I was born ten days after this school opened its doors.

In 1965, a small group of mothers in Willingboro, New Jersey had a dream. They wanted a different kind of education for their children - one rooted in respect, independence, and joy. They found an AMI-trained Montessori teacher. They rented two rooms. And with fifteen students, they started what would become the Montessori Academy of New Jersey.

That was 61 years ago. I'm Jennie, and I've been part of this school for every single one of them. I grew up here. I attended as a student. I came back as a teaching assistant, then a teacher, then in leadership. I left for a time to pursue another career - but this school called me back, because it is woven into who I am. Today, I serve as Head of School, and I'm writing to you because the institution I have loved my entire life is in danger of closing.

What Happened

Two years ago, decisions made under previous leadership forced our school off the campus it had called home for 58 years. An institutional dispute severed our line of credit, triggered approximately $200,000 in legal costs, and left us fighting for survival. None of this was caused by our teachers, our families, or our students. None of it reflects who we are or what we stand for.

We fought back. We found a new location. We kept our doors open. We kept teaching. For two years, our 17 staff members have shown up every single day for the children in our care, often without knowing whether the school could make it to the next month. Our families have stood by us. Our teachers have gone above and beyond. But two years of crisis have drained every financial reserve we had.

Today, our bank balance is approaching zero. We are in an emergency, and we need your help right now.

Where Your Donation Goes

Every dollar raised goes directly to keeping our school running. Here is how we'll use the first $100,000:

What Your Gift Means

$25 - Classroom supplies for a week

$100 - One day of utilities and insurance

$175 - Pays a teacher for one full working day

$500 - One week of facility costs

$1,000 - One week of payroll for a staff member

Why This School Matters

Montessori Academy is not just a school. It is the oldest Montessori school in New Jersey accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) - the organization founded by Dr. Maria Montessori herself - and the only one in all of South Jersey. For 61 years, this institution has served thousands of children - toddlers through elementary - teaching them not just academics but independence, compassion, and respect.

Our teachers hold internationally recognized Montessori credentials. Our alumni are teachers, engineers, artists, parents, and community leaders. This school started as a dream held by a handful of mothers in 1965, and it has been shaped by the love and dedication of every family, teacher, and child who has walked through its doors since.

That legacy does not deserve to end because of a crisis that none of our current students, families, or teachers caused.

How You Can Help Right Now

A Personal Note

We are sharing where we are and what we need. We will post updates showing exactly how your donations are being used. We will share every milestone with you. And when we reach our goal, we will raise it - because the fight doesn't stop at $100,000. Our students need us to get all the way to June, and we intend to get there.

Please don't let 61 years of education end. Not like this. Not now.

With deep gratitude,

Jennie

Head of School, Montessori Academy of New Jersey

www.manj.org