Can a private high school hold transcripts for non payment of back tution?
Hello,Can you tell me if the contract you signed with the school specifically stated that they would/could withhold transcripts for non-payment?
Here is the exact copyCONTRACTUAL UNDERSTANDINGIf the student is accepted to Judge, it is understood by the undersigned parent(s) and/or guardian(s) that this contract is a legally binding contract with Judge Memorial Catholic High School. Judge Memorial shall provide educational services in consideration of the tuition, fees, and other charges declared by the school to be applicable during the period of enrollment for the above student. Parents and/or guardians agree to pay the tuition, fees, and other charges in a prompt and timely manner. Parents and/or guardians understand that non-payment or late payment of tuition, fees, and other charges will result in the following consequences: (1) Late Fees. (2) Exclusion from final exams and/or dismissal of the student from school, as well as (3) Graduation penalties. In the event of non-payment, I (We) agree to pay all penalty costs and all costs of collection including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the school.This tuition contract represents the commitment of the undersigned legal adult(s) to pay the entire 2012-2013 tuition amount or the adjusted tuition amount due to financial forgiveness, even if the above named student leaves the school during the year or is expelled during the year. After August 1, no portion of paid tuition or tuition due will be refunded or cancelled unless a Tuition Assurance Policy has been purchased. Refer to the Tuition Assurance Policy for provisions and restrictions.
Hello again,Thank you for that information, it was helpful. That said, I have no idea what they mean by "graduation penalties" so they may be lumping the withholding of the transcript into that. This I can't say, but since the term is vague is is arguable that it is not allowed under the contract. So, this means that unless you can work something out with the school as a compromise, you are going to have to hire an attorney to file suit under the contract for the withholding of the transcripts. Generally speaking a private school could indeed withhold transcripts if the contract clearly states they can for non-payment of tuition. That is why the vague term is an issue here. If a court agrees with me that this is vague and the contract does not allow for it, then they will have to release the transcript. It may be that just a letter from an attorney pointing out the contract and the lack of terms that allow the withholding may be enough to get them to release it. If not, then a suit will have to be filed.
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