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Nonresident Tuition

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. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year for grades K-2 and 3-5, City Schools of Decatur is planning to offer paid tuition for nonresident students. Follow the steps below to complete the nonresident tuition application.  

Step 1: 
Read Nonresident Tuition Application Guidelines
Step 2: 
Complete Nonresident Tuition Application
Step 3: 
Pay Nonresident Tuition Application Fee


Frequently Asked Questions

For which grade levels will paid tuition be available?

For the 2025-2026 school year, we will introduce paid tuition for nonresident students at our K-2 and 3-5 schools for grades where space is available. 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 be different for each grade level and school and may not be available at every grade level or school site. Available seat numbers are subject to change.

How is the tuition amount determined?

Tuition is calculated annually. It is based on a state formula that takes into consideration actual expenditures, state revenue, and midterm full-time equivalent (FTE) staff from the previous year. The tuition amount represents an estimated local cost per student.

What is the nonresident tuition rate for the 2025-2026 school year?

The tuition rate for the 2025-2026 school year will be $7,883.

If I am granted enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year, will I receive additional guidance on tuition payments?

Yes, families who are granted enrollment will receive additional information and next steps to the email provided in their application. This will include details for remitting payment and payment due dates. Families should be prepared to make tuition payments in advance, in one (annual) or two (semester) installments. Online payments, including ACH and credit card payments, are the preferred method of payment, but there will be options for submitting in-person payment via cash, money order, or cashier’s check.  

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 schooling, including private school and home study. 

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 does not require CSD employees to pay tuition for their children to attend City Schools of Decatur. 

Which CSD schools and grades are expected to have nonresident tuition seats available for students in the 2025-2026 school year?

Availability of tuition seats is based on current and projected enrollments by school by grade level. The following seats are currently anticipated for the 2025-2026 school year. Refer to these estimated projections below, which are subject to change.  

While some schools and grades may not show availability in the estimates below, families are still invited to submit an application for those spaces in case seats become available. 

Estimated Nonresident Tuition Seat Availability (2025-2026 School Year)

When will the application window open?

The application for nonresident paid tuition students will open on April 30, 2025. It is scheduled to remain open through May 15, 2025, however, CSD may elect to extend the deadline.

How do I apply for a nonresident paid tuition seat?

Nonresident Tuition Application Guidelines to help parents/guardians complete registration was published on this webpage prior to the application opening.  Applications will be available online via the Infinite Campus Portal. Applications must be completed by a student’s legal parent/guardian and must be submitted online. 

How do I pay the application fee? 

The nonrefundable $100 application fee is due when your application is submitted.  We strongly recommend paying the application fee online. However, if you need to pay in-person, bring one (1) of the following forms of acceptable payment to the Wilson Center (125 Electric Avenue Decatur, GA 30030).  Payments can be accepted Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., and must be paid no later than May 15, 2025.

  • Cash
  • Money Order
  • Cashier’s Check

Payable to: City Schools of Decatur 
Memo: Student’s Name; Nonresident Paid Tuition Application Number

When will I know if my student(s) is being offered a nonresident paid tuition seat?

The lottery for nonresident paid tuition students will take place on or about May 29, 2025. Results are expected to be published on or about May 30, 2025. 

How will I know my application has been submitted?

Upon submission, applicants will receive an on-screen 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 seeking to verify their 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 2025-2026 school year, will my child be allowed to remain enrolled in future year?

While paid tuition is subject to annual determination, CSD recognizes the value of year-over-year 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?

The Board of Education is expected to vote to adopt policy JBCB: Nonresident Students at their May 13 Board Meeting. A draft version of JBCB (subject to change) is available on Simbli here. The final version approved by the Board will be available on Simbli. All applicants are strongly encouraged to review this policy.

Stay tuned for additional information about this opportunity on the CSD website to learn more and guide your next steps. Please check this webpage often.

I have a question that was not answered here about nonresident tuition and enrollment. Who can I ask?

Please contact Patrice Moore, District Enrollment Specialist, at pmoore@csdecatur.net.