Overview
What is Wayfinder Schools?
Wayfinder Schools is a Maine-approved alternative high school that caters to at-risk youth and teen parents in the state. Each year, they assist around 65 young individuals who struggle in traditional school settings. Wayfinder offers individualized instruction to its students, delivering lessons in their homes, focusing on 24 high school graduation requirements encompassing academics, practical life skills, and in some instances, parenting. The school's unique, strengths-based approach, centered around the students, has proven beneficial for many. Students also receive referrals for additional services as needed and participate in workshops, field trips, and community volunteer projects. A significant portion of Wayfinder graduates pursue post-secondary education or secure employment within three months of graduation. The school's mission is to provide an experience that helps students discover their strengths, connect with their families, practice personal responsibility, contribute to their communities, and earn a high school diploma. With a small team of 11 dedicated professionals, Wayfinder Schools strive to empower their students to overcome their challenges and succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 85%, Three-Star out of Four Star Rating.
Wayfinder Schools demonstrates a solid commitment to accountability and financial health, as evidenced by its high scores in various financial metrics. The organization has an independent board with full participation, ensuring oversight and integrity in its operations. Notably, it has received high marks for its leadership development initiatives, highlighting the investment in staff training and adaptability to external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
User reviews portray an overwhelmingly positive image of Wayfinder Schools, with clients and board members praising its impactful educational programs. Many graduates attribute their personal and professional successes to the support and individualized learning they received from the school. The testimonials reflect a deep appreciation for the staff's dedication and the meaningful relationships built between teachers and students.
However, the organization has faced past criticisms regarding management issues. A review from 2009 noted concerns about mismanagement, including high CEO compensation and staffing cuts. While this raises some flags, the overall current feedback suggests a turnaround with strong leadership and a community-focused approach that effectively meets the needs of at-risk youth in Maine.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Wayfinder Schools?
100% of 25 reviewers on Facebook recommend Wayfinder Schools. Here is a summary of their reviews:
Supporters consistently praise the organization for its dedicated team and impactful work. Many highlight the positive influence Wayfinder Schools has on students' lives, expressing appreciation for the nurturing environment created to foster growth and academic success. Reviewers emphasize the commitment of the staff to help students navigate their futures effectively.
Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, showcasing that Wayfinder Schools is regarded as a valuable resource in the community. The organization appears to fulfill its mission successfully, leaving a lasting impression on those it serves.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Wayfinder Schools legitimate?
Wayfinder Schools is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Wayfinder Schools submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $87,360
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $427,633
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
What is the mission statement of Wayfinder Schools?
Wayfinder Schools aim to provide an experiential learning environment for students, enabling them to identify and strengthen their abilities, foster family connections, practice personal responsibility, contribute to their communities, and earn a high school diploma. Serving at-risk youth and teen parents, Wayfinder Schools offer individualized instruction in students' homes, helping them meet 24 graduation requirements in academics, practical life skills, and sometimes, parenting. Struggling in traditional school settings, these students benefit from Wayfinder's strengths-based, student-centered approach. Students may also receive referrals for additional services and participate in workshops, field trips, and community volunteer projects. Each graduate must complete a capstone project, addressing a personal challenge or goal. In recent years, 70% of Wayfinder graduates have pursued post-secondary education or secured employment within three months of graduation, while over 80% report increased confidence, life skills, job skills, community connections, and work readiness.
Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
Who is the CEO of Wayfinder Schools?
Martha Kempe is the Treasurer of Wayfinder Schools.
Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
What is the revenue of Wayfinder Schools?
Wayfinder Schools's revenue in 2022 was $630,794.
Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
Who are the executives of Wayfinder Schools and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Wayfinder Schools during 2022 was $46,818. There are 11 employees and 57 volunteers at Wayfinder Schools.
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- Compensation: $87,360
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Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Wayfinder Schools?
Wayfinder Schools's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.wayfinderschools.org
Learn more at the official website: www.wayfinderschools.org
Mission Statement of Wayfinder Schools
Wayfinder Schools, a Maine Department of Education-approved alternative high school, provides an experience that empowers at-risk youth and teen parents to discover their strengths and skills, connect with their families, practice personal responsibility, contribute to their communities, and earn a high school diploma. The school serves around 65 Maine students annually who struggle in traditional school settings. Wayfinder Students receive individualized instruction in their homes, working towards fulfilling 24 graduation requirements in academics, practical life skills, and, in some cases, parenting. The school's strengths-based, student-centered approach benefits these students, as they also participate in workshops, field trips, and community volunteer projects.
Wayfinder Schools' mission is to help these at-risk youth overcome their challenges and succeed beyond high school. Through their personalized approach, students gain confidence, develop essential life and job skills, and strengthen their community connections, preparing them for post-secondary education and employment opportunities. Wayfinder Schools' unique approach allows students to identify specific challenges or goals and address them through a capstone project, further enhancing their self-awareness and problem-solving abilities. In recent years, over 70% of Wayfinder graduates have pursued further education or secured employment within three months of graduation, demonstrating the impact of the school's mission in transforming the lives of at-risk youth.
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Impact
July, 2024
Wayfinder Schools provide a transformative experience for at-risk youth and teen parents in Maine. By offering individualized instruction tailored to each student's needs and strengths, Wayfinder helps students who have struggled in traditional school settings to succeed academically and personally. The program emphasizes personal responsibility, community engagement, and practical life skills, in addition to academic requirements.
Graduates of Wayfinder Schools have achieved impressive outcomes, with 70% pursuing post-secondary education or securing employment within three months of graduation. Over 80% of graduates report increased confidence, life skills, job readiness, and community connections. Through its unique approach and support services, Wayfinder Schools make a significant impact on the lives of its students, empowering them to reach their full potential and become active contributors in their communities.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Wayfinder Schools. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $139,540
- Program Service Revenue: $131,382
- Gross Receipts: $822,997
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $7,315,543
- Total Liabilities: $30,711
- Net Assets: $7,284,832
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
TUITION & FEES
Revenue
$131,382
Organization Details
Founding Year
1910
Phone
(207) 926-4532Principal Officer
Martha Kempe
Main Address
PO BOX 555, CAMDEN, ME, 04843
Website
www.wayfinderschools.orgNTEE Category
Code: P70Z - Human services
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