FAQ

Students will receive a welcome email from their assigned counselor on August 16th that will outline the process for how to make schedule changes.

See the fee summary here.

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 if you are eligible (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) form as described below. 

Every school year, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) requires every student to submit a Family Income Information Form (FIIF). The information is used to determine if any fees may be reduced or waived for qualifying households and if any student qualifies for high-quality healthcare and food/nutrition programs. The information from the FIIF is also used to determine if Jones College Prep will receive additional state funds for next school year. This form/information is important, and all families are required to complete this form. If you are eligible, please fully complete the Family Income Information Form (FIIF). If you are not eligible, please return the signed FIIF form with your student’s name(s) and indicate “does not qualify” on the form. Students that qualify for the free fee waiver (formerly free lunch) will receive a 100% reduction of fees and those that qualify for the reduced fee waiver (formerly reduced lunch) will receive a 50% reduction of fees, for all fees except the Athletic Fee and Calculator purchase. 

• 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. 
• Pay with check or money order payable to “Jones College Prep,” mail to ATTENTION: Business Manager, 700 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605, or drop off at the main office.  
• Pay with cash, in person at the main office between 9am-2pm during regular school days.

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.

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.

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, Assistant Principals, or the Director of Finance and Operations, Chris Burney ([email protected]), for information. 

Students will not be denied participation in any academic, social, and athletic activities or programs due to financial circumstances. Students and families are strongly encouraged to discuss their financial situation with the Administrative Leadership Team and r the Director of Finance and Operations, Chris Burney ([email protected]). The Jones Administrative 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.

Yes. Graduation expenses vary from year to year. If a graduation fee will be assessed, families will be informed in early January of the amount for planning purposes and it will be added to your account. Graduation Fees average between $100-$150 a year. Graduation fees cover diplomas, caps-n-gowns, venue, and other miscellaneous expenses. This fee is assessed to all non-waiver students.