FAQs

1. How does my Annual Fund gift make a difference at MSE?

Each gift made to the Annual Fund makes a difference at our school. Your gift—no matter what the size—gives every child at MSE access to an excellent Montessori education.

Here’s how it works.

Each year, we are faced with closing the “gap” between what parents pay for tuition and what it actually costs to educate a child at our school. This year the “gap” we need to close is $741 per student. That means that even if you’re paying full tuition, your family still needs the benefits Annual Fund gifts provide to cover the gap.

In addition, the Annual Fund helps to attract and retain an outstanding faculty and staff, purchase vital classroom materials and upgrade technology, support professional development, fund field trips, cover operating expenses, and maintain a diverse experience through financial aid.

For example, this past year the Annual Fund made it possible for every Middle School student to attend the Teton Science Camp in Wyoming, funded a new reading specialist in the classroom, and purchase new computers to enhance the learning experience.

Additionally, MSE is committed to a diverse, inclusive community. For this reason, MSE has dedicated over $120,000 in financial aid to families in need within our community this year.

To see your gifts in action, click here.

2. Can we raise tuition instead of fundraise to help with rising costs?

One of the most important benefits of making a gift to the Annual Fund is that it is fully tax deductible, while tuition payments are not. That means that you can enjoy the benefits of the tax deduction as well as the “feel good” benefits of giving back to our school when you make a gift to the Annual Fund.

As part of our mission, we believe that a diverse experience gives students a realistic world view. For this reason, we are committed to keeping tuition affordable for a wide range of families to ensure that our students enjoy a diverse experience at our school.

3. How much financial aid does MSE offer students each year?

MSE strives to offer 20% of our student body with financial assistance. For example, during the 2010-2011 school year, we are offering over $120,000 in financial assistance to students to ensure MSE is a community offering every student a diverse experience.

4. How much should we give? What if I only have a little to share?

Families, friends, grandparents, and alumni of the school are invited to make a personally significant gift to support MSE in the important work of educating our new leaders of the 21st century. Every gift—no matter how modest—makes a difference in the every day lives of our students.

To see your gifts in action, please click here.

5. What is the importance of 100% participation at MSE?

Your participation matters more than the size of your gift.

It is our goal to engage 100% of the community in philanthropy at MSE because it sends an important message to foundations, grant-makers, and our community at large that we believe in the Montessori School of Evergreen.

6. Does everyone at MSE participate in the annual auction? What ways can I help?

The MSE Annual Auction is a great way for our parents to socialize, build community, and continue our mission. We encourage everyone in our community to participate in the annual auction because it’s a fun way to get connected. Whether it’s volunteering to help with the planning, donating a one-of-a-kind item for the auction, or attending this exciting event, we invite everyone to get involved.

7. Can I give online?

For your convenience, click below to give safely and securely online.

Thank you for all that you do for the Montessori School of Evergreen.