WHAT IS THE GAP?

A truth that all schools have in common is that it costs more to educate a child than the school charges in tuition. In the public school this gap is reduced by our tax dollars. However, since independent schools are not dependent upon federal, state or local funding, most rely on the Annual Fund to shrink the gap. At MSR, this gap runs 2-3% of our Annual Budget and is approximately $380 per student.

All independent schools (primary, secondary, college and universities) supplement their budgets with an Annual Fund to cover the gap between the cost of providing an education and the price of tuition per child.

The MSR Annual Fund should be your first priority to continue providing an excellent education to the students of MSR.

WHY NOT SIMPLY RAISE TUITION?

To remain competitive with other independent schools in the area and to attract students from all backgrounds, MSR strives to keep tuition as low as possible. At MSR, we rely on the Annual Fund to accomplish this goal. Importantly, these contributions are tax-deductible while your tuition payments are not.

Your gift to the Annual Fund makes an immediate impact by supporting the greatest needs of the school because you want to enhance your child's educational opportunities and it is a tax-deductible contribution.

WHY IS 100% PARTICIPATION RATE AMONG PARENTS SO IMPORTANT?

All current students benefit from the Annual Fund during the school year. 100% participation from faculty staff, and Board of Trustees is a measure in their belief in the work that is done within this community with our children.

Parent participation in the Annual Fund reflects the strength of our Community and is an indicator to others of our parents' commitment to our school. Foundations and grant opportunity makers looks at parent participation as an indicator of a school's success and a measure of the parents' dedication and commitment to the school.

WHERE DOES THE ANNUAL FUND GO?

WHY IS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPORTANT TO OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION?

In a recent article by ISM*(Independent School Management), two studies revealed a direct correlation between professional development and student success. ISM, a leader in research and theory, reports that after a six year study, faculty that work in a culture that fosters professional development and peer-to-peer collaboration has a positive effect on how children learn.

ISM's recommends creating a culture rich with professional development opportunities. This culture is alive and in place at MSR. Your gifts to the Annual Fund insure this constant element for the faculty and translates into "performance, satisfaction and enthusiasm"* for our students. Additionally, MSR's commitment to professional development continues to strengthen academic benefits, allowing us to attract and maintain the strongest Montessori professionals.

*Ideas & Perspectives, October 19, 2009

WHY IS FINANCIAL AID IMPORTANT TO OUR SCHOOL?

Financial aid allows students from a more diverse economic background the possibility of a Montessori education. Having children from different economic, social and ethnic backgrounds allows students to experience the traditions of other culture. It also supports families who have made a commitment to MSR but are currently in a time of need. Your Annual Fund gifts allow us to be that kind of community.

WHY ARE LIBRARIES AND TECHNOLOGY VITAL TO LEARNING IN A MONTESSORI SCHOOL?

Providing our children with new and challenging opportunities in this technologically advancing society is often difficult. While most children have access to computers and materials within the home and classroom, having a library, technology resources and dedicated professionals allows the children to extend their learning beyond the classroom.