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The Idea School

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 464692379 ✦ Tucson, AZ ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is The Idea School?

The Idea School, situated in Tucson, Arizona, is a nonprofit organization that offers an innovative, engaging education for students in grades K-8 during the 2022-23 school year. Their teaching approach is grounded in students' inherent motivation to learn and make real-world connections. The curriculum incorporates both teacher-led and student-led projects, often with a real-world audience in mind. Beyond the traditional "3 R's," The Idea School fosters 21st-century skills and habits of mind, such as self-awareness, empathy, creativity, and perseverance. The school's mission is to provide a child-centered education that encourages competence, creativity, collaboration, and compassion, promoting lifelong learning. The organization is staffed by 16 dedicated individuals.


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 82% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)

The Idea School holds an 82% rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a solid performance in both accountability and community engagement. With a strong Culture & Community Score of 95, the organization demonstrates a commitment to fostering a positive environment. The independent board structure is notably robust, with 87% of its members being independent.

Strengths include an impressive program expense ratio of 83.86%, indicating that a significant portion of its resources is directed towards its mission. The organization also scores highly on various governance items, such as having well-established policies for conflict of interest, whistleblower protection, and document retention. These factors contribute to overall transparency and ethical management.

Despite these strengths, there are always areas for improvement. While the organization effectively manages its assets, it is crucial to continually assess and enhance its financial practices to ensure sustained impact. Overall, The Idea School demonstrates a commendable commitment to accountability and community values.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

Is The Idea School legitimate?

The Idea School is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. The Idea School 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: $0
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $425,672

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

What is the mission statement of The Idea School?

The Idea School's mission is centered around providing a child-focused education that fosters competence, creativity, collaboration, and compassion. The school achieves this by offering an educational experience that is meaningful to students, promoting lifelong learning, and incorporating real-world connections. During the 2022-23 academic year, they catered to 54 students from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Their curriculum and teaching methods are built upon the students' intrinsic motivation, with a focus on 21st-century skills and strong habits of mind, such as self-awareness, empathy, creativity, curiosity, confidence, responsibility, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, perseverance, listening, and understanding. The learning approach empowers students to take charge of their education and personal growth, both within and beyond the classroom.


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

Who is the CEO of The Idea School?

Katherine Kurtin is the Director of The Idea School.


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

What is the revenue of The Idea School?

The Idea School's revenue in 2023 was $817,570.


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

Who are the executives of The Idea School and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at The Idea School during 2023 was $26,604. There are 16 employees and 30 volunteers at The Idea School.


Here are 9 key members and their salaries:


Kate Elliot (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Laura Wilson Etter (Co-Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David R Higuera (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Hans Hutchison (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jaime Johnson (Co-Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Katherine Kurtin (President)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marjorie Miller (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Cece Aguilar Ortiz (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Matthew Riederer (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

Where can I find the form 990 for The Idea School?

The Idea School's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2023 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.explorebuildlearn.org

Learn more at the official website: www.explorebuildlearn.org

Mission Statement of The Idea School

The Idea School, a nonprofit organization, focuses on providing a child-centered education that fosters competence, creativity, collaboration, and compassion. Their approach encourages learning that is meaningful to students, promoting lifelong learning. The school's curriculum and teaching methods are built upon the students' intrinsic motivation, enabling them to make real-world connections. Projects, both teacher-directed and student-directed, form the backbone of student work, often with a real-world audience in mind. The Idea School's educational philosophy nurtures essential 21st-century skills and strong habits of mind, such as self-awareness, empathy and kindness, creativity and innovation, curiosity, confidence, responsibility, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, perseverance, listening, and understanding. By empowering students to take charge of their learning, The Idea School aims to prepare them for success in and out of the classroom.

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Impact




July, 2024

The Idea School's impact can be seen in the transformative educational experiences it provides to students in Tucson, Arizona. By offering a child-centered education focused on nurturing competence, creativity, collaboration, and compassion, The Idea School is shaping the next generation of learners and leaders. Through a curriculum and pedagogy that prioritizes students' intrinsic motivation and real-world connections, the school's 54 K-8 students are developing 21st-century skills and strong habits of mind essential for success in today's world. By fostering traits such as self-awareness, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, The Idea School is empowering students to take charge of their learning and lives, both within and beyond the classroom.




This information is meant to be a general summary of The Idea School. 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.

Revenue
$817,570 (2023)
201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$300k$600k$900k$1.2M
Expenses
$813,017 (2023)
201520162017201820192020202120222023$0$300k$600k$900k$1.2M
Efficiency
2015201620172018201920202021202220230%15%30%55%

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2023.

  • Investment Income: -$1,915
  • Program Service Revenue: $575,326
  • Gross Receipts: $1,103,884

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $130,892
  • Total Liabilities: $12,826
  • Net Assets: $118,066

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

51010 SCHOOL TUITION

Revenue

$577,773

40500 BRANDED MERCHANDISE

Revenue

$537

95000 OTHER MISC REVENUE

Revenue

$350

51300-700 OTHER PROGRAM INC.

Revenue

$310

51800 CLASS WALLET

Revenue

-$3,644

Organization Details

Founding Year

2014

Principal Officer

Katherine Kurtin

Main Address

325 W 2ND ST, TUCSON, AZ, 85705

NTEE Category

Code: B24 - Education

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