FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are acceptable proofs of address?
Accepted Proof:
- Current (within 2 billing cycles of today's date) utility bill (Gas, Light, Water). Copy of the bill must show the service address and name, NOT a copy of the envelope.
- Illinois driver's license or State of Illinois identification card. (One or two adults and/or the student's State ID are sufficient.)
- Deed
- MediPlan/Medicaid card Only (Not an insurance card)
- Court documents
- Illinois Department of Public Aid card/Department of Human Services
- Stamped United States Post Office change of address form copy or a piece of mail with the yellow sticker indicating the new address.
- Illinois state aid check/social security check
- Cable/Internet bill
- Car Insurance
- Credit card bill
- Cell phone bill
- Bank statement
Examples of the right and wrong way to scan or photo of digital documents
Correct
Make sure your proof of address files are readable, full document, and either an image or PDF.
[Correct]
Incorrect
If we can't read it then we can't use it.
[Incorrect Example: Too Small]
or [IncorrectExamples: At an angle/Information Unreadable ]
Q: What are the 2024-2025 fees?
Applying to have fees waived/reduced? Do not submit payment at this time. Please wait for results from the FIIF before submitting payment. We cannot refund payments if you qualify for the waiver after fees have been paid.
Note: some fees do not qualify to be reduced or waived.
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Q: How do I pay fees online or via US Mail?
Applying to have fees waived/reduced? Do not submit payment at this time. Please wait for results from the FIIF before submitting payment. We cannot refund payments if you qualify for the waiver after fees have been paid.
Note: some fees do not qualify to be reduced or waived.
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Online
Review your student’s fees for the upcoming school year as well as previous years (if applicable) by signing in to Parent Portal on the Jones website (Parents> Parent Portal then Family > Transactions > Payment). You may pay these fees online through Parent Portal using a credit card. We cannot accept payments over the phone.
Parent Portal/ASPEN Tutorial Video
https://www.cps.edu/services-
US Mail
You can also send in payment (money order) to the following address:
*To better align with CPS policy, Jones will no longer be accepting personal checks. Parents may pay online through ASPEN or in person with cash or money order/cashier's check.
Q: What is the difference between the student ID and Ventra card?
Q: How can I create a Parent Portal account?
Q: Why is the Family Income Information Form (FIIF) required?
Q: How can corrections or new documents be added to my registration?
Q: How do I make schedule adjustments/corrections?
Q: When are yearbook photos taken?
Q: What do fees cover?
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.
Q: What fees do I have to pay?
Q: Do I qualify for a fee waiver?
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.
Q: What is the Family Income Information Form (FIIF)?
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.
Q: How do I pay my 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).
Q: How do I set up a payment plan?
Q: When are my fees due?
Do fees carry over from year to 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.
Q: What if I can’t pay my fee?
Q: Are there separate graduation fees?