Nationwide, approximately 4.9 million students have either started or are preparing for the new academic year in a private school. In a few short weeks, many more will begin the application process for next year’s enrollment. Private schools might suffer from the false idea that they’re only for “rich kids,” but many students (and parents) from all different income levels seek out private schooling. Reasons might include smaller classrooms, athletic programs, accelerated academics or specialized curriculums.

Parents may equate private school with a premium price tag. However, Ann Dolin, an education expert and founder of Educational Connections Tutoring in the Washington area, finds that many parents wrongly write off private school due to the misconception that tuition costs would exceed their means.

In her book, “A Guide to Private Schools: The Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland Edition,” Dolin demystifies the application process, competition and financial commitments for parents looking to enroll a child in private school. Instead of shuddering over prices, a little research shows a wide range in price. Dolin shares that “in the D.C. area, a private education can range from $4,000 to $40,000 per year, with parochial schools generally on the lower end.”

If you desire private school education, here are some strategies to reduce costs:

1. Budget wisely.

Dolin believes that a family should weigh the benefits of a potential private school with the cost, thoroughly examining if it is the best fit for their child and their budget. You might decide, like my husband and I did, that the price is an investment in your child’s education. One option might be to break up the tuition into a monthly payment plan.

Sarah Mock, founder of HowIPinchAPenny.com, resides in Pennsylvania and has three children enrolled in private school. She pinches her pennies in a variety of ways to make private school fit in her family’s budget. Mock and her husband keep other expenses lean: They drive used cars, maintain a mortgage payment that is within their means and keep food costs low. They grow produce in their garden, which they also can and freeze, plus they rarely dine out. “Private school is a choice and we choose to make it a line item in our budget,” Mock says.

2. Consider financial aid.

Most private schools offer some form of financial aid to those who need it. Dolin has worked with parents who initially assume their income is too high, only to be pleasantly surprised that they indeed qualify for assistance. She recommends filling out the necessary aid application forms if cost is an issue, even if you think you may not be eligible. Sometimes, families facing a short-term financial crisis might qualify for temporary help.

3. Look into sibling discounts.

Outside of financial aid, Dolin points out that sibling discounts offer another common tuition reduction technique. For families looking to enroll multiple children in a single private school, this tool works great. Be sure to inquire about this type of discount with your admission office, as not all schools offer this.

4. Look into merit-based aid programs.

Although rare, some schools offer merit awards. This type of aid program may be funded by the school or by private donors. The awards are allocated for enrichment of specific departments, such as sports or the arts, recognizing a student’s specific talent or skill.

5. Take advantage of uniform swaps or discounts.

Most private schools have a dress code and purchasing new uniforms for the entire school year can be a big investment. I have personally benefited from free uniform swaps held at my son’s school. However, some private schools charge an admission fee to attend their annual uniform swap, so you may benefit most by directly approaching parents of older schoolmates, to inquire about their outgrown uniforms.

Most school require uniforms be ordered through a particular clothing retailer, such as Lands’ End. Save money by taking advantage of coupons or searching for online codes and relevant sales.

6. Don’t forget the cost of supplies.

Many private schools include school supplies in their full price of admission. That means textbooks, supplies and even personal technology such as laptops and tablets may be covered. Dolin shares that schools which do require students to purchase books often have book exchanges or buyback programs. “Although parents are shelling out money for tuition, they may be saving in other ways they did not think of initially,” Dolin says.

Private schools have long been an integral part of our nation’s education system, even predating the rise of the public school. They aren’t exclusive to the wealthy — and with careful budgeting, even families on a budget can afford them.

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How to Save Money on Private School originally appeared on usnews.com