Originally, a Near North family who wanted to show appreciation to teachers and staff at the end of the school year, created a “staff bonus pool.”  By pooling parent gifts, amounts available for bonuses were more substantial than giving small individual gifts.  To recognize all teachers and staff, these funds are administered at the discretion of the Executive Director.

Today, the teacher-staff appreciation drive has expanded to include not only the same bonus but, in addition, funding for teacher-staff professional development, education, teacher/staff parties and celebrations, staff lounge amenities and other enhancements for everyone who works at Near North.

Near North Montessori School is a not-for-profit organization which receives no state or federal funding.  As a private school, tuition does not fully cover the costs of running the school.  Therefore, fundraising is essential.  The Annual Fund, the Endowment Fund, and the Teacher/Staff Appreciation drive are the school’s three direct fundraising initiatives.