Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the goal of this year’s MCS Fund?
A: Our goal this year is to achieve 100% participation from MCS families and staff.
Q: I pay for tuition. Why do we have an MCS Fund?
A: Tuition alone cannot cover the full cost of a student’s private education. This reality holds true at all independent schools. While tuition at MCS covers approximately 85% of annual expenses, the MCS Fund enhances classroom materials, professional development opportunities, and funds available for tuition assistance. Commonly, tuition funds mission while annual giving funds vision.
Q: Why doesn’t MCS charge the full cost intuition instead of raising funds each year?
A: Raising tuition would limit enrollment accessibility. MCS is committed to diversity, equity, and belonging. Additionally, tuition isn't tax-deductible, while contributions to the MCS Fund are.
Q: Where does the money go?
A: Gifts to the MCS Fund go into that year’s budget, which enables more faculty and staff to attend conferences and training, more classrooms to fulfill their wishlists, and more families to enroll at the school with tuition assistance.
Q: May I request where I want my gift to go?
A: Annual fund gifts cannot be earmarked for particular expenses. The school’s annual gala offers opportunities in its fund-a-need auction to give directly to particular needs.
A: Our goal this year is to achieve 100% participation from MCS families and staff.
Q: I pay for tuition. Why do we have an MCS Fund?
A: Tuition alone cannot cover the full cost of a student’s private education. This reality holds true at all independent schools. While tuition at MCS covers approximately 85% of annual expenses, the MCS Fund enhances classroom materials, professional development opportunities, and funds available for tuition assistance. Commonly, tuition funds mission while annual giving funds vision.
Q: Why doesn’t MCS charge the full cost intuition instead of raising funds each year?
A: Raising tuition would limit enrollment accessibility. MCS is committed to diversity, equity, and belonging. Additionally, tuition isn't tax-deductible, while contributions to the MCS Fund are.
Q: Where does the money go?
A: Gifts to the MCS Fund go into that year’s budget, which enables more faculty and staff to attend conferences and training, more classrooms to fulfill their wishlists, and more families to enroll at the school with tuition assistance.
Q: May I request where I want my gift to go?
A: Annual fund gifts cannot be earmarked for particular expenses. The school’s annual gala offers opportunities in its fund-a-need auction to give directly to particular needs.
Q: How can I make my voice heard if I have a question or comment about the MCS Fund?
A: Your opinions and feedback are valued. Please feel free to contact the Head of School with any questions or comments.
Q: If I can’t give a large gift, should I just not give at all?
A: The health of an independent school is gauged in part by the percentage of participation in its annual fund. Widespread participation is always our primary goal. For this reason, every single gift matters no matter its size.
Q: Does it matter when I make my gift?
A: The MCS Fund operates from July 1 to June 30 each year. The majority of funds are received just prior to the end of the calendar year and in the late spring, but gifts are welcome any time.
Q: How can I give?
A: Your opinions and feedback are valued. Please feel free to contact the Head of School with any questions or comments.
Q: If I can’t give a large gift, should I just not give at all?
A: The health of an independent school is gauged in part by the percentage of participation in its annual fund. Widespread participation is always our primary goal. For this reason, every single gift matters no matter its size.
Q: Does it matter when I make my gift?
A: The MCS Fund operates from July 1 to June 30 each year. The majority of funds are received just prior to the end of the calendar year and in the late spring, but gifts are welcome any time.
Q: How can I give?
A: You can donate online via our secure form, by cash or check at the front office, or by setting up automatic monthly payments through ACH. Contact [email protected] for assistance with ACH setup.
Montessori Community School is a 501(c)(3) charity. All gifts made to the MCS Fund are 100% tax deductible.
Click here to donate, or call the Director of Development for additional information.