The Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) has officially abolished tuition fees for primary students from Kindergarten through Grade 6 while imposing a strict ban on Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies and other unauthorized charges across Greater Monrovia.
Announcing the new academic fee structure on Thursday, September 10, 2026, during the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing, MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie E. Stevens confirmed that basic primary education will now be provided entirely free of charge. Under the newly approved schedule, families of Junior High School students will pay an annual fee of L$3,000, while Senior High School students will be charged L$3,250 for the entire academic year.
Dr. Stevens issued a strong warning to school administrators against collecting payments beyond the authorized limits, making specific reference to PTA contributions, registration add-ons, and local fees. She stressed that individual schools lack the mandate to alter or create fee policies, cautioning that any administration found violating these directives will face swift administrative sanctions.
The policy shift directly addresses long-standing complaints from parents regarding arbitrary expenses traditionally levied by public school administrations. Covering all MCSS institutions operating across Greater Monrovia, the decision is designed to alleviate financial burdens on low-income households and expand access to basic education. However, civil society groups and parents note that the long-term impact of the policy will hinge on strict enforcement to prevent schools from attempting to bypass the ban through unapproved collections.
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