SMA De Britto Irked by 'Expensive School' Label, Reveals Students Can Attend for Free
Wakil Kepala Bidang Humas dan Jejaring SMA Kolese De Britto, Christophorus Danang Wahyu Prasetio, stated that the perception of De Britto being an expensive school is incorrect. He admitted to sometimes feeling annoyed when hearing such narratives. “I get a bit annoyed when people say De Britto is expensive. In reality, De Britto operates on a cross-subsidy system,” he said on Monday afternoon.
He explained that cross-subsidy means parents with greater financial capacity can contribute more, while those who are less well-off can pay what they are able. “Those who give more than the school’s standard rate are the ones with higher financial ability. That is the cross-subsidy. So, it’s not a problem for those who cannot afford it, but those who can contribute the remainder for those who cannot,” he stated.
Danang revealed that the school has a 0% scholarship programme, where students are not charged any Education Development Fund (DPP) or monthly tuition fees (SPP) throughout their schooling. “We have a 0% scholarship, from DPP to SPP, it’s completely free,” he said.
He detailed that De Britto has four admission pathways: regular, academic achievement, non-academic achievement, and scholarship. The regular pathway is a standard application. The academic achievement pathway considers report card grades, while the non-academic pathway looks at talents in sports, arts, or culture. The scholarship pathway is for students with strong academic abilities but whose families face economic hardship.
All prospective students must pass a series of tests, including academic tests, interviews, psychological tests, and fitness tests. Those who pass through the achievement pathways receive a reduction, including a free first year of SPP in grade 10 and a 50% discount on the building fee. The scholarship pathway offers a full 100% fee waiver for those deemed economically disadvantaged, with the final amount determined during a financial interview. Danang emphasised that everyone can attend De Britto, and the perception of high costs persists because many are unaware of the various admission pathways.