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As part of the Woodland Montessori School's commitment to equity and diversity, the Woodland Scholarship Fund focuses on economic diversity, and has been in place for almost two decades to provide direct support to families in need by decreasing their monthly tuition expense.

 

There are three types of scholarships granted by the fund.

 

1. Temporary Loss of Income Scholarship: At times the fund has served WMS families who experience temporary loss of income.  Perhaps a parent is undergoing chemotherapy and can’t work, has been laid off, or has experienced other economic hardship that has put the family in a position where they must consider taking their child out of the Woodland community for financial reasons.  The Woodland Scholarship Fund offsets tuition for these families for a limited time so that the child’s care and education is not interrupted.  We put the child at the center of this equation by recognizing that when a family is vulnerable, or in crisis, is the most important time to continue with the consistency, bonds, and nurturing environment of Woodland.  This way, when likely life is in flux, emotional, and in transition at home, the child, in a sensitive period for trust, may still have consistency in their day to day experience. To apply for a temporary loss of income scholarship simply complete the form linked below and submit it to Jim Hansen, CFO when the need is active. A completed scholarship application must be received along with the most recent tax return. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances is helpful.

2. Annual Tuition Reduction Scholarship: The Woodland Scholarship Fund also supports more longstanding tuition reduction for families who, with the full monthly tuition payment, drop down to poverty level in household income. These families are often heart-breaking because while the family works hard to cover expenses, the income doesn’t quite stretch to cover both basic needs and a tuition payment during our current economic times - even though the family may not be eligible for county or city funding.  An individual family tuition reduction for the academic year gives this child a better quality of life by attending an enriching school environment, receiving consistent care, and at a rate that is more affordable to the family hopefully alleviating some of the economic stress in the household. The deadline for annual tuition reduction scholarship applications is April 1st. Awards are announced within the next 60 days and are for the following school year. To apply complete the application linked here and submit it to Jim Hansen, CFO, by April 1st . A completed scholarship application must be received along with the most recent tax return. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances is helpful.

 

3. Kindergarten Scholarships: We recognize that finances may impact the decision to enroll for the Leadership or Kindergarten year at Woodland. During the Kindergarten year the child integrates everything they have learned from the first two years of their Montessori education in a 3-6 year old classroom, and undergoes amazing academic, social, and emotional transformation during this final year at Woodland. We want every student to have this opportunity to synthesize their experience and emerge as a leader with a strong sense of self and foundation. In honor of two past Kindergarten Woodland teachers we offer two Kindergarten scholarships each year. The Bernice Wahle and MaryAnne Mayhew scholarships allow the recipient to waive the Kindergarten portion of tuition every month, making this incredible investment affordable. The deadline for Kinder Scholarships are the same as the annual tuition reduction scholarship of April 1st. Awards are announced within the next 60 days and are for the following school year. To apply complete the application linked here and submit it to Jim Hansen, CFO, by April 1st. Indicate on the application that you are applying for a KINDERGARTEN SCHOLARSHIP. A completed scholarship application must be received along with the most recent tax return. A letter explaining any extenuating circumstances is helpful.

 

The distribution of scholarship funds is based on two factors:

• the apparent need (compared with other applicants) based on tax returns, a statement of family expenses, enrollment status and history, and explanatory cover letter, and any other information submitted by the applicant

• the amount of money raised for the scholarship fund

 

Woodland Montessori School practices confidentiality and all applications and information contained therein is kept strictly confidential. AS a general rule no full scholarships are awarded. Tuition assistance is generally reserved for the academic school year. All determinations by the tuition assistance committee are confidential and final.