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Desert Montessori School

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

EIN: 850423730 ✦ Santa fe, NM ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Desert Montessori School?

Desert Montessori School is a modified Montessori institution situated in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at 316 Camino delora. The school integrates the Montessori philosophy with research-backed educational strategies, creating academically rigorous classrooms where students actively participate in their learning. The school acknowledges individual learning styles and fosters values, preparing students for a strong sense of accomplishment and joy. Teachers meticulously design engaging environments and guide students to learn at their own pace, progressing from simple to complex concepts. The school's classrooms cultivate an atmosphere of peace, respect, and collaboration, incorporating outdoor experiences and opportunities for social responsibility. The mission of Desert Montessori School is to provide a personalized, engaging education that inspires a lifelong love of learning, fosters independent thinking, social responsibility, and self-confidence, utilizing the Montessori approach and best practices. The school boasts a dedicated workforce of 34 individuals.

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: Needs Improvement (60%)

Desert Montessori School has received a two-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating areas requiring significant enhancement. The organization's overall score of 60% reflects some strengths, particularly in program expense efficiency, with an impressive 84.21% of its expenses going directly to programs. Additionally, the school has demonstrated responsibility regarding material asset diversion, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10 in that category.

However, the nonprofit faces several critical issues related to governance and transparency. Notably, it lacks independent board members and fails to provide essential financial statements, which significantly impacts its accountability score. Furthermore, the absence of a public tax form on its website and missing documentation for retention and destruction practices raises concerns about transparency and governance.

While the presence of a conflict of interest policy and a whistleblower policy is positive, the organization's overall lack of independent oversight and missing critical financial documents highlight a need for improvement in its operational practices. Enhancing governance structures and transparency could help Desert Montessori School improve its rating and gain greater public trust.


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

Is Desert Montessori School legitimate?

Desert Montessori School is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Desert Montessori 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: $791,594

For more financial information, click here

What is the mission statement of Desert Montessori School?

Desert Montessori School (DMS) is committed to providing a personalized and engaging education that fosters a lifelong love of learning, encourages independent thinking, promotes social responsibility, and boosts self-confidence. Utilizing the Montessori approach and values, as well as best practices, DMS strives to be an inspiring, respectful, safe, and caring community for students, parents, and teachers alike. The school's mission is to create an environment that nurtures each individual's growth and development, empowering them to become confident and responsible learners.

Who is the CEO of Desert Montessori School?

H Lane Kneedler is the Board Chair of Desert Montessori School.

What is the revenue of Desert Montessori School?

Desert Montessori School's revenue in 2023 was $1,079,623.

Who are the executives of Desert Montessori School and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Desert Montessori School during 2023 was $23,282. There are 34 employees and 45 volunteers at Desert Montessori School.


Here are 5 key members and their salaries:


H Lane Kneedler (Board Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bianca Barela (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Travis Degiorgis (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Tony Andrade (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Josh Chaffin (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Where can I find the form 990 for Desert Montessori School?

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

Mission Statement of Desert Montessori School

Desert Montessori School, a respected educational institution, is dedicated to providing a unique learning experience that encourages a lifelong passion for knowledge. Utilizing the Montessori approach and best practices, the school fosters meaningful independent thinking, social responsibility, and self-confidence in its students. Desert Montessori School prides itself on being an inspiring, respectful, safe, and caring community for both students and educators. By offering a personalized and engaging education, the school aims to nurture individuals who are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the world, fostering a deep-rooted love for learning.

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Impact




July, 2024

Desert Montessori School's impact lies in providing a personalized and engaging educational experience that cultivates a lifelong love of learning, encourages independent thinking, instills social responsibility, and builds self-confidence in its students. By integrating the Montessori philosophy with research-based educational practices, the school creates academically rigorous classrooms where each student's individual learning style is honored. Teachers at Desert Montessori School carefully curate engaging environments and guide children to learn at their own pace, allowing them to reach their full potential with a strong sense of joy, security, and accomplishment. The school's focus on progressively challenging work leads to the development of independence and a nurturing of peaceful, respectful, and collaborative atmospheres within the community.

Furthermore, Desert Montessori School places importance on outdoor experiences and opportunities for service to foster a love of nature and instill a sense of social responsibility in its students. By encouraging children to question and integrate their purpose within the family, school, and broader community, the school is creating a generation of individuals who are not only academically adept but also socially conscious and thoughtful contributors to society.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Desert Montessori 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
$1,079,623 (2023)
Expenses
$1,105,383 (2023)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

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

  • Program Service Revenue: $879,227
  • Gross Receipts: $1,079,623

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $315,978
  • Total Liabilities: $9,810
  • Net Assets: $306,168

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Programs

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

TUITION AND FEES

Revenue

$879,227

Organization Details

Founding Year

1994

Principal Officer

H Lane Kneedler

Main Address

316 CAMINO DELORA, SANTA FE, NM, 87505

NTEE Category

Code: B20Z - Education

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