Private schools demand extra fees

MAKKAH- — Private schools have added new fees for transportation and extra-curricular activities, Makkah newspaper reported. Abdulaziz Al-Ali said he received a memo at the beginning of the school year of the schedule of activities and the fee for each activity. “The price ranged between SR50 to SR200 and the activities included trips and visits. I have two daughters in middle and high school and I am upset at the school’s incessant attempt to have us pay the fees,” said Al-Ali. He also said the school informed him that transportation fee has been raised by SR200 for each student. “We should only pay the tuition fees and that’s it. The ministry should monitor and inspect the schools to ensure they don’t ask for any extra fees from us,” he said. Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry head Malik Bin Taleb said private schools cannot raise the fees without the permission of the Ministry of Education. “The additional services the schools provide such as transportation and extra-curricular activities are not obligatory by the ministry. That is why schools ask the parents to pay extra fees. Paying for the extra services is optional for the students and parents. They are not obliged to receive the additional services,” said Bin Talen. He also said if the school demands fees that are too high in comparison to the average fees of the same service, the parent may file a complaint against the school. “Students should not be bothered or nagged about paying the fees if they are too high. This year, the tuition fees rose by 15 percent. That is due to the fact that the ministry has obliged private schools to be Saudized and to adhere to the safety and security procedures in their buildings,” said Bin Taleb. He also said the higher the fees the better the quality of the school is. “In order to meet the requirements of the ministry, the schools need a considerable budget. The school is in need of the fees to cover the expenses,” said Bin Taleb.