Apple tree behind the Orcas Montessori School
By Alyson Stephens
In response to a dramatic increase in need for tuition assistance, Orcas Montessori School announces its new Appleseed Fund.
“It’s our mission to make quality preschool programming available to as many island children as possible,” says Director Teresa Chocano, “and this year we’ve experienced an unprecedented number of requests for help.”
Island families are struggling to pay for their children’s preschool education. At Orcas Montessori School 70% of the children require financial assistance this year. Nine children receive ECEAP funding and two more DSHS. Although the tuition rate is less than $6 hour, there are ten additional children who cannot attend without financial aid.
Orcas Montessori School is seeking “Silent Partners” each to provide support for one scholarship student through the Appleseed Fund. Each Silent Partner will choose a child from a list describing 10 students (names kept anonymous) and will donate $1000 toward that student’s tuition. The Silent Partner will receive two updates on their child’s progress during the school year and will have an opportunity to visit the school, observe the classroom and enjoy lunch with the children.
In return Orcas Montessori School pledges to match each $1,000 donation with another $1,000 raised through efforts such as the school’s annual May Day Auction and upcoming Apple Crisp and Holiday Wreath sales. All scholarship families pay a portion of their child’s tuition.
Three generous Partners already have committed to the program. The school is delighted to say that two of their donations have been matched through efforts at the Doe Bay Festival and by the September 25th Bake Sale at Island Market.
“We welcome team funding too,” says Fundraising Chairperson Stacey Lancaster, “Perhaps a group of friends or co-workers would like to partner up to help keep one of our island children in preschool.”
The school is a 501(c)3 non profit organization founded in 1988. It provides a dynamic three-year program for 2 ½ to 6-year-olds focusing on tolerance, creativity, self-motivation, and independent thinking. The fund was named in honor of the heirloom apple orchard gracing the school’s play yard.
Contact: Fundraising Chairperson Stacey Lancaster, 376-5161, Or Executive Director Teresa Chocano, teresa@orcasmontessori.org
