Orcas Montessori Families Find Relief through Scholarship Fund

The Orcas Montessori School offers scholarships through its Appleseed Fund

In spite of an anemic economy, struggling families are finding some financial relief, thanks to Orcas Montessori School’s Appleseed Scholarship Fund and the community members who make the fund possible. The Orcas Montessori School is a three-year early learning program for children ages two-and-a-half to six. The needs-based Appleseed Fund provides partial tuition assistance to families who do not qualify for ECEAP.

“Even though we keep tuition and operating costs very low, many Orcas Island families are  having to make tough choices in order to keep up with housing and utilities,” says Teresa Chocano, the school’s director. “Families are making sacrifices because they see the positive impact Orcas Montessori School is making on their children and their children’s peers.”

Last school year, Orcas Montessori offered a total of $17,500 in tuition assistance to 11 families through the Appleseed Fund. This school year, the need is just as great.

The Appleseed Fund is made possible by Silent Sponsors in the community who individually or as a group donate $1,000 to sponsor a child. Hard-working parent volunteers match these donations through annual fundraisers like the apple crisp sale, wreath sale, and annual auction. Sponsors choose from a list of anonymous profiles and receive a report on the selected child’s progress during the year.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of community members who help make this fund possible. Because without their support, many of these children would simply be unable to attend the school,” remarks Angela Saxe, Orcas Montessori board president. “Silent Sponsors are making a real difference here locally.”

The Orcas Montessori School still has a limited number of wreaths available, which can be ordered at www.orcasmontessori.org/wreaths. For more information about the school or the Appleseed Scholarship Fund, contact Teresa Chocano at 376-5350 or info@orcasmontessori.org.