Nonresident Tuition FAQs
As a public school system, City Schools of Decatur is tuition-free for students who meet age and residency requirements set forth in state law and district policy.
The nonresident tuition application for the 2026-2027 school year will reopen from May 4 to June 5, 2026. Please note that applications will be processed on a rolling basis in the order they are received. Only completed applications, including remittance of the $100 application fee, will be considered. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing and notification of acceptance/waitlist status.
Frequently Asked Questions
For which grade levels will nonresident paid tuition be available?
For the 2026-2027 school year, CSD will offer nonresident paid tuition to new nonresident students at our K-2 and 3-5 schools, subject to availability. CSD uses current enrollment and enrollment projections to determine the specific number of tuition-based seats we anticipate by grade and school. Therefore, the number of seats will vary by grade level and school and may not be available at every grade level or school site. Available seat numbers are subject to change.
I am a CSD employee, and my child is a current nonresident courtesy student. Is their continued enrollment guaranteed for the 2026-2027 school year?
CSD will continue to offer courtesy tuition to the students of employees, subject to the criteria outlined in policy JBCB. This applies to current courtesy students and to new applicants for courtesy tuition.
Please note that employees are required to complete an annual application for their courtesy tuition students. These applications will be reopened May 4-June 5 for the 2026-2027 school year.
My child is a current nonresident paid tuition student. Is their continued enrollment guaranteed for the 2026-2027 school year?
CSD will include all current nonresident paid tuition students in enrollment numbers for the 2026-2027 school year. This means that if your student has been enrolled as a nonresident paid tuition student during the 2025-2026 school year, they will be offered continued enrollment in the next grade level in City Schools of Decatur, subject to the criteria outlined in policy JBCB.
This applies to students in transition grades, such as those currently in grade two and grade five, who will be matriculating to a new school level.
Please note that an annual application is required for nonresident paid tuition students. These applications will be available beginning February 2 for the 2026-2027 school year.
How is the tuition amount determined?
Tuition is calculated on an annual basis. It is based on a state formula that considers actual expenditures, state revenue, and midterm full-time equivalent (FTE) staff from the previous year. The tuition amount reflects an estimated local cost per student.
What is the nonresident tuition rate for the 2026-2027 school year?
The nonresident tuition rate for the 2026-2027 school year will be $9,158.
What was the nonresident tuition rate in the past?
The nonresident tuition rate for the 2025-2026 school year was $7,883. Tuition rates will fluctuate annually based on the state formula. Tuition rates have both increased and decreased in previous years.
If I am granted enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, how do I make my tuition payment(s)?
Families who are granted enrollment will receive further details on the payment process. Families must make tuition payments in advance, either as a single annual payment or two semesterly installments. The payment deadlines are July 15, 2026, and December 10, 2026.
While online payments are preferred, including ACH and credit card payments, in-person payments can be made in cash, by money order, or by cashier's check.
Are payment plans available?
In accordance with policy JBCB: Nonresident Students, families should be prepared to make tuition payments in advance, either as a single annual payment or two semesterly installments. We are unable to accept other payment installments.
Can I pay CSD tuition using the Georgia Promise Scholarship?
No. City Schools of Decatur is a public school system. The Georgia Promise Scholarship aims to empower families to pursue educational programs through nonpublic school options, such as private schools and home study programs.
Are children of CSD employees able to attend CSD schools?
Yes, as a CSD employee benefit, nonresident staff may apply annually for courtesy tuition. This benefit allows CSD employees to enroll their children in City Schools of Decatur without paying nonresident tuition.
Which CSD schools and grades are anticipated to have nonresident tuition seats available for students in the 2026-2027 school year?
The focus on tuition seat availability will be on CSD elementary schools serving grades K-5, determined by current and projected enrollment for each school and grade level.
Please note the numbers are subject to change. While some schools and grades may not appear as available in the estimates, families are still invited to submit an application for those spaces in case seats become available.
When will the application window open?
The nonresident tuition application for the 2026-2027 school year will reopen from May 4 to June 5, 2026. Please note that applications will be processed on a rolling basis in the order they are received. Only completed applications, including remittance of the $100 application fee, will be considered. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing and notification of acceptance/waitlist status.
How do I apply for a nonresident paid tuition seat?
Step-by-step Nonresident Tuition Application guidelines are available here. This document will assist parents/guardians in completing the registration process. Applications must be completed by a student's legal parent or guardian and submitted online.
How do I pay the application fee?
The nonrefundable $100 application fee is due when you submit your application. We strongly recommend paying the application fee online. However, if you need to pay in person, please bring one (1) of the following acceptable payment methods to the Wilson Center, located at 125 Electric Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. Payments are accepted Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Acceptable payment methods:
- Cash
- Money Order
- Cashier's Check
Make payable to: City Schools of Decatur, and include in the memo section the student’s name and the Nonresident Paid Tuition Application Number
When will I know if my student is offered a nonresident paid tuition seat?
The nonresident tuition application for the 2026-2027 school year will reopen from May 4 to June 5, 2026. Please note that applications will be processed on a rolling basis in the order they are received. Only completed applications, including remittance of the $100 application fee, will be considered. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing and notification of acceptance/waitlist status.
How will I know my application has been submitted?
Upon submission, applicants will receive an on-screen confirmation message and an email confirming their application has been successfully submitted. Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the verification of application submission. Submission of a complete application is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Will I be able to select the CSD school I would like my child to attend as a nonresident paid tuition student?
As part of the application process, parents/guardians will be asked to rank their preferred school(s). Parents/guardians may omit schools from their ranking for which they do not want to be considered. Final school assignments will be made based on school/grade availability, selection of application (e.g., lottery), and applicant's school preferences.
If granted enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, will my child be allowed to remain enrolled in future years?
While paid tuition is subject to annual determination, CSD recognizes the value of year-over-year, continuous enrollment for students. The intent is that nonresident students will be permitted to remain enrolled as long as space allows and continuation criteria are met.
What are my next steps? How can I learn more?
All applicants are strongly encouraged to review Board Policy JBCB: Nonresident Students for more information.
Updates are available on the CSD website. Please check this webpage frequently.
I have a question about nonresident tuition and enrollment that was not answered here. Who can I ask?
For any questions or support throughout the nonresident paid tuition enrollment process, contact Patrice Moore, district enrollment specialist, at 404-371-3601, extension 1063.