How can my child go to college for free
How to Go to College for Free
Before you stress about the high costs of college, which can put you thousands of dollars in debt, consider options to go to college for free or at a reduced cost. While it is extremely difficult to find the resources to go to college 100% for free, there are ways to get free tuition or to reduce your overall educational costs. We’ve put together ten ways to help you do just that.
One of the best ways to go to college for free if you have enough time to prepare is to save early in a 529 plan. This is a tax-advantaged account that allows for tax-free distributions to pay for tuition or other qualified expenses. See how a 529 plan can work for you.
Here are ten ways that you can either go to college for free or reduce your total educational costs:
1. Qualify for Scholarships
The first step to limit your total costs is to apply for as many scholarships as you can. Scholarships are free money that you do not have to pay back and it is how hard workers can lower their tuition, or even go to school without having to pay tuition. There are a few things you should be aware of though as you apply for specific scholarships.
While scholarships are generally tax-free when used for tuition and textbooks, when used for housing and other costs, they can be taxable. Watch out for scholarship scams, too. And if you win a scholarship, you may have to appeal to your school that it doesn’t reduce your need-based financial aid.
Working with a financial aid rep at your school is the best practice for making sure you report scholarships the right way so that it doesn’t hurt your other need-based aid.
You can find scholarships by looking down these potential avenues:
- Sallie Mae’s free scholarship search
- Searching the U.S. Department of Labor’s free search tool and other free scholarship search sites
- Asking your high school counselor
- Contacting the financial aid office at your college
- Professional organizations, especially those related to your major
- Your employer
- Your parent’s employer
- Community organizations
- Local businesses
Keep in mind a scholarship may be taken away if you don’t meet the specific requirements, such as maintaining a certain grade point average. You should make sure you fully understand what you’re committing to when you agree to take any scholarship money.
You can use our Scholarship Calculator to determine how much you may need to pay in taxes on a scholarship.
2. Apply for Grants
Grants are like scholarships because they are free money you do not need to repay. Grants are usually need-based, while scholarships can be for anyone. The best way to find grants is to submit the FAFSA as quickly as you can after it opens up every October 1st (for the following school year) since grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Some grants may be required to be repaid if you do not meet the grant’s obligations. For example, the TEACH Grant will be retroactively turned into a loan if you don’t satisfy the teaching requirements.
See also: Complete Guide to the FAFSA and Financial Aid
3. Consider Employer Tuition Assistance
There are hundreds of companies that offer some type of tuition assistance to employees. If you’re currently working then your employer might literally pay for your college, or reimburse you for it. A company may have stipulations, such as you need to agree to work for the company for a certain amount of time or attend a specific school or even have a specific major that is an area of need for them.
Amazon, Best Buy, Comcast, Home Depot, Pizza Hut and Starbucks are just a handful of places that offer some type of tuition reimbursement. Some people mistakingly think that either part-time or entry-level roles don’t qualify for this assistance but that’s not true. There might be different rules or total rewards but it could still be a possibility.
There are even companies that offer tuition assistance to the family of an employee, so if your parents work for a company that offers it, you may be able to get free tuition.
4. Work at the School You AttendMany colleges offer free or discounted tuition to employees who work at the college. They may even extend that same benefit to the children of employees.
If you know where you want to attend school then you could get a job there before applying and work there for the minimum amount of time required to get the free education. This could be the best way to go to college for free, but it is limited to where you can get a job and what you can do for the university without having a degree.
5. Consider a Work CollegeA work college is an institution that offers free tuition or other types of financial assistance to students in exchange for participating in a work program.
This can be an easy way to get free tuition and then gain some valuable work experience. These schools also tend to prioritize work over grades, which might be less stressful and help you prioritize skills you’ll need after graduation.
6. Find a College With Free TuitionThere are 18 U.S. colleges that offer free tuition for students. Keep in mind that these colleges come with requirements as they don’t just hand out tuition like candy on Halloween. While tuition may be free, that may not include room and board and supplies so you’ll still likely be on the hook for some related expenses.
There are several cities that offer free tuition programs, too. These cities are generally looking for you to stay in the city and work for them or a local business after graduation. Remember that any money you take for college likely has a qualification, condition, or post-graduation requirement.
7. See if You Qualify for a Tuition WaiverSome colleges offer tuition waivers to need-based students. A tuition waiver basically says that you wouldn’t be able to attend if you had to pay the tuition. Each college that offers this likely has a maximum number that they approve each year so it’s best to apply as quickly as possible when you know you qualify.
Children of college faculty and staff may qualify for a tuition waiver. The best chances for receiving a tuition waiver are to fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can and then o contact your college’s financial aid department to inquire as soon as you do.
8. Crowdfund Your EducationYou can consider crowdfunding to see assistance with paying for college. With crowdfunding, you can set up a page on GoFundMe or another platform, and basically ask people to help you pay for college. While this seems far-fetched, some people have shown success with this method.
You’re more likely to succeed with this method if you have a compelling reason why you need help. Those that grew up in a good financial situation who are getting their parents’ help already probably aren’t as likely to gain interest on these platforms as someone who is truly on their own or who has a story behind why they can’t go to school.
9. Choose an Apprentice Program InsteadIf you don’t want to go to a traditional four-year college, an apprenticeship prepares workers for a specific field. Most offer a paycheck while you learn on the job and you don’t have to be in the classroom for nearly as long, or at all.
Apprenticeships are traditionally in fields of trade like plumbers, electricians, or construction workers. These are things that you cannot properly learn from sitting in a classroom but must be on-the-job and learning. Any apprenticeship will typically tie you to working with a company for a period of time once you’re qualified to do the work on your own.
10. Consider an In-Demand JobSome colleges offer tuition assistance for high-demand roles. For example, the University of Portland covers more than 80% of tuition for nursing students in exchange for a three-year employment contract with a specific hospital.
In-demand jobs and industries typically have programs tied to them that help you go to school without having to worry about paying for it, if you’re willing to work somewhere for at least a few years.
Another good example right now is airline pilots, which have a major shortage. Airlines, especially smaller ones that can’t afford top salaries, are paying off students’ training and education if they commit to working with them.
How to Go to College for LessWhile you may not qualify for a completely free ride to go to school that includes living expenses, there are some things you can do to limit costs. This includes everything from trying to qualify for a tuition scholarship to living more frugally during school. Here are some of the best tips to cut your education costs:
- High school students can enroll in AP classes, which could count as college credits.
- Attend a community college first, but be sure your credit transfer. There are areas where community college is free.
- Consider attending where your parents went to college if the school offers a legacy benefit. For example, Southern Illinois University offers children of alumni a 20% discount on tuition.
- Choose an affordable school, such as an in-state public school.
- Live at home or choose an inexpensive place to live.
- Become a Resident Assistant or Teaching Assistant, which often comes with free or discounted housing.
- Stay on track with graduation requirements. Plan a path from enrollment to graduation. And pass your classes!
- Some colleges offer cheaper rates during the summer. Consider taking classes then, too.
- Borrow textbooks from the library for free or buy them used.
If you do need to borrow student loans, learn how to borrow responsibly. Remember – you need to pay back every dollar you borrow plus interest. Borrow federal student loans first.
Federal loans often a lower interest rate and come with many benefits, including the ability to make payments based on your income, potential for loan forgiveness, the potential for subsidized loans and options to pause payments if you lose your job.
Once you exhaust federal loans, if you do need to borrow private loans, shop around to find the best lender for you. Keep costs low to borrow as least as possible.
The Bottom Line
While it seems like a dream, going to college for free is an option if you’re willing to put in the work and find the right opportunities for yourself. It may take several avenues such as a tuition scholarship and participating in a work program in order to pay for all of your college-related expenses but it is still possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a college education really free?
A college education isn’t free by any means and there is no such thing as a truly free college education. Even if you qualify for your tuition and living expenses to be paid for by another party, such as your employer, you will still be required to do something in exchange. Some tuition scholarships are truly free but they may not pay for your living expenses.
What state has free college?
There are 11 states that offer free 4-year college programs and 31 that offer a 2-year program. The 11 states offering a 4-year program are Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Washington, and Wyoming.
Are there any free colleges in the U.S.?
Yes, some colleges are considered to be tuition-free colleges. They don’t charge tuition to students that get in. However, that doesn’t include books or living expenses costs so the colleges aren’t entirely free. There are a number of other schools that offer significant financial aid amounts to their students as well.
Will President Biden make college free?
There is no telling what will happen in politics in any given year. However, with where the government is currently at how the educational system is set up in the U.S., it isn’t likely that a free college bill will be passed anytime soon.
At Savingforcollege.com, our goal is to help you make smart decisions about saving and paying for education. Some of the products featured in this article are from our partners, but this doesn’t influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.
10 Ways To Attend College For Free
It’s no secret that the cost of higher education has reached an all-time high. However, there are many things a prospective student can do to help offset the steep cost of college. To attend college for free, you can apply for scholarships, work for your school, find tuition-free degree programs and more.
How much does college cost?
Over the past 10 years, the cost of college has been increasing. College Board data shows that in 2011-12, tuition and fees averaged $9,890 at public four-year colleges (in 2021 dollars). In 2021-22, that number was $10,740. The disparity is even greater for private four-year colleges; from 2011-12 to 2021-22, average tuition and fees rose from $33,320 to $38,070.
The cost of college depends largely on the school you choose to attend. Here’s how College Board breaks down average costs for the 2021-22 school year:
Expenses | Average cost |
Public university tuition | $10,740 for in-state students; $27,560 for out-of-state students |
Private university tuition | $38,070 |
Room and board | $11,950 for public universities; $13,620 for private universities |
Books and supplies | $1,240 |
Transportation | $1,230 for public universities; $1,060 for private universities |
Personal expenses | $2,170 for public universities; $1,810 for private universities |
How to attend college for free
It’s important to research all the ways you can avoid paying much — if anything — to attend college. Here are the top strategies you can pursue.
1. Apply for grants and scholarships
There are thousands of programs, institutions, companies and organizations that give away free money. In general, grants are based on need, while scholarships are based on academic, artistic or athletic merit.
You can apply for grants and scholarships at the federal and school level by completing the FAFSA. Ask your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office if you’re eligible for any local programs or institution-specific scholarships.
Scholarship search engines are an easy way to find scholarships outside of your college offerings. You can customize your search based on any number of factors, including:
- Race.
- Ethnicity.
- Gender.
- Financial need.
- Potential major.
- Military affiliation.
- Religion.
- Physical disabilities.
The earlier you start your search, the more free money you could qualify for. Many grants and scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the more money you could score.
2. Serve your country
The U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force, Military (West Point), Merchant Marine and Naval academies offer free college opportunities to students who serve after college. Scholarships are also available through local Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs.
Offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities in the U.S., the ROTC program provides a paid college education and guaranteed postcollege career to participants in exchange for committing to serve in the military after graduation.
If you’ve served on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, you may also qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which helps cover the cost of in-state tuition and fees and provides an allowance for living expenses, books and supplies. Those who qualify for the program’s maximum benefit will have the full cost of public in-state tuition and fees covered for 36 months. There are funding limits for private and foreign schools.
AmeriCorps is another national service organization that offers education awards in exchange for community work. The award amount varies among AmeriCorps programs, but a person cannot earn “more than the aggregate value of two full-time national service education awards.” The full education award is equal to the maximum Pell Grant value for that year. Members also receive a living stipend while serving in the program.
3. Work for the school
Many schools offer free or reduced tuition for employees and staff of the school. In addition, if a student’s parent works for a college, a full or partial waiver may be available for that student. The terms vary by the institution, since there’s no minimum standard, but many full-time workers qualify for tuition-free classes. Future students can find out about their school’s policy by calling the admissions office.
4. Waive your costs
Some students can get a free pass based on academic performance or other factors.
“Tuition waivers may be available for (current or former) military and talented students,” says Manuel Fabriquer, founder of College Planning ABC, a financial aid and admissions counseling firm in San Jose, California. “Even families that have substantial income can get tuition waivers if [the student] has the right test scores.”
Some schools also offer waivers for Native American students, though this policy varies by school. To find out what a school offers, contact the financial aid office.
5. Have your employer pick up the costs
There’s a long list of companies that offer tuition reimbursement, including Chegg, Google and Hulu. Ask your employer if they’re willing to provide full or partial tuition reimbursement. Up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement each year is tax-free for both employees and employers.
6. Choose an in-demand career
Another great way to attend college for free is to find a high-need field of study. If you’re trying to cut the cost of college, this is something to consider before you even enroll.
Math, science, nursing, teaching and social work are all subjects that colleges may incentivize through scholarships. There are additional opportunities available through organizations like Teach for America and the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, and you can earn a TEACH Grant of up to $4,000 per year in exchange for a commitment to teach at a low-income school or educational service agency for four of the first eight years after graduation.
7. Attend a work college
A work college is another way to get a free or substantially discounted college education. These schools, which are generally four-year liberal arts institutions, provide educational opportunities as well as valuable work experience.
Be aware that all students must participate in a comprehensive work-learning service for all four years of enrollment. In other words, all resident students have jobs. Often the jobs are located on campus, but off-campus jobs are also possible. Specific program details vary by college.
All participating work colleges are approved and supervised by the U.S. Department of Education and are required to meet specific federal standards.
8. Choose a school that pays you
Some schools will pay you to focus your studies on a single subject, which they select. Schools like the Webb Institute and the Curtis Institute of Music offer a select range of academic programs and pick up the tuition cost for every student.
However, it’s important to think through the decision before you commit to this course. You don’t want to get caught up in taking free college courses only to graduate and realize that you’re not interested in the subject anymore.
9. Attend a community college with a free tuition program
There are many community colleges that now offer free tuition programs; Tennessee, Oregon, California, New York and Washington are all examples of states that have implemented some version of free community college.
For many states, you have to graduate from an in-state high school and enroll full time to qualify for the free tuition program. You may also have to commit to staying in the state for several years after graduation. Even though tuition will be free, you may still have to pay for textbooks, supplies and room and board.
10. Look into online tuition-free degree programs
Community colleges aren’t the only schools that offer tuition-free programs. Some employers provide free college courses to employees. For example, Starbucks has partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to provide workers with full tuition for their online programs and degrees.
The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and Berea College in Kentucky are two schools that offer online tuition-free programs. You can do a Google search for more online tuition-free degrees, which may be especially suited for students who want to continue living at home.
Will President Biden make college free?
During his campaign, President Biden indicated that making community college tuition-free for all Americans was a top priority. Unfortunately, the president was forced to cut the proposal from his spending bill, citing some pushback from moderate Democratic senators.
Now it’s unclear what the path toward nationwide tuition-free community college would look like — especially if the Republicans take back one or both chambers of Congress during the 2022 midterms.
What if I take out student loans?
If you’ve done everything you can to go to college for free and you still have to pay for some of it, you can use student loans to cover the financial gaps.
Whether you take out federal or private student loans, you should borrow only as much as you need. Every dollar that you borrow is a dollar you have to pay back with interest. The more you borrow now, the more you’ll end up paying back after you leave school. While Biden suggested in his campaign that he would like to forgive $10,000 of student loan debt per borrower, there are no official plans in place — so you should plan on paying back your entire balance.
Federal student loans are available when you complete the FAFSA. They include flexible repayment terms, like income-driven repayment plans, forgiveness options and long deferment and forbearance periods. If you’re still struggling to pay for college and have maxed out the federal loan limit, you might need private student loans, which can have high interest rates and fewer borrower protections. If this is the case, it’s important to shop around with a few lenders before applying for your student loan in order to keep your costs as low as possible.
The bottom line
While getting a free college education is possible, it will require a lot of time, effort and commitment. Start your search early and apply to as many scholarships, grants and other programs as possible. If you cast a wide net, you have the best chance of attending college for free. If you still need to fill in the gaps, taking out a student loan can get you the rest of the way.
The rights of students and parents in family education in 2022
72% of schoolchildren do not like to study at school, and 19% attend it under duress.
Natalia Bogatyreva
lawyer
Author profile
There is an alternative to regular schooling — family education. Parents can pick up their child from school and teach them at home: sign up for online courses, hire tutors, or do homework together. At the same time, you can take exams at school, and a certificate based on the results of training is given the same as everyone else. In law, this is called family education. And in ordinary life, they often talk about family education. There is no difference between these concepts.
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Homeschooling is not the same as homeschooling. Children with poor health are transferred to home care. Teachers come to their homes. At the same time, homeschooled children still remain school students. And children in family education are connected with the school only by an agreement on attestations, and even those can be taken in different places. At the same time, they are not students, and the school owes them almost nothing.
Employers' rights
- Do not explain the reasons for the transition to family training
- Go to family education in the middle of the year
- to select the regime and graphic training
- not to report to the organization of study
- take personal business
- from school to certify
- Attend school circles and sections for free
- Participate in olympiads and competitions
- Borrow textbooks from the school library for free
- free to contact a school psychologist and speech therapist
- receive regional compensations
- Get a deduction for paying for training
- to work in your free time
- Return to ordinary education at school
- after the ninth grade go to self -education
- to pass for free
- Credit for an attestation obtained elsewhere
- Obtain a state certificate
- Finish school early
If you are interested in family education or are already using this form of education, learn about your rights: where to get textbooks, how to get reimbursed, what about tests and who administers exams. All rights with links to laws are in the table and cards.
Do not explain the reasons for the transition to family education
Reason. Federal Law on education art. 17 h. 1 p. 2, art. 44 h. 3 p. 2, art. 63 hours 5
How it works. The law allows you to study at home. This is the same legal way to get an education as attending a school, college or lyceum. There are no special conditions for the transition to family education. A child can be absolutely healthy, communicate well with peers - or vice versa. He can get along with the teachers - or not. To switch to family education, you do not need to collect certificates from the administration and psychologists. The desire not to attend school and gain knowledge on your own is enough.
In order for a child to transfer to family schooling, the parents must notify the municipal education committee. If you live in the city, it will be the city administration, and if outside the city, it will be the district administration.
There are no strict notification requirements. It is enough to write that the parents decided to transfer the child to family education, the child's opinion was taken into account. The reasons for the decision do not need to be stated. Most likely, the Education Committee will let you fill out a ready-made form - it is better to clarify this in advance and find out what other documents are needed.
For example, in Chelyabinsk, an application must be submitted to the city committee for education, and along with it, bring your passport and the child's passport or his birth certificate. At the reception, you need to sign a consent to the processing of personal data.
After filing a notification with the municipality, you can go to the principal of the school and apply for a transfer to family education.
See also:
- How I transferred my children to family education.
Switch to family education in the middle of the year
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 17 h. 1 p. 2, art. 44 hours 3 p. 2
How it works. You can switch to family education at any time. You don't have to wait until September 1st, January 1st, or the start of the term. There are no restrictions in the law for this, which means that they should not be at the school level either. As soon as the parents have talked with the child and made a decision, you can submit a notification to the local education committee.
If the school says that this is not allowed, remind them that the decision to transfer is made by the parents, not by the school and not by the director. If you have already submitted a notice to the Education Committee, the school has no reason not to let the child go somewhere. In extreme cases, send the director an application for deduction in connection with the transition to family education by registered mail.
Select the training mode and schedule
Base. Federal Law on education art. 44 h. 4 p. 1, art. 58 h. 4, letter of the Ministry of Education and Science No. NT-1139/08
How it works. There is no lesson schedule, daily assessments and tests at homeschooling. The family organizes learning in the way that suits them. You can enroll in an online school, hire tutors, or study on your own using textbooks that seem the most understandable and interesting. In general, you can study some subjects at school, and some at home. The law allows you to combine different forms of education.
Of course, it is impossible not to study at all. Even in family education, children need to pass certification and confirm their knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to organize training in such a way as to pass the school curriculum.
Attestation takes place at the school or on online platforms that have entered into an agreement with schools. How often depends on the school. Specific requirements and job options can also be found there. The general requirements for the school curriculum are the same for the whole country and are established by the Federal State Educational Standard, the federal state educational standard. It is different for each level of education:
- GEF for elementary school;
- GEF for secondary school;
- GEF for high school.
How to study the program and prepare for certification in family education is the business of parents and a child. The state does not interfere in this.
See also:
- 14 educational podcasts.
Do not report to anyone about the organization of studies
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 44 hours 4 p. 1
How it works. The state does not control how parents organize family education. A child can wake up at ten in the morning, study subjects in any order and watch online lectures. No one will punish parents for the way they acquire knowledge. And they don’t even have to follow this: schools have no such obligation. They only check the knowledge of children for certification.
Family education is a normal practice provided by law. This is not a reason to come to the family with a check from guardianship or some other authorities. But this only works if you officially switch to family education. If you just take and not take your child to school, you can get a fine and be registered with the commission on juvenile affairs. Even if in fact the child is studying, and the parents help him.
One woman did not take her daughter to school, to the second grade. The Commission on Juvenile Affairs issued a fine to her. The woman appealed the fine and said that the child was in family education. But she did not submit any notifications to the local government. The court decided that the penalty was appropriate.
The fine, of course, is symbolic - from 100 to 500 R. But still unpleasant - and another reason for increased attention from controllers. Therefore, it is important to submit a notification to the municipality: this will confirm that the child is not skipping school, but studying at home.
See also:
- How to legally not take your child to school.
- Can guardianship punish a family for noisy children.
Pick up a personal file from school
Foundation. Admission procedure, approved. Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 32, paragraph 20
How it works. Family education is education that a child receives outside organizations that carry out educational activities. That is what is written in the law. That is, the child leaves the school and is no longer its student. Therefore, when transferring to family education, the child is expelled. Then he will be able to attach himself to a school to pass the certification - the same or another, but this is a completely different relationship. The child will not become a student anyway.
You can pick up from school:
- The child's personal file with all the documents that are stored in it.
- Documents on progress in the current year - an extract from the class journal with current grades and results of intermediate certification.
- Medical card.
A personal file is started immediately upon admission and gradually supplemented. While the child is in family education, his parents keep his personal file. They put there certificates of attestation, copies of orders and other acts that schools take in relation to the child. A personal file must be kept: it will be needed if you decide to go back to school, as well as to fill out a certificate. The case should be brought to school only for certification.
See also:
- What parents of first graders can expect from a school.
Select a school for certification
Reason. Letter of the Ministry of Education and Science No. NT-1139/08 p. 1
How it works. Children in family education need to attach to the school in order to pass the certification and confirm their knowledge. The school may be public or private. It may not even be a school, but a university, if it teaches not only students, but also schoolchildren. The main thing is that the organization has state accreditation for general education programs: this gives the right to conduct certification. You can check the accreditation on the Rosobrnadzor website.
It is not necessary to choose a school by registration - you can live in Saratov and attach to a Moscow school. Moreover, certification in some schools can be done remotely.
Eligible schools must be reported to the education committee when parents go there to file a notice. But no one bothers to choose a school on your own.
It depends on the school how and when it will be necessary to pass certification: pass exams, tests, essays. The law does not require certification to be annual. Schools determine this for themselves, including for those who study at home. All this information should be available - they are posted on the school website.
In order to attach to the selected school, you need to submit an application to it for passing the intermediate and final certification. You can conclude an agreement with the school, but this is not necessary - it depends on the conditions of study. You can join for a year, for the entire time of studying in the school curriculum, or for only one assessment.
Attestation can be taken remotely and not go to school at all. To do this, sign an agreement with an online service that provides such a service. The platform has already concluded an agreement with the school, and parents interact only with the online service.
Remote certification is paid and costs from 3,000 R to 15,000 R per year.
See also:
- 9 family schools in Moscow
Attend free school clubs and sections
Foundation. Letter of the Ministry of Education and Science No. NT-1139/08 p. 2
How it works. In homeschooling, it is important that children communicate with their peers. Since they do not go to school, this can be done while visiting circles and sections. According to the law, this is called additional education. The Ministry of Education specifically notes that children in family education can receive additional education in schools to which they are attached for certification. Therefore, if there are free circles in the school, they can be attended by children who are attached to this school, but study at home.
Even in Russia, a system of state certificates for additional education is being introduced: parents choose where their child will go to study, and the state pays for it within the limits of the certificate. So you can go to paid classes and not spend your money on it. Children in family education have the same rights here as everyone else.
See also:
- How to get a certificate for additional education of a child.
- Parents' rights at school.
Participate in olympiads and competitions
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 33 h. 1 p. 9, art. 34 h. 1 p. 22
How it works. When a child is attached to a particular school, he receives the same rights as children who go to this school to study. For example, he can participate in competitions, olympiads, exhibitions and reviews that this school organizes. Including in the school stages of the All-Russian Olympiad for schoolchildren.
Participation in olympiads and competitions is an opportunity to simplify your admission to a university. You can also win a scholarship. And in general, this allows you to test yourself in comparison with other students. The fact that a child studies at home is not a reason to restrict him in such rights. At some Olympiads, you need to get keys in order to register. You can do this through the school administration or use a special option for children in family education, if the organizers have provided for it.
Finding the right Olympiad and organizing the participation of a child in it in the case of home schooling is the task of parents. If you attach to the school in time, there should be no problems with participation.
See also:
- What students can get for good studies.
- 8 Olympiads that guarantee a budget place in a university.
Borrow free textbooks from the school library
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 35 h. 1, letter of the Ministry of Education and Science No. NT-1139/08 p. 3
How it works. Municipal and state schools must provide textbooks free of charge. This also applies to those children who switched to family education. They can get textbooks and teaching aids at the school they are attached to.
Moreover, this can be organized in the region in different ways: textbooks can be issued not by the school itself, but by a special library created in a constituent entity of the Russian Federation or a municipality. If you need textbooks, but they are not provided, contact the municipal education committee. They have to figure out how to provide them to the child.
This rule does not apply to private schools. If there is no free provision of textbooks, they will have to be bought.
See also:
- How not to go broke on your child's education.
Contact a school psychologist and speech therapist free of charge
Reason. Federal Law on education art. 33 h. 1 p. 9, art. 42, letter of the Ministry of Education and Science No. NT-1139/08 p. 4
How it works. Schools should have specialists who help schoolchildren solve problems with studies, families and peers: educational psychologists, social pedagogues, speech therapists. Children who are attached to the school to pass the certification can also contact them.
If there are no such specialists in the school, you can contact the centers of psychological, pedagogical, medical and social assistance. Where exactly to go for help and advice, they will tell you at the school or at the municipal education committee.
For example, a psychologist can help develop an individual study plan and build relationships with parents who have taken on the role of teachers. Moreover, a psychologist can consult not only the children themselves, but also their parents - for free.
See also:
- Is it possible to get a deduction for visits to a psychologist?
Receive regional compensation
Reason. Letter of the Ministry of Education and Science No. NT-1139/08 p. 6, Federal Law No. 184-FZ Art. 26.3.1 s. 2 s. 24, p. 3.1
How it works. When parents pick up a child from school, they kind of agree to spend more time on his education. At the same time, the state saves something on such a child: you can not pay teachers for him, you can not provide a room for classes, you don’t even need to provide hot meals.
Therefore, in some regions, additional compensation payments are introduced for parents who have transferred their child to family education. There are no such compensations at the federal level. The regions themselves decide on what conditions to introduce these payments and whether to introduce them at all. You need to clarify this in the department of education when submitting a notice of the transition to family education.
For example, in Perm, compensation is paid after the child successfully passes the next examination. Success is threes, fours and fives. Of the money that the organization receives from the budget for the education of the child, it keeps 20% for itself, and gives 80% to the parents.
You can still receive payments after your child turns 18 if they are still in general education. Even if the regional act refers to children in home education. There is a court decision where it is justified.
See also:
- Benefits for low-income families.
- Payments and benefits for a child in 2020.
- New conditions for benefits for children from 3 to 7 years old.
- Payments for the first and second child in 2020.
- Benefits and payments to large families in Moscow.
Get a tuition deduction
Reason. Tax Code of the Russian Federation Art. 219 p. 1 subp. 2
How it works. On the one hand, family education allows you to save on school expenses: at least you don’t need to buy a uniform and don’t have to donate anything for the needs of the class. On the other hand, parents often spend money on paying for online lessons and online schools. Passing intermediate certifications in schools can also be paid. Parents can attach their child to a local school and not pay for certifications, or they can choose a convenient school and take everything remotely. These will be paid educational services.
In this case, parents can save money by using a tax deduction. You can return a maximum of 6,500 R per year - if you pay 50,000 R for tuition. This amount is for two parents at once. That is, for each child, mom and dad together can return a maximum of 6500 R of the paid personal income tax. If less is actually spent on education, then the deduction will be less.
The deduction cannot be received if the parents work as individual entrepreneurs in a special regime, self-employed or unofficially. And also - if they paid for the education with the mother's capital: this is possible, but the deduction is not allowed in this case.
See also:
- How to claim your tuition tax credit.
- How to get a deduction and return personal income tax for the education of a brother or sister.
- How much money can be returned for a child's education at a university.
Work in your spare time
Establishment. Labor Code of the Russian Federation Art. 63
How it works. You can be in family school and work at the same time at any age, but you must follow the restrictions:
- Work should not interfere with studies.
- Do not carry out heavy or dangerous work.
- Parental and guardian consent may be required.
- You can't work all day.
How can you work in family education
Child's age | What kind of work is allowed | Working day | The role of parents | Role of guardianship authority |
---|---|---|---|---|
Under 14 | Athlete, actor, entertainer | How the guardianship authority decides | Signing a contract | Gives permission |
14 years old | Light work | 2.5 hours | Consent | Consent |
15 years old | Light work | 2. 5 hours | - | - |
16 and 17 years old | In conditions not harmful to children | 4 hours | - | - |
to 14 years old
Bet
Actor, actor, artist
The amount of tax per year
as the body of
decides with a deduction of contributions
Sign a total of
gives a total of
Permit
Age 14
Rate
Light work
Tax per year
2.5 hours
Less contributions
Consent
Total for the year
gives consent
at 15 years old
Bet
Light labor
2.5 hours
with a deduction of contributions
-
-Total to pay for the year
-
at 16 and 17 years old
Bet
in conditions not harmful to children
The amount of tax per year
4 hours
with deducting contributions
-
Total payable for the year
-
Work must be paid, full-time work cannot be paid less than the minimum wage. If children work 4 hours a day, they must receive at least ½ minimum wage. In 2022, this is 6945 R, since the minimum wage is 13,890 R.
See also:
- Children's rights.
- Who pays taxes on the earnings of minors.
- How a teenager can earn extra money on vacation.
- How to raise a millionaire.
- Do your children know how to manage money properly
- How to give money to children.
Return to regular schooling
Founding. Federal Law on education art. 17 h 4, art. 44 h. 3 p. 2, art. 63 hours 4
How it works. At any time, parents and their child can change their mind and return to school. You can start attending scheduled classes even from the middle of the school year.
The opinion of the child must be taken into account. Perhaps he did not like family education and he misses the class and teachers. Or, on the contrary, does not want to go to school for anything. The law obliges parents to take this into account.
You will have to return to school if the child has not passed the intermediate or final assessment and has not paid off debts on time. In such cases, children must be educated in an educational organization: this is required by law. Even if the parents are against it, it will no longer be possible to resist. Either you pick up the child and he masters the school curriculum, or return him to school so that the state takes care of education. Information on the procedure and terms for attestation and repayment of debts should be posted on the school website.
See also: How to teach your child to get to school safely
Start self-education after the ninth grade
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 63 hours 2
How it works. The Law on Education distinguishes two forms: family education and self-education. In the first case, the family helps the child with the lessons, in the second, he does everything himself. You can switch to family education in any grade, to self-education - only in the 10th and 11th.
In general, self-education practically does not differ from family education: the child studies at home, and comes to school only to pass tests and exams. But there are two important differences:
- The decision to switch to self-education is made by the child himself. Parents determine the form of education only until the child passes the OGE.
- It is not necessary to notify the local government about the transition to this form of education. That is, it is enough to apply to an educational organization.
See also:
- 5 stories about career change and earning from scratch
Pass exams for free
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 17 h. 3, art. 34 h. 3, order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 1015 p. 20
How it works. The state checks the knowledge that children receive in family education and self-education. To do this, you need to pass intermediate and final certifications in organizations with state accreditation. Since this is a state requirement, such exams can be taken free of charge.
Here's what you need:
- Join an accredited educational organization.
- Agree with her on how and in what terms the certification will take place.
- Successfully pass the midterm assessment - according to the schedule agreed with the school.
- Come to the final certification. In the 9th grade - write the OGE, and in the 11th - the Unified State Examination.
Schools cannot charge money for assessment. If your school refuses to work for free with children who have switched to family education, contact the Department of Education for clarification. Either the school changes its mind, or you will be offered another one.
cm. Also:
- How to prepare for the Russian language
- how much it costs to prepare for the exam
- how to appeal on the USE
to set off certification, which was received in another place
foundation. Order of the Ministry of Education and Science No. 845/369How it works. Intermediate certification can be taken at different locations. For example, if a child goes to a sports school, a language center, or programming courses, he can receive documents confirming certification in physical education, Chinese language and computer science there. And again, at the school to which the child is attached, you will not need to take these items.
In order to credit an attestation passed in another place, you need to submit an application and show a document on training - a certificate or something else. If the child is under 18 years old, one of the parents submits the application.
The school decides how to evaluate results. But if it decides not to count the results from another organization as an interim assessment, the school must report this in writing and explain the reasons within three days. All tests must be free of charge for the student and his parents.
If the school denies you credit for midterm assessments, ask for an explanation of the denial in writing. Then check with the education committee what the reason is and how to overcome it. But this, most likely, will not be needed, because the procedure for offsetting subjects by different organizations is established by law. Sometimes it is easier for a school to refuse than to do something unusual. But this does not mean that she is right and the child should run cross-country at the school stadium.
See also:
- How much do ballroom dancing lessons cost
Get a state certificate
Foundation. Federal Law on education art. 60
How it works. After studying the school curriculum, you can pass the final assessment and receive a state certificate. This is an official document on education - it is no different from those that are issued when attending a school. The form of study is not indicated in the certificate. With such a document, you can enter a college, technical school, university or get a job.
After the 9th grade, a certificate of basic general education is issued, and after the 11th grade, a certificate of secondary general education is issued. Both certificates must be issued free of charge.
The certificate is issued by the school to which you are attached. It indicates grades in basic school subjects. They are put on the basis of the results of intermediate certifications that were passed earlier. If they were taken in different organizations, the results will need to be confirmed with certificates. For example, you can pass an intermediate certification at an online school, and then attach yourself to the nearest school to pass the exam. From certificates of intermediate certification, the data will be transferred to the certificate.
See also:
- How much does it cost to enter Moscow State University on a budget.
Finish school early
Founding. Federal Law on education art. 34 h. 1 p. 3
How it works. Children in family education take exams externally. This is not a separate form of training, but a way to pass certification. You can choose a convenient pace and take exams in parallel with the whole school. But if you wish, you can pass certification in one year for several years at once, if the program has been studied. If you finish school earlier, you will be able to enter a university or get a job you love earlier.
There are no restrictions on the speed of the program. That is, in a year you can pass exams in one year, and in two, and in three. The main thing is that the child is satisfied with this pace, and teachers with the knowledge gained.
See also:
- Educational loans at 3%.
- How to travel to Poland for free under the Study Tours to Poland program.
- How to enter a German university.
- How to study abroad for free - using Sweden as an example.
- How much does it cost to become a sommelier.
- How to get a free higher education in Turkey.
- Student rights.
- What is secondary vocational education and how to get it.
which is better college or 10th grade, pros and cons
Pros of going to college
10th grade or college - what to choose? Here are the positive aspects of studying at a secondary specialized educational institution.
Obtaining a profession
The main difference between secondary vocational education and school is that colleges and technical schools produce specialists who are ready for employment. After graduating from such an institution, you will be able to go to work earlier than your peers. And the goal of the school in grades 10-11 is to prepare graduates for the Unified State Examination and further education at the university. They often think - is it worth it for a child to go to the 10th grade if you can’t master any profession there?
The chances of getting free education
The probability of getting on the budget in a technical school or college is higher than in universities where graduates go after 11th grade. Often this plays a decisive role in the “college or grade 10” dilemma - not everyone has the opportunity to pay for a commercial place in a higher educational institution when a teenager is not confident in his ability to pass the exam with good scores and enter the budget.
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Cons of going to college
Lack of career prospects
Technical schools and colleges train mid-level specialists, while vocational schools (vocational schools) and lyceums train skilled workers. If the student's potential is higher, it is worth going to grades 10-11.
Adaptation
In colleges and other educational institutions where they receive secondary vocational education, the mode and system of education differ sharply from the school system. The very next year, after the usual ninth grade, you will need to sit on real pairs - in fact, double lessons. Changing the team is also more difficult than it would be given two years later - after the 11th grade.
Advantages of studying in the 10th grade
Now let's look at what the child will get by staying at school.
Time to maneuver
Is it worth it to go to the 10th grade if you have not yet decided on a profession, and secondary schools require this? Certainly! In high school, the chances of finding a profession that suits inclinations and character are higher. You don't have to decide right away, like when you go to college. Final classes will help you make the right choice.
Competitiveness
Don't think about whether to go to 10th grade or college if your teenager dreams of a career and climbing to the top. Studying in high school will allow you to qualitatively prepare for the exam, pass it and enter a higher educational institution. Accordingly, the child will be able to apply for cooler and higher paying jobs later.
A diploma of complete secondary general education - the one obtained after the 11th grade - is valued on the labor market much more than a diploma of completion of only nine classes. Therefore, children who have completed 11 classes are more competitive.
Disadvantages of studying in the 10th grade
The only drawback of studying in the 10th and 11th grades is the notorious complexity of the program. They often talk about this: they say, is it worth it for a three-year student to go to 10th grade? In fact, the high school curriculum is not as difficult as it seems. So, the 10th grade program is built on the repetition of the incomplete secondary education program, and the 11th grade program is, in fact, preparation for the Unified State Examination.
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And you can always move up from C's to B's and higher - you shouldn't immediately give up on a child. Foxford Home Online School has basic grade improvement courses. After passing them, a teenager will be able to improve knowledge in basic school subjects. If you work out in the summer after passing the OGE, the student will come to grade 10 confident and ready to rush into battle. You don't need to travel anywhere - the courses are online.
Of course, nothing can be achieved without hard work, neither in 10th grade nor in college. But this should not frighten and repel from the senior classes. Having made an effort, it is quite possible to graduate from the 11th grade, to enter the university on a budget. This hard work will pay off!
Resume
The answer to the question of which is better - college or grade 10, only parents and the child know. Often people go to college to start working faster, because there you learn a profession. But if you complete your studies at school, pass the exam and enter a university, the level and prestige of available professions, along with the chances for subsequent career growth, will increase dramatically.