How much does it cost to send kids to public school?

Question

Can anyone tell me roughly how much it cost to send kids to a public school. We live south of Adelaide. I want to know how much it cost per year and what do you have to buy eg books, uniforms, hats, excursions, etc. The info Im looking for is for the beginning of primary school age. Also can you tell me the same about kindergarden. Thanks.

Answer 1

PUBLIC schools want to raise fees paid by parents to compensate for State Government cuts to their budgets.

The increases could lift basic fees at top public secondary schools to $700 and charges for primary students to $400 - a rise of about $100 in some cases.

This year, the fee recommended by the Education Department was $244 for secondary schools and $182 for primary, although many charge more with parents' and departmental approval.

He said his own school - the Australian Science and Mathematics School at Flinders University - usually kept its fee increases in line with inflation.

"This school's fees are around the $650 mark. On the basis of 2.5 to 3 per cent CPI rate, we'd probably look at a $50 increase," he said. Glenunga International High School principal Bob Knight said the school was considering higher fees for optional courses including vocational subjects and the International Baccalaureate. "Anything above the standard we are going to have a look at," he said.

The Education Department sets a minimum fee for public schools to charge their students for "materials and services" - money that covers books and equipment for libraries, laboratories and special subjects.

FEES

An invoice for the Material and Service Fee will be sent out early in Term 1.

The material & service fee is used, together with DECS grants, to provide your child with text books, educational materials, apparatus and equipment in all subjects during the course of study at the school.

Parents in financial difficulty may apply to have school fees paid by the Government by accessing the School Card Scheme. Information about the SC Scheme can be obtained through our finance office. Parents can also negotiate for payments by instalments, which can occur over or during the year.  Enquiries may be made at the school office.

Answer 2

I have read that a compulsory school fee of up to AU$161 is charged each year – but only to cover the cost of necessities such as libraries, sporting fees and books.

I would assume that you also have to buy your childs stationery, which costs us about $150-200 per year.

State school uniforms can be up to around $200.

Most schools also have extra charges for School Excursions etc.

There is a recommendation to confirm all fees at the school you choose.