Tuition going up for out-of-district students

Tuition will increase for out-of-district students wishing to attend Kalispell Public Schools beginning in the 2018-19 school year.

Tuition is meant to recoup money that would otherwise be paid to schools through taxes from residents living within the district. In Flathead County, Kalispell Public Schools is the only district to charge tuition at the high school level and one of two districts at the elementary level, the other being West Valley School.

Since the increase at the elementary level — grades kindergarten through eighth — is higher, it will be phased in over the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years. Discounts are also given to families enrolling more than one child.

For the 2018-19 school year, elementary tuition will increase from the current rate of $350 to $500. Families enrolling a second child will pay $300 in tuition and $200 for a third child.

Elementary tuition for the 2019-20 school year will increase to $650. Families enrolling a second child will pay $450 in tuition and $250 for a third child.

At the high school level, out-of-district tuition will increase from the current rate of $150 to $300 in the 2018-19 school year. A family enrolling a second high school student will pay $200 and $100 for the third child.

Reduced tuition rates are offered to students eligible for free or reduced meals, which is based on family income.

There are approximately 129 out-of-district students attending Flathead and Glacier high schools, 62 at Kalispell Middle School and 13 in the five elementary schools. The school district only accepts out-of-district students if space is available.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.