We signed our daughter up for preschool starting in September, but my husband just heard he was getting transferred so we’re moving to another state, so we have to give up our spot. But when I called the school, they told me that my tuition deposit was nonrefundable and refused to give me any of the money back. I am SO pissed, I don’t even know what to do. Is this standard at all preschools? It seems like a scam as this is a very popular school and I’m sure they can fill the spot in no time.

I sympathize with your situation but unfortunately if the enrollment contract said that that the tuition deposit was non-refundable, you can’t get your money back even if you decide not to attend. Something similar happened to us with daycares when we decided to hire a nanny instead and we paid a one month penalty fee (it still upsets me when I think about it today!).

Also, when we were deciding between schools for my son, I had put down a significant deposit on a school before finding out if he was accepted into some of the other places we applied. Otherwise I would’ve lost my spot. At least the school made it clear to me that if we decided not to attend, we would lose the deposit. Fortunately it was our first choice school so it not a difficult decision, but I do know other parents who have forfeited their deposit after deciding to move or change schools.

If you think about it, yes the schools are making money from the no refunds policy but the purpose is really to discourage parents who aren’t seriously committed from signing up their child and then dropping out at the last minute. Some schools will refund the money if they find someone else to take the spot, but it sounds like your program is strictly enforcing their policy and it’s perfectly legal for them to do so if you signed the tuition contract.

I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear but know that you’re not alone.  If it makes you feel any better, some preschools make you pay 100% of the year’s tuition if you withdraw your child after June or July!

Readers, what do you think? Is it unfair for a preschool to not refund tuition deposits?