Annual Fund
Montessori education builds a child’s capability to become a fulfilled and productive adult able to contribute to the world—at home, at work, and in their community. Here at the Joliet Montessori School, we are helping our students become independent and successful individuals by focusing on their social, emotional and intellectual development.
What is the Annual Fund?
Providing this education is the foundation for the future, but there is a significant cost to providing this service. As a private institution, the school does not receive significant funding from federal or state funds. Instead, we rely on tuition to cover all of our operating costs - things like the mortgage and utilities for our two-building campus; faculty and staff salaries; professional development; marketing; and classroom materials. Taken together, this is how we maintain an inviting environment for our students to learn and grow.
In short, the purpose of the JMS Annual Fund is to provide the funding to continue our mission of inspiring a passion for learning in today's generation and future generations of students.
What can we hope to accomplish with your Annual Fund support?
In recent years, Joliet Montessori School has witnessed a surge in families seeking the unique educational experience that only our institution provides. This heightened interest has resulted in a nearly doubled enrollment and the ability to undertake crucial infrastructure enhancements, such as the installation of a new air conditioner for the Adolescent House, a partial new roof, new interior security doors for some of the classrooms and offices, new outdoor security cameras, new flooring and paint in the elementary classrooms, complete renovation of the Willow Room, and new LED lighting throughout the main building. This remarkable transformation owes its existence to the incredible generosity of our donors.
While our enrollment growth strategy has proven successful, there remains important work ahead, particularly addressing our ongoing operating deficit. To address these challenges, JMS is intensifying its enrollment efforts. In the coming months, we will unveil comprehensive plans to attract and retain enthusiastic, engaged students while also adapting our physical facilities to accommodate expanded programs. Your support through the Annual Fund is essential in helping us continue this exciting journey. See for yourself in our latest
annual report.
Are families required to donate?
Yes. As engaged parents/guardians, we ask that all enrolled families participate in the Annual Fund at their own personal level. A suggested giving level is $100 per family, but remember, it's not what you give - it's that you give.
Why are we seeking 100% participation?
One hundred percent participation helps cement our JMS families into a united, committed force dedicated to delivering the best Montessori education for our children, and in our area.
Are donations to the Annual Fund tax deductible?
Yes. Because JMS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, all donations to JMS – including those to the Annual Fund – are fully tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. You will receive written acknowledgement of your gift that can be used to claim the charitable deduction on that year’s taxes.
How can I contribute to the 2023 Annual Fund?
Our Annual Fund goal is $33,000 by June 2024. This is certainly an ambitious goal but one we believe is achievable by the JMS community of faculty, staff, parents/grandparents, alumni and their families, friends and businesses - giving their time, talents, and resources. You can pledge one-time or automatic monthly donations here on our donations page.
Or send your check payable to JMS to the address: Joliet Montessori School, 1600 Root Street, Crest Hill, IL 60403, Attention: Business Office. Please indicate "Annual Fund" in the memo field if donating by check.
Have other questions?
If you have any questions about the JMS Annual Fund or would like to donate your time or talents, please contact Eileen Kozlowski, Assistant Head of School at (815) 741-4180.
