I don't know if this is reasonable or unreasonable, but I think it shows good planning on their part, and that's a good sign. It seems to me that there are too few options for our kids in this world, and 400$ isn't a lot of money to help them 'hold the spot' - afterall, you will have to sign contracts in Feb or March and start making payments in April or May - at least around here.
Sounds like this is your first choice place, yes?
If so, I would go ahead and do it, if you want it. If you aren't actually sending your son there, then i think you aren't doing them any favors by asking them to save the spot and you have to 'take your chances.'
Why does this have to be so hard?
Grinity