Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

Our preschool has some of the highest tuition rates in our county. They rake us, and on top of that, they are closed on all the normal breaks/holidays, and then again for all the jewish holidays. For hanukay 10 days closed, for passover 10 days closed... etc.

I just got an email from the Director thanking everyone for their participation in a monte carlo night fundraiser, in which the school raised $8400.

This is not $ being raised for charity - it is for the school, and I swear, every week there is a different fundraiser, for the school.

Why, on top of tuition costs, does the school need to do so much fundraising? What in the world is the $ going for? Can someone please explain this to me? Maybe if I understood I would contribute more

Re: Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

Sure let me explain it to you. It is nothing but

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Re: Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

My son went to a Montessori school that did this and it drove me NUTS!!!

Not only did they charge a ridiculous tuition AND have frequent fund raisers, they also had mandatory parent volunteer hours which were basically free labor for the school. Working parents like myself were "fined" $100 for nonparticipation.

We lasted only 1 year at that school, and they STILL send me letters solicitating "donations."

Re: Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

DD's preschool was expensive too but we NEVER had a fundraiser ever!

Re: Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

The only thing I'm thinking for what they'd say is either:

1. They give scholorships to kids that can't afford to go there (but likely they'd promote the fundraiser as being directed for scholarships)

2. They'll say that doing so much fundraising helps keep your fees LOWER than they would be without the fundraisers...that they've got to get the money from somewhere.

Who knows if either are true, but I could picture them saying either of those scenarios.

Message edited 3/12/2009 12:48:16 PM.

Re: Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

Beth, I am with you. I feel like almost once a month or so, I am scrambling for back-up care for Bella because her daycare is run like a school and they close like many public schools do and will be for 7 business days in April for Passover/Easter.

Then they send the wrapping paper fundraiser home, the chocolates...etc.
I am sorry, but I am not buying overpriced wrapping paper or chocolate just to fund what??

They don't have nights like yours does, but I shake my head sometimes...

Re: Preschool fundraisers - I don't get it

This is one thing I like about our Montessori school. They do not do fundraisers of any kind. Don't want donations of money, items, etc. They said they are a for profit school and don't feel right asking parents for additional contributions.

I'd be PO'd Beth. I'm sure you pay an arm and a leg then for them to want more on top of that!