Fees
North Star charges a membership fee. We do not receive any state or federal funding and rely on our fees and significant fundraising in order to provide our services and program. Our goal is to keep North Star as accessible as possible.
North Star Membership Fees: 2012-2013
One Day per Week: $2,500*
Two Days per Week: $5,000
Three Days per Week: $6,000
Four Days per Week: $7,500
Three Days per Week ($6,000) and Four Days per Week ($7,500): These fees remain less than the actual costs of $7,500 for three days and $10,000 for four days. The Board of Directors has determined that these increases from the 2011-2012 fees are the maximum appropriate increases in one year.
Advisors: All members will have an advisor with whom they meet regularly to discuss their use of North Star and their overall weekly routines. In past years, teens coming just one or two days per week have not had advisors and have paid a lower fee. We have come to believe that having core staff provide private attention to all teen members will strengthen our community.
Alternative Contributions: North Star’s Board of Directors and Staff remain committed to making North Star available to all interested families. We will continue to make it possible for families to use installment plans to spread out the payments as needed, and we will continue to invite families who cannot pay the full fee to make Proposals for Alternative Contributions. In general, the maximum amounts of Alternative Contributions will be 40% of the fee for One-, Two-, and Three-Day per Week members and 20% for Four-Day per week members. Families seeking larger Alternative Contributions may request a meeting with the Board’s Alternative Contributions Committee to discuss their situations and proposals.
Contracts in Five-Month Semesters: Members are required to make a five-month commitment when joining. The billing cycles cover September through January and February through June. Payments are due August 15 and January 15. No refunds are made to members who choose to terminate membership during these billing cycles.
Monthly Installments by Credit or Debit Cards: ONLY WHEN NECESSARY
Families that cannot pay in two installments may pay in monthly installments. Members paying the fee in monthly installments must use a credit or debit card that can be automatically charged each month. North Star charges an additional $50 on the first payment to cover half of the related annual bank charges.
Flexibility: North Star understands that the specific days that a teen comes to North Star may change over time. We understand that teens may occasionally want to participate in a workshop or special activity on a day that they do not normally come to North Star. Please let us know when this occurs, and feel welcome to attend. In addition, we invite everyone to come as many days as they would like during the first few weeks of his or her membership in order to make informed choices for a long-term schedule. We also expect that some members may change their selected Membership Level during the course of the year.
Pro-Rated Fees and Refunds: North Star has established a formal chart for pro-rating the fee for members joining or withdrawing in the middle of the year. Please contact the Executive Director for this information.
