Annual Fund
Every morning as I am outside greeting Thacher children, I am reminded of what an amazing community of children we have at Thacher. Each child is a unique contribution to the school and his or her classroom and they bring with them gifts as singular as the prints on their fingers. I’ve seen a child notice the tears of separation in a friend’s eyes and take her hand to walk into school together. I’ve seen siblings encourage one another into school. I’ve seen children so excited about a project that they are talking as the car door opens and never stop as they shake hands and make their way to class. We have active, excited learners here who share themselves and contribute to the community from the earliest days they arrive to the day they graduate.
The 40th Anniversary Annual Giving Campaign
The first forty years of cultivating boundless curiosity at Thacher Montessori School were made possible by those who came before us. This year’s Annual Fund Campaign is special because it happens in our 40th year of educating children. To ensure that the future of Thacher is equally strong for current students and their successors, we ask that you reflect on what the School has meant to you, personally. Show your faith in the School’s next forty years by making a gift to the 40th Anniversary Annual Giving Campaign.
Nurturing this community of children, each with unique potential, is a tall order and one we take very seriously. Each child is valued and empowered to become confident, compassionate, and proactive members of his or her community.Like all independent schools, Thacher relies on philanthropic support to help provide for the projects and programs that assist us in nurturing the children you have entrusted to us. At this school, contributions not only help achieve financial success, but are also integral to preserving the very culture that we value so much.
Our strategic plan identifies critical programs for Annual Fund dollars to support. They are:
- Financial Aid - 20% of the Annual Fund flows to the Financial Aid budget, allowing us to nurture children who may otherwise be unable to attend.
- Our Visiting Artist and Speaker Series are made possible by Annual Fund dollars. This year Master Drummer Glen Velez and Rhythm Voice Wizard Lori Cotler will perform at our music assembly on November 18th and Dr. Sharon Maxwell will give a talk to our parent body on Thursday, October 14th.
- Facilities enhancements supported by the Annual Fund this year include the purchase of Montessori playground equipment and sports program improvements.
- Outdoor learning - focusing this year on Science and the botany program at Wakefield.
- General Support for the school.
Often, families are unsure of the necessity of giving to the Annual Giving Campaign, assuming that tuition covers the complete cost of educating their student. Tuition at Thacher is kept below market rates to maintain affordability and economic diversity. The financial model that supports the school’s operation depends on two principal sources of revenue: tuition revenue and the philanthropy of alumni, parents and friends. Supporting the Annual Fund is a vital component of this financial equation. When you receive your letter asking for support, please remember that philanthropic gifts keep Thacher an exceptional place to educate your child.