I’m writing because I genuinely don’t know what I’m supposed to do, and I’m wondering how other Lakewood parents would handle this situation.

My child’s Yeshiva recently got a new administrator, and I was told that I cannot register my child for the upcoming school year unless I agree to a tuition amount that is simply beyond what I can afford.

I explained my financial situation and offered to pay the amount that I realistically can manage. I’m not asking to pay nothing. I want to pay tuition and contribute what I am able to. But the administrator rejected my offer and is insisting on an amount approaching $1,000 per month.

I was essentially told that if I can’t afford that amount, I should go out and raise the difference.

For a family paying multiple tuitions along with all the regular expenses of raising a family, that number is simply not realistic for us. I understand that Yeshivos have enormous expenses and that teachers and staff need to be paid. But where is a parent supposed to turn when the school’s required tuition is genuinely more than the family can afford?

As things stand right now, my child is not registered for school.

Is it reasonable for a Yeshiva to refuse registration when parents are willing to pay what they genuinely can afford? Are parents expected to fundraise privately just to keep their children enrolled?

I would sincerely appreciate hearing from Rabbanim, administrators, parents and members of the community who have dealt with situations like this. What is a family supposed to do?

— C.P., Lakewood

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