Jalen's Tuition Expense

My name is Nicole Barnett and I have created this pledge on behalf of my son, Jalen McFadden. Jalen is currently in the 2nd grade; however, he consistently outpaces his peers in both math and reading, even reaching 6th & 7th grade reading levels. After a tumultuous couple of years with his former school (due to changes and reorgs that were outside of our control), I finally found an academic setting that not only fostered a prosperous learning environment, but also presented the challenges that Jalen needed so that he did not get bored with his education. While searching for new schools, I was placed on various waiting lists, but his current school was ready to accept him right away. Upon visiting, I instantly fell in love with everything that the school stood for and the many offerings that it had available. Unfortunately, the school is privately funded and I do not meet the qualifications of the Choice Program. Thus, I had to choose whether or not to enroll him there or let him remain in the toxic setting that he was already at. For me, a healthy learning atmosphere is very important as it pertains to my child’s success - so I decided that I would get him enrolled and just figure out a way to pay the tuition. It was a very frustrating experience, as I learned that we were the only private pay family in the entire school. The total tuition for the school year is $7,323 excluding the costs associated with the school-specific uniform.

Fortunately, I was allowed to break the payments up into four quarterly installments. I instantly strategized ways for me to come up with the non-existent funds to cover the tuition. As a single parent, my options for supplemental income are already limited as I am working a regular, full-time job and am tending to my child before and after the workday. I was able to take out a personal loan from my financial institution, which assisted with some of the costs. I also put my student loans in forbearance in an attempt to maximize my cash flow as much as possible. Unfortunately, I have still come up short. I have two installment payments remaining and I simply do not have the funds available. I do not receive tax returns that I can rely upon and have already skipped both my mortgage and car note payments for the month. Therefore, as a last ditch effort, I have turned to a Go Fund Me campaign in the hopes that I can at least render enough support to get me through this 3rd installment if not the remaining two. I do not like to ask for assistance, as I am a very private person and am used to handling things on my own. However, I am currently desperate and will go to the ends of the Earth to see that my child’s needs are met.

If you or anyone you know are able to assist in the least bit, please know that it is immensely appreciated. If anyone would like to donate directly to the school on his behalf, I am definitely receptive to that as well as I just want to get his tuition paid - contact me directly for addt'l details. Outside of monetary donations, I also believe in the power of prayer. So please pray for us as we try to navigate through this last half of the school year. In addition, please pray that Jalen is accepted into Golda Meir’s Gifted and Talented Program for the upcoming school year as (1) that would be a PERFECT fit for his talents and (2) it is a Milwaukee Public School, which means NO MORE TUITION!!! Otherwise, I’ll just be back to square one in trying to find yet another school for Jalen, as I cannot afford another year of private tuition.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration!!!