Student Fee Update for 2025-2026

On February 24, 2025, the School District U-46 School Board approved the administration's recommendation to reinstate student registration fees, now that the COVID relief funds have expired. These instructional fees support the purchase of technology, workbooks, art supplies, science lab materials and other non-reusable items critical to student learning. 

School District U-46 will continue to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students.

Since meal applications will not be needed, all families are encouraged to complete the SY2025-2026 Fee Waiver form. Below are links to the form for your convenience. If you requested the form when filling out your online registration, the form will be emailed to you. Once filled out, email to foodservice@u-46.org or return to your child's school. Proof of income is required when submitting your request. 

• School Fees
  The Early Registration Discount for Instructional Material fees has been applied to all students currently enrolled for the 2025-2026 school year. See the Instructional Fee table below for fee assignments and when they will be applied. 

  If you are unsure whether your family will qualify for a waiver, you may choose to pay the fees now to take advantage of the Early Registration discount. Should you later qualify through the waiver process or direct certification, any applicable fees will be refunded.

  Fee Waiver Options 

  Fee Waiver applications will not be processed until after July 1, when updated income eligibility guidelines are released. As a reminder, proof of income must be submitted along with a Fee Waiver form (see form links below).

• Direct Certification, families who believe they may qualify for a fee waiver through direct certification (which may include those receiving benefits such as SNAP or TANF) may choose not to complete a waiver form. Direct certification notifications will be sent once new eligibility data becomes available after July 1. If eligibility changes, and you no longer qualify, regular registration fees will apply. 

Any unpaid fees will automatically be increased. See the table below. 

Instructional Fees - Central Schools Programs

Moving On        $140.00

SWEP               $50.00

Center House  $105.00 

Participation Fees Middle School:

Athletic Participation Fee (per sport) †    $80.00
† No student/family maximum.

Participation Fees High School:

Athletic Participation Fee (per Sport)*    $150.00
Athletic Fee Football/Lacrosse               $200.00
Driver Education - Behind the Wheel     $250.00
Driver Education - Textbook                   $19.50
Lifeguard Course Fee                             $45.75
Parking Permit                                       $100.00
*Student maximum of two sports fees per school year/family maximum of four sports fees per year at the high school level

Refund Policy: If a student attends any days in a quarter that quarter’s fees are not refundable.

Partial Year Instructional Fee: NA 

On-line Instructional Fee Payment: Parents and/or guardians will have the option to pay on-line using a credit card, checking or savings account. 

Fee Waiver: Families can apply to have all or some fees waived. A link to the Fee Waiver form can be found on the Registration page of the district website.  (See link below.)

Optional Student Insurance: Information on how to purchase the School Time Coverage, 24-Hour Coverage and 24-Hour Dental (optional) is available on the Registration page of the district website. (See menu to the left.)

Note: Parking permits, and certain activity fees are not covered under fee waivers.

Registration Fees for 2024-25

School District U-46 has waived all Student Registration/Instructional Material Fees for the 2024-25 school year. 

On February 26, 2024, District Administration recommended and the School District U-46 School Board approved the waiver of School Registration & Instructional Fees for the 2024-2025 school year. As a financial relief to families, the District will utilize Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding to pay for 2024-2025 fees. However, with ESSER funding coming to an end in September of 2024, registration fees will be charged to families starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This will be communicated to families later this year. 
Click here to view the complete memo.

Optional Fees Middle School:

Athletic Participation Fee (per sport) †    $   80.00
† No student/family maximum.

Optional Fees High School:

Athletic Participation Fee (per Sport)*     $150.00
Athletic Fee Football/Lacrosse                $200.00
Basic Yearbook (non-customized)           $45.00 (or as determined by site)
Customized                                              Yearbook to be determined by site
Driver Education - Behind the Wheel      $250.00
Driver Education - Textbook                    $13.00
Driver's Education - Learners Permit      $20 (Secretary of State fee) 
Lifeguard Course Fee                             $45.75
Parking Permit                                        $100.00
*Student maximum of two sports fees per school year/family maximum of four sports fees per year at
the high school level
Note: Parking permits, yearbooks, and certain activity fees are not covered under fee waivers.

Currently, School District U-46 offers breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students.
While meal applications will not be required, if you feel your child(ren) qualifies for a fee waiver for optional fees, we do recommend that families complete the 2024-25 Fee Waiver form, see below, and return it to your school or email to foodservice@u-46.org. Proof of income is required.