Birmingham's Out-of-District Tuition to Increase Slightly Next School Year

Parents who send their children to from outside the district will have to pay a little more next year, after the Birmingham Board of Education voted Tuesday to increase tuition rates for the district's enrollment program.

Though Birmingham Schools does not participate in the Michigan Schools of Choice program, families from outside the district may send students to Birmingham Schools on a tuition basis. These rates are based on the district's per student operating cost at the elementary, middle and high school levels for the current 2011-12 year.

For 2012-13, the annual tuition rates will be:

• Elementary: $10,950
• Middle School: $12,550
• High School: $13,150

This represents a $50 increase at the elementary level, and a $100 increase at the middle and high school level.

In addition, the school board set the summer school tuition rates for summer 2012. High school tuition stayed the same for both residents ($230) and non-residents ($270). Middle school tuition also stayed the same for residents ($190) and non-residents ($200).

Elementary rates, however, increased in conjunction with an increase in instructional hours. In 2011, the program cost $345 for two hours of instruction per week. Students now will attend classes for eight hours in instruction in 2012 for a total cost of $385.

Summer school classes are offered in conjunction with Birmingham Community Education.