School & Education

You must apply at your child’s school for a fee waiver. Your child’s school should have simple waiver forms that you can fill out, sign, and turn in. Chicago Public Schools has its own fee waiver form. Schools are required to notify parents about fee waivers at the beginning of the school year, however parents can request and submit a fee waiver application anytime before or during the school year. The school should then tell you whether your waiver was approved or denied.

If your school does not have waiver forms, they still must give you a fee waiver if you qualify. If your school doesn’t have forms, you should ask the school official that collects school fees in writing for a waiver. 

Any school records that identify students as having applied for or having received a fee waiver are confidential.

No fee or fine can be collected from a parent who has asked for a waiver until the school makes a decision about the initial request or appeal. The parent must be notified of the school's decision.

If the school denies your application for a fee waiver, they must do so in writing within 30 days of receiving the fee waiver application or request. They must also tell you how you can appeal their decision. 

If you paid your school fees this year and you qualify for a fee waiver, you may be able to get a refund if your district did not notify you that a waiver was available. You should immediately contact your school’s official who collected the fee, and ask for a waiver and a refund.