Celebrating 50 Years: Building Our Future Together
Since 1977, Oak Meadow Montessori has been nurturing curious minds, caring hearts, and a deep love of learning. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2027, the strength of our community (families, alumni, faculty, and friends) is more important than ever.
Together, we can ensure that every student continues to thrive through exceptional Montessori education, where every child is known, every voice is valued, and every day is an opportunity to grow.
Why Give to Oak Meadow?
Oak Meadow Montessori School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Like most independent schools, tuition provides the majority of our operating budget—but it does not cover the full cost of an Oak Meadow education.
The Annual Fund bridges this gap. Each year, contributions from parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, and friends provide the resources that allow our children to thrive.
Your gift directly supports:
- Access & Belonging: Tuition assistance so children from different backgrounds can flourish here
- Excellent Teaching & Staff Development: Professional learning, mentoring, training in the latest theory and research based developments
- Inspiring Environments: Safe, beautiful, functional spaces– playgrounds, gardens, community gathering places
- Whole-Child Learning: Arts, outdoor education, and social-emotional well-being
Why Not Just Raise Tuition?
We intentionally keep tuition as accessible as possible. Tuition alone covers only about 85–90% of the actual cost of an Oak Meadow education. The Annual Fund ensures that every child benefits from the full Oak Meadow experience, without pricing families out of our community.
This is the shared model for independent schools across the country:
Tuition + Philanthropy = Excellence.
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
Every gift, regardless of size, sends a powerful message: this community believes in Oak Meadow. Together, our support builds the bridge from tuition to true excellence, and sustains Oak Meadow into its next 50 years.
A Special Moment: 50 Years and Counting
This year we are building towards a milestone! As we prepare for Oak Meadow to turn 50, your support carries double meaning. It honors the founders, the generations of students, and sets the foundation for the next 50 years. Be part of this anniversary legacy.
| Gift Size | Example Impact |
| $50 | Provides new art supplies for a classroom or tank of gas for a field trip |
| $250 | Supports training for a teacher in the Science of Reading or Montessori method |
| $1,000 | Helps renovate a community gathering space or outdoor classroom area |
| $5,000 | Supports need-based tuition assistance to keep our education accessible |
| $10,000+ | Funds a transformational project, like a green energy initiative |
Ways to Give
- One-time donation
- Recurring monthly gifts to help with stability and planning
- Honorary or memorial gifts
- Matching gift / employer program (many companies match—your dollars go further!)
- Gifts of stock, planned giving
Every contribution counts. Whatever your capacity, every gift sends a message that this community believes in Oak Meadow. Join us in marking 50 years by investing in our future.
Give today. Transform tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are stronger.
Oak Meadow Montessori School is deeply grateful to all who have contributed through the years. Your generosity shapes lives, strengthens hearts, and sustains the legacy of Montessori excellence.
Every child benefits. Every family is asked to participate.
To learn more about giving at Oak Meadow Montessori School, contact Bridget Barrett-Parker, Head of School.
Annual Fund FAQ
Q: Doesn’t tuition cover everything?
No. Tuition covers about 85–90% of the cost of educating each child. The Annual Fund bridges the difference, providing the resources that make Oak Meadow’s education truly exceptional.
Q: Why not just raise tuition to cover the full cost?
Raising tuition to the true cost would make Oak Meadow less accessible and reduce diversity in our community. Annual giving allows everyone—parents, alumni, and friends—to share in sustaining our mission together.
Q: How much should I give?
We invite every family to make a gift that is personally meaningful. For some, that may be $50; for others, $5,000. What matters most is participation: when everyone contributes, Oak Meadow is stronger.
Q: Why is participation so important?
High participation rates show foundations and major donors that our community is united in support of Oak Meadow. Even small gifts help unlock larger grants and inspire others to give.
Q: What does the Annual Fund support?
The Annual Fund is unrestricted, meaning it supports the daily life of the school—teachers, tuition assistance, classroom materials, enrichment programs, campus care, and more.
Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! Oak Meadow Montessori is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the Annual Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Q: When should I give?
The Annual Fund runs July 1–June 30. Giving early helps us plan wisely, but gifts are welcome any time. Many families choose to give before December 31 for tax purposes.
