twelfth grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at LCS and they think they may qualify for the program. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at LCS. An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the admission process as early as possible. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied or enrolled to the school. It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Variable Tuition applications are submitted directly to Blackbaud Smart Aid, a third-party agency. Blackbaud Smart Aid collates the information and gives a recommendation to the LCS Business Office for their final calculations. Families are then notified of the tuition level for which they qualify from the school’s Business Office. Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every applicant. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.
Do I need to apply to Lansing Christian School to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Yes.
Upon completion of my Variable Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Families will typically receive confirmation within three weeks of completing their application.
FAQS FOR CURRENT FAMILIES
Should every returning Lansing Christian School (LCS) family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.
Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes.
If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes.
Do returning students receive priority over new students when applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. Returning LCS students who submit an application by the published deadline will receive priority consideration.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses and the size of the family.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.
What is the timing for the Variable Tuition application?
Award communication will be sent out within three weeks of receipt of the application.
Who sees my Variable Tuition application, and who makes the decision after they review it?
LCS uses a company called Blackbaud Smart Aid to collate and secure the Variable Tuition applications. Blackbaud Smart Aid is a very reputable firm, serves thousands of private Christian schools and has an established confidential and secure process. After finishing the evaluation of your application, Blackbaud Smart Aid will collate the information regarding your family’s financial situation for the LCS Business Office. All information is secure and held in strict confidence. Upon analysis of the information from Blackbaud Smart Aid, a final calculation will be made and you will be notified of your Variable Tuition.
I am separated/divorced, how will my finances be considered in the Variable Tuition application?
In cases of separation or divorce, if parents share custody, both parents are required to fully complete a Variable Tuition application.
Are there any other ways to supplement the cost of tuition?
- Pilgrim Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded annually based on student abilities and achievements, and typically range from $250 – $1,000, depending on the funding available and the number of applicants. CLICK HERE to see the application and learn more.
- Ministry Scholarship: New this year, LCS will be offering Ministry Scholarships. Lansing Christian School values the contribution of those in full-time ministry both in Greater Lansing and at Lansing Christian School. If you are in full-time ministry as a paid profession, complete the Variable Tuition application and CLICK HERE to see information on the ministry scholarship form. When complete, the form should be submitted to Mary Dunsmore in the Main Office.
- Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): TRIP can help families reduce tuition by shopping at various retailers in the Lansing area. The retailers sell gift certificates to LCS at a discount, the families buy the certificates at face value and the participating family receives tuition credit for the difference. Click here to learn more.
Is Christian education and Lansing Christian School really worth it?
Thousands of parents over many decades have answered that question with a resounding “YES!” As parents, we know that there are few things more important than a child’s education. A Lansing Christian education is an investment in your child. We look forward to partnering with you to equip your children to engage and transform the world for Jesus Christ.
Who should I contact with questions?
Mary Dunsmore, Director of Business & Finance mdunsmore@lansingchristianschool.org 517.882.5779, ext. 104
FAQS FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to LCS and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. Click here for the admissions application. Once you have completed the online admission application and submitted the application fee you can apply for Variable Tuition.
Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process. LCS practices need-blind admissions.
Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses and the size of the family.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you.
What is the timing for the Variable Tuition application?
Award communication will be sent out within three weeks of receipt of the application.
Who sees my Variable Tuition application, and who makes the decision after they review it?
LCS uses a company called Blackbaud Smart Aid to collate and secure the Variable Tuition applications. Blackbaud Smart Aid is a very reputable firm, serves thousands of private Christian schools and has an established confidential and secure process. After finishing the evaluation of your application, Blackbaud Smart Aid will collate the information regarding your family’s financial situation for the LCS Business Office. All information is secure and held in strict confidence. Upon analysis of the information from Blackbaud Smart Aid, a final calculation will be made and you will be notified of your Variable Tuition.
I am separated/divorced, how will my finances be considered in the Variable Tuition application?
In cases of separation or divorce, if there is shared custody, both parents are required to fully complete a Variable Tuition application.
Are there any other ways to supplement the cost of tuition?
- Pilgrim Scholarship: These scholarships are awarded annually to 1st – 12th graders based on student abilities and achievements, and range from $250 – $1,000, depending on the funding available and the number of applicants. CLICK HERE to see the application and learn more.
- Ministry Scholarship: New this year, LCS will be offering Ministry Scholarships. Lansing Christian School values the contribution of those in full-time ministry both in Greater Lansing and at Lansing Christian School. If you are in full-time ministry as a paid profession, complete the Variable Tuition application and CLICK HERE to see information on the ministry scholarship form. When complete, the form should be submitted to Mary Dunsmore in the Main Office.
- Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): TRIP can help families reduce tuition by shopping at various retailers in the Lansing area. The retailers sell gift certificates to LCS at a discount, the families buy the certificates at face value and the participating family receives tuition credit for the difference. Click here to learn more.
Is Christian education and Lansing Christian School really worth it?
Thousands of parents over many decades have answered that question with a resounding “YES!” As parents, we know that there are few things more important than a child’s education. A Lansing Christian education is an investment in your child. We look forward to partnering with you to equip your children to engage and transform the world for Jesus Christ.
Who should I contact with questions?
Mary Dunsmore, Director of Business & Finance mdunsmore@lansingchristianschool.org 517.882.5779, ext. 104
Payment Options
Does LCS offer payment options?
Total financial obligation will be invoiced by the Blackbaud Smart Tuition in June. The invoice from Blackbaud Smart Tuition will include the variable tuition adjustments and Pilgrim Scholarships. Payment arrangements need to be made with Blackbaud Smart Tuition by July 1 to avoid late fees. Instructions on how to set up the payment options will be included on the Blackbaud Smart Tuition invoice and communication from the school you receive in June.
| • Annual Payment: Payment methods include Automatic Bank Payment (ACH), Credit Card, or Personal Check. Receive a 2% reduction on invoice if paid in full by July 1. | ||
| • Semi-Annual Payment: Payment methods include ACH, Credit Card, or Personal Check (set up the plan with Blackbaud Smart Tuition). | ||
| • Monthly Payment: Payment methods include ACH or Credit Card (set up the plan with Blackbaud Smart Tuition: | ||
| 12 Month (starting July 5th or 20th) (deposit required if beginning payment plan after July) | ||
| Note: Credit card payments will include a 2.85% convenience fee. | ||