Do other schools hold annual campaigns similar to Together We Grow?

Yes, JMS, along with many other small, independent, non-profit schools, hold annual campaigns as a means of fully funding their programs.

Our family is already paying tuition — why am I being asked to give more?

Like many private schools, the tuition at JMS does not cover all of the costs associated with each child’s education. In fact, tuition and fees only cover 80% of the cost of operation for the school. JMS must make up “the gap” through a combination of fundraising and grant writing. We strive to keep tuition lower so that we provide as many families as possible with an authentic Montessori education. If we were to raise tuition to fully cover our operating costs, tuition would need to be increased by $300 per child per month. This would significantly limit the number of families who could be a part of our community. It is a conscious decision made by our Board of Directors and Leadership Team to keep tuition lower and find other ways to bridge the gap. By holding an annual campaign, like Together We Grow, we allow families to contribute to the gap at a level appropriate to each family instead of raising tuition across the board. Additionally, since annual campaign gifts are tax-deductible, funding our school partially through charitable donations is more advantageous to our families than simply paying more in tuition.

JMS has beautiful grounds and a lovely building - it doesn’t look like we need an annual campaign.

It’s easy to overestimate the affluence of a school simply by looking at the environment. Our guides work hard to create beautiful and engaging spaces that encourage joyful learning for our students, but that requires maintenance of current materials, as well as the introduction of new materials. Other aspects of upkeep for our building and grounds can be harder to see, such as maintaining appliances, replacing glassware, heating and air conditioning costs, and fixing leaky sinks. They may not be as glamorous, but they are critical to the functioning of our school.

How much should I give to Together We Grow?

100% of our Board of Directors and our staff have already pledged to contribute to our annual campaign. We ask that all members of the JMS community follow their lead by making a meaningful gift that feels significant for their family. We know that every family has a different capacity to give, but involvement is important and we are striving for 100% participation from each of our 58 JMS families. Strong participation signals pride and commitment to our school, gratitude for our guides, and love for our students. It means that more individuals are sharing the financial responsibility to support the school. It also encourages external support from grants and local business sponsors when 100% of our families and staff have participated in Together We Grow.

Where do the funds from Together We Grow go?

Donations to the annual campaign touch every aspect of our school. They are unrestricted and can be used throughout the school year for anything from Montessori classroom materials, to professional development for our staff, to enrichment activities like snowshoeing and gardening, or to building upkeep and basic operational costs.

Who can give to Together We Grow?

Parents, extended family, alumni, community members, and local businesses – anyone is welcome to donate at any time to the campaign. A gift in any amount is appreciated!

This is our last year at JMS — should we still give to Together We Grow when we only have a few months left at the school?

The growth your child has experienced during their time in this beautiful and authentic environment is directly connected to the giving that families have provided in the past. For example, previous families donated to create our beautiful nature-based playground where our current students spend time each day climbing, sliding, balancing on logs, and playing music. By donating, you help to maintain our vibrant school community and to keep the cycle of giving going for future JMS families. It is also a wonderful way to show your gratitude to our extraordinary guides and staff who have dedicated themselves to this school and every student who walks through the door.

We are an alumni family of JMS — why should we be asked to give?

Many of our alumni families tell us that their time at JMS was influential in their child’s development and that they are grateful to the school and the guides who were so dedicated to preparing their children for their next educational steps.  Your gift to the school now helps to make the experiences that you valued a reality for our current students and lays the foundation for all the future students at JMS. JMS has been serving students in Chaska and the surrounding communities since 1971 – so some alumni students are now adults! This is the perfect opportunity for JMS graduates to give back to a special place that laid a foundation for their own life path. Additionally, your Together We Grow gift is tax-deductible.

As a local business owner, what part can I play in supporting Jonathan Montessori?

Your investment in Jonathan Montessori helps to provide our students with an exceptional Montessori education. At JMS we work with children at their own pace in a carefully prepared environment that engages each child to reach his or her full potential. The end result of a Montessori education is a truly capable person with a strong emotional, social and moral foundation on which to build a lifetime of success as they share their leadership and talents with the greater community. We know there are many important causes to support in our community and we believe the most fundamental commitment we can make is to invest in our children’s future. We would be honored to show you first-hand what makes our school so special. We invite local businesses or community members to visit our school and tour our beautiful campus.  Please call our program director Nick Jacobs at 952-448-5232 to arrange a tour.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes! JMS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. New this year, under the CARES Act, taxpayers who take the standard deduction, and do not itemize deductions, can deduct charity gifts up to $300 for individual taxpayers and up to $600 above-the-line for married-filing-jointly taxpayers on their 2020 federal tax return. The legal name of the school is Jonathan Montessori House of Children and our Tax ID number is 41-1226360.

Can I use my employer’s gift matching program?

Yes! Employer matching gifts allow you to easily double your donation. Check with your HR or Benefits department to see if a program already exists or if they would be willing to match your contribution.