Emmanuel Inc (Mother of God School)

Mother of God School is a small, independent, Catholic, K-8 school in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The school serves 161 students, but has the potential to serve over 200 students. Despite its size, it is the most ethnically diverse private school in the area (34% African/African American; 28% Hispanic; 23% European; 8% Asian; and 7% Multi-ethnic). The majority of families served by the school are first generation immigrants, with over 40% of the students being English Language Learners (ELL) and 30% qualifying for Free or Reduced Meals (FARMS). 

Since September 14th, 2020, Mother of God School has been operating in-person, 5-days a week – a feat many schools in the area and around the country have not been able to accomplish during the pandemic. COVID-19 has negatively impacted the school's enrollment, as more parents are faced with the challenges of unemployment or working from home and having to make very difficult schooling decisions. Furthermore, the school's K-8 classroom capacities have been drastically reduced to accommodate social distancing guidelines set forth by national, state and local government officials. 

The cost of educating each student at Mother of God is greater than their tuition alone, particularly this year with increased operating costs and decreased enrollments. Mother of God School faces an urgent need to raise funds to help balance the 2020-2021 school budget. Your generous, tax-deductible (EIN #52-1528188) donation will ensure the school’s financial stability and guarantee it will remain open to serve our uniquely diverse population.

The ordinary has become extraordinary, even heroic - during this pandemic. Mother of God School's administrators, teachers, and staff are the heroes. Mr. Miller, the principal, has been unwavering in his leadership and commitment to the school. He's a permanent, but moving, fixture on campus. You’ll find him in the morning checking student temperatures, monitoring socially distanced recesses throughout the day and waving goodbye with a friendly masked face in the parking lot at the end of a long day – and that's not all -- for the last 5 YEARS he has been serving the school PRO-BONO! It would be very remiss to not highlight the caring and dedicated teachers who have shown up every single day for the students, without letting the pandemic stifle their creativity or ability to maximize student achievement -- not to mention with minimal to no breaks and/or preparation periods.

Unfortunately, amazing administration and staff alone cannot sustain Mother of God School. Like other private schools, Mother of God School relies on fundraising, but due to the pandemic major fundraising efforts had to be  canceled or modified to virtual -- again, negatively impacting the 2020-2021 school budget. 

For more than 30 years, Mother of God School has supported the local community —NOW it needs the community’s help. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible (EIN #52-1528188) - no donation is too small. If you prefer to give directly, checks may be made out to Mother of God School and dropped off or mailed to the school at 20501 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Mother of God School thanks you for your support.

This fundraiser was organized by Radhika Prout, a Mother of God School parent and School Board member. All funds will be spent on operating expenses that have been set in the school’s 2020-2021 budget. Any funds spent on any expenditures outside of the budget will require school board approval.

More information about Mother of God School can be found at www.mogschool.com. 

"Mother of God School seeks to prepare students who, grounded in sound academics and strong faith, go forth bearing Christ to the world in their personal and professional lives. With Mary as its model, the school accomplishes this in an atmosphere of love and respect: Through academic excellence in the humanities, arts and sciences, and In living the Good News through worship and service."