FAQ

Students will receive a welcome email from their assigned counselor the week prior to the start of school that will outline the process for making schedule changes.

All funding received from CPS at Jones is utilized to pay for staff and teaching positions. Everything else at Jones, from paper to technology, is funded through student fees, rental income, and other grants. 

There are general fees that are assessed to all non-waiver students and other fees that will be applied based on grade level, class elective, and activity participation. Athletic fees are assessed to all students regardless of waiver. See the types of fees above for more detailed information.

You can use this online calculator to estimate your eligibility (https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1963). The calculator is located at the bottom of the page. Note that income includes all sources of income, not just wages, for example, child support, social security, or unemployment. All families will still need to complete the Family Income Information Form (FIIF) as described below. 

Every school year, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) requires all students to submit a Family Income Information Form (FIIF). The purpose of this form is for CPS to obtain information about families' incomes to determine school funding. CPS and Jones may receive additional funding based on the number of low-income families enrolled.

The form is used to help identify families that may qualify for the waiver/reduced status for General and Tech fees.

• Credit Card - Pay with Aspen (preferred method). Login to the parent portal of your Aspen account (https://aspen.cps.edu/). Click the three line menu in the upper left hand corner > click “Fees”. Under “Fees Details” you can see any outstanding fees, unapplied payments, and your balance. Under “Payments” you can see your full payment history and make payments. 
• Money order or Cashier's Check - Pay via mail, make money order/cashier's check payable to “Jones College Prep,” mail to Attn: Business Manager, 700 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605, or drop off at the main office.  
• Cash - Pay in person at the main office between 7:30 am-4:00 pm during regular school days (9:00 am -2:00 pm during the summer).

Jones offers payment plans to families that prefer to pay incrementally. There is no auto-payment plan through ASPEN at this time. The best way to set up an auto payment is through your personal banking institution in conjunction with the Jones College Prep payment plan form. If you are unable to set up a payment plan, please see the question, “What if I can’t pay my fee?” below.

If you are not applying for the fee waiver, then fees should be paid upon assessment at the beginning of the year or when assessed as activities occur throughout the year. The monies from those fees are utilized to support your child during the academic school year. Student accounts should be settled by the end of the school year.

Yes. Unpaid fee balances will accrue in your account each year. If at the end of the year, you have been unable to pay your fees please reach out to the Principal or Assistant Principals.

Students will not be denied participation in any academic and athletic activities or programs due to financial circumstances. Students and families are strongly encouraged to discuss their financial situation with the School Leadership Team. The Jones School Leadership Team and the entire Jones school community are committed to support every student and their families to ensure they receive the opportunities and resources to meet their unique needs and aspirations.

 

Waiver of School Fees
Update per CPS Fee Waiver Policy (12/07/22) 
 [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]

Yes. Graduation expenses vary from year to year. If a graduation fee is assessed, families will be informed in early January of the amount for planning purposes, and it will be added to your account. Graduation fees cover diplomas, caps-n-gowns, venue, support staffing, livestream, and other miscellaneous expenses. This fee is assessed to all non-waiver students.