How Much Does That Free Education Really Cost You?

Did you know in-district students who attend Joliet West High School pay $125 more for driver's education courses than similar students at Minooka Community High School?

That's one of the revelations that came out of a Patch survey of some area schools that compares the costs of curriculum, textbook and registration fees. Following is an illustration of how a "free" public education is anything but free (and these costs do no include school supplies or clothing):

Troy CCSD 30-C

Curriculum/Textbook Fees

Kindergarten–4th Grade: $150.00 per student

5th–8th Grade: $200.00 per student (this fee includes all extra-curricular and club fees)

Minooka District 201

Early Childhood/Kindergarten Registration: $105; 1st-8th Grade Registration: $150; 6th-8th Grade Registration (if not in need of a new P.E. uniform): $134.

Channahon District 17

Kindergarten-7th Grade: $135.

8th Grade: $170 (includes the cost of graduation).

Joliet West High School District 204

Student Fees: Full-Time Student Registration Fee - $160; Part-Time Student Registration Fee - $115; Parking Permit Fee - $100; Participation Fee (per sport) - $50; Participation Fee (per competitive activity) - $25; Driver’s Education Fee - $250 (in-district), $350 (out-of-district).

Minooka Community High School District 111

Student Fees: Full-Time Student Registration Fee - $210; Part-Time Student Registration Fee - $105; Summer Driver’ Education Fee - $265; Parking Fee - $120; Bowling Fee - $30 (new); and School-Year Driver’s Education Fee - $125 (up $25 from $100).