Law School Dad

Just in case any of you thought I was exaggerating the cost of Yeshiva education here in the tri-state area, allow me to break it down for you. Following are the fees and charges for preschoolers for the 2005-6 school year at Yavneh Academy in Paramus, NJ: (By the way, I'm not deliberately picking on Yavneh, it's no more or less outrageously expensive than any other Jewish day school in the vicinity.) Tuition: $10,050 "Family obligation": $500 Scrip obligation: this latest "innovative" fundraising technique requires each family to either purchase $6000 in scrip redeemable at local shops; or opt out by paying another $330. Building Fund: $1200. Registration fee: $550. Hot lunch plan: $500.  At the Open House, the school recruiter cheerfully pointed out that by the time we put 3 kids through her fine institution, we'll have probably outlaid more than we spent on our house. Happy days! -LSD