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Giving FAQ

Each gift makes a difference

Your support of our Annual Campaign will have a direct impact on the lives of the children. This year, the Annual Campaign will help to fund program enhancements, such as the restoration of Yuki’s Garden, a Pavilion for the Crescendo Patio, and Upper School Playground equipment. Your generosity will make a difference and reinforce our everlasting commitment to educating children in a safe and meaningful way.

We understand each family’s situation is unique. However, for those families in a position to do so, our hope is that you will consider supporting the Princeton Montessori School community and the many investments we have made to ensure the safety of all of our students. All gifts, no matter how large or how small, are meaningful and appreciated!

It is through our community coming together and sharing generously that we will be able to grow the future of Princeton Montessori School. We are counting on you!

Support the Annual FundLearn More About the 2023-24 Annual Fund

How can my family contribute?

There are several ways to give a gift to Princeton Montessori School. All gifts provide immediate benefits to the School and are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Give a One-Time Gift

You can pay immediately by credit card using VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. Or, you may defer payment until July.

Set up a Recurring Monthly Payment

Consider making an automatic monthly contribution. A small amount each month adds up to a significant gift by the end of the year. For example, $100 per month (the cost of one dinner out), is a gift of $1000 over the year.

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Gifts of Cash

A cash gift entitles the donor to an income cash deduction in the year in which the gift is made. Please make checks payable to Princeton Montessori Society. Pledge envelopes are available from the Main Office.

Mail to:
Princeton Montessori School
487 Cherry Valley Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Attn: Development Office

Gifts of Securities

Princeton Montessori Society will accept a gift of marketable securities in any amount. Appreciable tax savings may be realized by making your gift via stocks or other capital assets. If you donate appreciated, marketable securities that you have owned for more than a year and one day, you may receive a charitable deduction for the full market value on the date of transfer. Neither you nor Princeton Montessori Society will be required to pay any capital gains tax on this type of gift. If you have securities that have decreased in value, you may be able to take a deductible loss when you sell the stocks and donate the proceeds.

To donate securities, please instruct your broker to hold the stock for Princeton Montessori Society and contact the school’s business office for further instructions. The School will give you credit for the value of the securities on the date of the gift. For more details on making a gift of stock or securities, please contact the school’s business office.

Corporate Matching Gifts

Does your (or your spouse’s) employer have a matching gifts program? You may be able to double your gift by taking advantage of your corporate matching gift program. Check with the Human Resource Department of your employer or contact Andrea O’Brian at aobrian@pmonts.org to find out if your company participates in a Matching Gifts program.

Planned Giving

There are a number of options for planned giving. Each of these charitable giving methods should be undertaken in consultation with a Certified Financial Planner to make sure that they are appropriate for the donor’s unique situation.

How much should I give?

We understand that many of you may be concerned about your own financial position, making philanthropic interests an impossible reach during the days of the Covid-19 pandemic. We ask that you give as generously as you can.  A contribution to the Annual Campaign is one that will pay lifetime dividends for your children, and for future generations. In addition, your donation, unlike tuition fees, is 100% tax-deductible.

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When should I give?

We will be kicking off the Annual Campaign on Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving on before or on this day will help to secure the campaign as we enter the new year. We hope you will make Princeton Montessori School a philanthropic priority for your family.

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What is the Annual Campaign goal?

Our goal is not a monetary one, but to simply reach 100% participation from our current families. We hope that ALL families will contribute to this year’s Annual Campaign. Can we count on you? All gifts—no matter how large or how small—are welcome and appreciated. Help us get to 100% participation.

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Who supports the Annual Campaign?

Each family, past and present, plays an active role in the school community. Our current parents, former parents, grandparents, alumni, trustees, friends, faculty, and staff share the responsibility of meeting the school’s educational goals and ensuring a soundly governed and financially healthy institution.

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Why don't you just raise the tuition?

Tuition alone does not cover all of the school’s annual operating expenses. In fact, tuition only covers about 86% of yearly expenses. The school relies on gifts from trustees, parents, alumni, corporations, and friends of the School to bridge this gap. And remember, your donation is tax-deductible, while tuition is not.

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How can I ask my employer to match my donation?

Many families take advantage of their employer’s matching gifts program, doubling or tripling their gift to the school. Your human resources department will be able to tell you if your employer will match your donation.

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I'm an alumni. Why should I be asked to give too?

Many of our alumni tell us that Princeton Montessori School provided the foundation for their character formation and success experienced at high school, college, and beyond. Just as annual gifts supported your education in your years at the school, your gift each year ensures that the tradition of excellence in developing the whole child continues on for current and future students. As communicated before graduation, much is done for you when you are a child. As you mature into adulthood, it is time to begin giving back. Giving back to a place that provided so much to your own development is a rewarding and valuable part of being an alumnus.

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What Parents Are Saying

The other day I came downstairs and my 4-year-old son was listening to 'Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart' on Alexa. He told me that Mozart's dad was named Leopold and his sister was Nannerl (it took him a second to remember her name and it sounded made up, so my husband and I googled it. Sure enough he was right). We asked what else he had been learning and he rattled off Antonio Lucio Vivaldi’s full name and referenced The Four Seasons. I think my jaw is still on the floor. It turns out that the Primary children have been learning about composers this fall and listening to their music. What incredible exposure for these young children!

Princeton Montessori is the very epitome of the principles of Maria Montessori. The School offers a nurturing, creative, academic, and well-rounded development for each child. As a parent, we cannot offer our daughter a more valuable first gift.

The faculty are, bar none, the absolute best. The teachers are very knowledge both about the Montessori philosophy and the best ways to work with children. I ask for their advice and insight for any issues we’re having at home, quite often. They’re also incredibly warm and nurturing with the children in a way I have not seen at any other school.

I’m struck by how much better the Montessori toddlers are at playing and working peacefully with their peers than toddlers in other nursery school programs. I credit the gifted PMonts teachers, and the Princeton Montessori educational approach, for how confident, happy, and collaborative toddlers in the PMonts program seem.

Our son is so proud of being a third-year Primary. He has attended this incredible school since he was one year old. He had absolutely wonderful Toddler teachers and flourished under their care. Now, he is a third-year Primary and we know he will be more than ready for Lower Elementary. Thank you to all the Teachers & Staff!

The school runs with one philosophy and so every faculty member and admin personnel share the same vision for the child. This consistency is unique in our area to Princeton Montessori. Combined with the integration of the teacher training program, we can proudly say that the spirit of Dr. Montessori’s principles permeates every aspect of our school. That’s what I value the most about our school!

Education is both a gift and a right. I feel the teachers at PMonts help our children to appreciate the value of their education. Understanding the value involves looking beyond school and appreciating how education is a tool that will allow them to explore challenging goals, to grow as individuals and most importantly, chase their dreams.

This is our first year at Princeton Montessori and my daughter is in the toddler program. It’s been nothing short of amazing. Teachers are phenomenal and my daughter has learned so much already!

I will never cease to be amazed at the capabilities of the young child. In the Montessori environment, the very youngest students show incredible independence and competence. At Princeton Montessori School the teachers truly help the children to “help me do it myself”.

When I think about my personal philosophy on education I can check all the boxes with regards to the education my daughter is receiving at Princeton Montessori. I feel the teachers motivate the students by focusing on appreciating the value of education and the diversities of peoples around the world while stressing and leveraging the power of the uniqueness in each individual student. Ultimately, the role of an educator is to shape a new generation that will create a safer and better world for the future.

Princeton Montessori School is a school that exceeds any expectations imaginable. The school follows each and every child on an individual basis and nourishes each child’s academic, social, and emotional needs. It is a school where teachers appreciate all unique qualities each child brings.

Our daughter loves being at school. She confidently reported that she was happy with the safety measures in place, and that she felt “safe” at school. This was HUGE.

Princeton Montessori School turned out to be the best investment ever. We made some sacrifices in our lifestyle in order to be able to afford sending both children all the way through 8th grade, but now we are proud to note that we have two capable, confident, well-mannered young adults who are a pleasure to be around and who continue to love to work hard in their studies.

EXCEPTIONAL is the carefully chosen word to describe Princeton Montessori School. Our family has been part of the PMonts community from elementary through middle school. If I could give every child a gift that gift would be for them to experience the joy of learning every single day at PMonts. The multi-age classes provide the advantage of older students leading younger students and younger students watching the wonderful examples of the older children. The children recognize the strengths of others as being positive and not competitive. Princeton Montessori is much more than academic college prep - it is life prep!

Our child previously attended a reputable public elementary school. During that time, she often complained that she was bored at school. I was concerned that the school's 'one-size-fits-all' education model was gradually dimming her thirst for knowledge. I wanted the flames of her engagement and curiosity to be fanned, not extinguished. She is now back at Princeton Montessori and I am happy to report that she is no longer bored. In fact, her inner flame has never been stronger!

Our daughter has been in the infant center for only six months, but we believe it has been the most transformative and influential time of her life. The Infant Center teachers planted a little seed in our daughter’s heart, and it has grown and blossomed into a beautiful, resilient flower with their warm love and care. ...We have observed her world expanding astronomically, filled with beautiful memories of her teachers and friends. We have been thoroughly impressed and constantly reassured by the quality of education and care the teachers provide.

We have always been thrilled with our PMonts experience, and this fall term has sent us through the roof. We are in awe of the tireless work of the faculty and administration, who have made possible such an inspiring in-person program. I have always been broadly grateful for the PMonts education my children have been so lucky to receive; this summer and fall, I felt grateful each and every day.

As a parent (and faculty member), Molly and I are beyond grateful for PMonts. Our children are SO happy here. I am more of a believer than ever before. Miles was fine at his public school but the difference is really clear - here, he is not just fine - he is totally thriving and so happy! I'm amazed.

"Princeton Montessori School students are open to diverse backgrounds, curious to learn new things, strong in their leadership and presentation skills, and confident. Thank you for providing an educational environment that encourages a child's total development. We know it is an incredible gift." -Middle School Parent

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