Tuition Assistance
At Little Oak Montessori School, we believe that an exceptional, holistic education should be accessible to families throughout our community. Through thoughtful planning and strategic budgeting, we work diligently to balance the needs of our programs, our staff, and our families while navigating the realities of today’s economic climate. We also recognize that tuition can be a significant barrier for some families in our diverse and growing Columbia River Gorge community.
Thanks to the generosity of our Annual Gala attendees, donors, and supporters, we are proud to offer Tuition Assistance to qualifying families. These funds are made possible entirely through philanthropy and community investment, allowing us to expand access to a Montessori education for families who may not otherwise be able to participate.
To be considered for Tuition Assistance, interested families must first submit an application.
Tuition Assistance applications are available upon request to our currently enrolled and prospective families. Applications open in January, ahead of our re-enrollment and new enrollment periods, and are due for review no later than March 1st for the upcoming school year.
Little Oak Montessori School uses Blackbaud Financial Aid Management to review and process our Tuition Assistance applications. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and available funding each year; therefore, assistance is not guaranteed and may vary annually.
Questions about Tuition Assistance? Please email lulu@littleoakmontessori.com.
Tuition Assistance FAQ
Q: Is Tuition Assistance a discount program?
No. We like to think of Tuition Assistance as a community-supported investment in access. Funds are made possible through the generosity of our Annual Gala donors and are intended to help make a Montessori education more accessible to families who may otherwise face financial barriers.
Q: Should I apply even if I’m not certain whether I will receive assistance?
Yes! Families are encouraged to apply regardless of whether they know if they will qualify. The application process helps us better understand each family’s circumstances and determine how our available funds can best support our community.
Q: What should I expect with the Blackbaud Financial Aid Management application?
Tuition Assistance applications processed through Blackbaud require a $55 processing fee. The application includes a series of questions and requested documents that help provide a complete picture of each family’s financial circumstances. Blackbaud’s system uses this information, along with parameters established by Little Oak (including our available Tuition Assistance budget), to generate a recommendation. Final award decisions are made by Little Oak based on available funding and the needs represented in the applicant pool.
Q: If I receive Tuition Assistance this year, do I need to reapply next year?
Yes. Families interested in receiving Tuition Assistance must submit a new application each year in January, ahead of our re-enrollment and new enrollment periods. Because Tuition Assistance funds come from our Annual Gala fundraising efforts, the amount available may vary from year to year. We also anticipate that the number of applicants and each family’s needs will change annually, and we thoughtfully consider both current circumstances and long-term commitment to Little Oak when making award decisions.
Q: Who should complete the Tuition Assistance application?
The application should be completed by the individual(s) responsible for the child’s care and tuition expenses. This may include a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or legal guardian, depending on each family’s circumstances. The application includes a section where families may provide information about contributions from non-custodial parents or other relatives who provide financial support.
Q: Does receiving Tuition Assistance guarantee enrollment?
Tuition Assistance and enrollment are separate processes. Families must complete the enrollment process and receive a contract offer before Tuition Assistance can be applied toward tuition.
We are grateful to every family who chooses to be a part of the Little Oak community, and to every donor whose generosity helps make that choice possible for others. Together, our community ensures that more children have access to an environment where curiosity, independence, and compassion can flourish.