Lakeway Christian Schools provides transparent and equitable tuition policies. This document outlines the application of Tennessee's Education Savings Account (ESA) funds in conjunction with our tuition, financial aid, and employee discount programs.

1. Overview of Tennessee's ESA Program
The Tennessee Education Savings Account (ESA) Program allows eligible students to receive state and local funds for approved educational expenses, including tuition and fees at participating non-public schools. Key points include:

• Eligibility: Students must be residents of Tennessee, entering kindergarten through grade 12, and meet specific criteria such as being zoned to attend certain public schools or having previously received an ESA
• Account Holder: The parent, legal guardian, or student (if 18 or older) responsible for managing the ESA funds and ensuring compliance with program requirements. 
• Participating Schools: ESA funds can be used at approved non-public schools categorized as Category I, II, or III. 

2. Application of ESA Funds at Lakeway Christian Schools
a. First-Dollar Application
ESA funds are applied directly to the total tuition amount before any other financial considerations.
Example:

• Tuition: $10,000
• ESA Award: $7,000
• Remaining Balance: $3,000

b. Interaction with Financial Aid
If a student qualifies for both ESA funds and financial aid:

• If Financial Aid ≤ ESA: Only the ESA is applied.

Example:

• Tuition: $10,000
• ESA: $7,000
• Financial Aid: $5,000
• Remaining Balance: $3,000
• If Financial Aid > ESA: The ESA is applied first, followed by the additional financial aid amount exceeding the ESA.

Example:

• Tuition: $10,000
• ESA: $7,000
• Financial Aid: $9,000
• Additional Aid Beyond ESA: $2,000
• Remaining Balance: $1,000

c. Employee Tuition Discount
Employees receive a 50% discount on tuition, applied after ESA funds are deducted.
Examples:

• With ESA:
  • Tuition: $10,000
  • ESA: $7,000
  • Remaining Balance: $3,000
  • Employee Discount: $1,500
  • Final Balance: $1,500
• Without ESA:
  • Tuition: $10,000
  • Employee Discount: $5,000
  • Final Balance: $5,000

3. General Guidelines

• Financial Aid: Families must apply for Educational Savings Accounts annually in order to be eligible for financial aid for Lakeway Christian Schools.
• Non-Refundable: ESA funds are scholarships and are non-refundable.
• Contractual Responsibility: Families are responsible for any tuition or fees exceeding the ESA amount. 
• Compliance: Account holders must adhere to all ESA program requirements, including timely updates of contact information and compliance with testing mandates.