"Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence." - Dr. Maria Montessori
For over 40 years Joliet Montessori has provided its students with a superior education, founded on the principles established by Maria Montessori. In that time, an amazing community of families and friends has stood together in support of the Joliet Montessori School mission, and has truly made the school what it is today. JMS is a school unlike any other. It is a school where children and adolescents share a unique relationship with their classmates and teachers. Ideas and thoughts are valued. Education is enjoyable and often fascinating. Above all else, students of JMS hold and maintain a true love of learning, one that is carried with them as they enter high school, into college and beyond.
To continue in its mission, Joliet Montessori relies on the support of the school's community, a community of families, friends, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and staff. JMS is an independent school and operates without the financial assistance of local and state government. Tuition is deliberately kept low in comparison to schools of a similar caliber in order to promote economic, as well as cultural diversity. To fill the gap between the expenses tuition will cover in relation to the actual cost of operating the school, fundraising vehicles such as the Annual Fund are essential. Other fundraising initiatives are necessary to enhance the JMS Annual Fund such as the Parent Orientation Dinner (P.O.D.).
The overall mission of the Development Office is to:
- Establish and maintain relationships with alumni, parents, students, and friends of JMS
- Create awareness of the school's programs and accomplishments
- Nurture relationships that lead to an increased desire to give of time and financial resources to the school
- Increase individual and corporate giving to a level that sustains and advances the mission of the school