Finding the right school for your child is essential, and public schools are not the only option. A private, Catholic education is an affordable option for many families in the Region. Thanks in part to the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, also known as the voucher program, Catholic schools can be a viable option for families at all income levels. Nearly 80% of Indiana families are eligible for the program, which in most cases covers 100% of the tuition at local Catholic elementary schools, and about 75% of the tuition at local Catholic high schools.
To help families determine if they qualify for a Choice Scholarship, Big Shoulders Fund Northwest Indiana created the Northwest Indiana Choice Scholar calculator, available at www.nwichoicescholar.org. It is an easy-to-use tool that helps families determine their eligibility and connect parents with the schools and resources needed to apply for enrollment. Families across the Region are already making use of the calculator to identify a Choice and pursue tuition assistance – including Marlon Gary, the father of Mia (fourth grade) and MacKayla (seventh grade), who are now enrolled at St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago, the school he attended as a child.
“My brothers, sister, and I all went to Catholic schools from kindergarten to high school,” said Gary. “I never wanted my daughters to attend public school, but I didn’t have the funds for St. Stan’s.”
When it came time for his daughter MacKayla to graduate from sixth grade, he decided that he did not want her to continue on into public junior high. He and his sister, Chandra Gary, started exploring their options. She attended a Zoom workshop about the Indiana Choice Scholarship and sent him all the information.
“I wanted my girls to have the same quality of education I did,” he said. “I wanted them to be in an environment where there was discipline and where they would be challenged. This is not to discredit public schools, but I saw the things my daughters experienced, and I wanted more for them. When Chandra saw that we could qualify, I was thankful. It was an answer to my prayer.”
Gary is thrilled that his daughters are attending his family’s alma mater and at how quickly they are adapting.
“Chandra told the girls they were a part of a legacy,” he said. “During the school tour, they saw Chandra, their uncles, Lorne and Edward, and my eighth grade class photos on the wall. Then they realized it was sort of a big deal. They've made friends, like their teachers, and are doing exceptionally well in their classes. MacKayla even plays volleyball and basketball. Chandra and their sister Melanie volunteer to help get their service hours in.”
Anna Figurski, an educator and mother of two, was in a similar position to Gary. She wanted her children to attend a Catholic school but could not afford it until she heard about the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program through friends on social media and families enrolled at St. Stanislaus.
“The calculator was very easy to use and helpful; it was accurate in calculating our costs,” Figurski said. “Everything is step-by-step, so it went smoothly.”
The tool itself played a major role in helping Figurski finalize her decision on her children’s education.
“It was a big factor in deciding to enroll my children; I needed to know if I would be able to afford any outstanding balance not covered by the program,” she said. “The calculator let me know right there on the spot. It was very convenient to not have to wait for someone to get back to me before I could make my decision.”
Her two children, Adrian Rojas (sixth grade) and Amelia Rojas (first grade), are already settling in. Figurski is excited to see them belong to a school community that will challenge them to realize their full potential.
“This was the best decision I have made for my children’s future so far,” she said. “They are finding their own path while being guided by faithful, amazing leaders. We love St. Stanislaus and see nothing but great things in the future. As with any new situation, there is always a transition, and everyone in the building helped my family feel welcome and included. I love that my children are known by name to most of the teachers and staff because it truly is a family.”
To learn more about, or use the Northwest Indiana Choice Scholar tool, visit www.nwichoicescholar.org. For more information about Big Shoulders Fund of Northwest Indiana, visit bigshouldersfund.org.
