If you've arrived at this page, you probably already know that Cottage Co-op Nursery School is committed to the whole-child / play-based approach to child development and has been fortunate to be engaging in this rewarding work for the past 50 years. 

While our programs nourish intellectual curiosity, promote self-confidence, and build social skills in children, key to the principles of Cottage is the community in which it serves and the focus on the importance of respectful interpersonal relationships amongst children and adults (and those in between and beyond). Cottage serves not only the littles in our families but the bigs and their caretakers. 

What is the Cottage Annual Fund?

The Cottage Annual Fund is NOT an endowment. We know that for most, attending Cottage is a privilege and we don't believe this privilege should be exclusionary. Because at its core, what makes Cottage is our families. We are a preschool but we are here truly for the entire family. Tuition, volunteer shifts, potlucks, parent education, all the aspects of our program (even down to the fact that we have ZERO administrators on payroll. Our payroll = amazing teachers and one an incredible director) are designed with the sustainability of this community in mind.

We do not fund the operational budget of Cottage through tuition alone. This would make tuition prohibitively high for some families. We fund the operational budget and supportive programs for Cottage through a combination of tuition and fundraisers. 

Donating to the Cottage Annual Fund is a donation towards this community and the assistance we provide to families in parent education, communication resources, childhood development resources, spaces and venues for parents to share with one another. Sometimes, it's direct financial assistance to some families, in other times, it's an increase in pest control expenditure during the oddly warmer Fall months. These funds will always be used for the benefit of our community.

What does the Cottage Annual Fund NOT fund?

It is likely not news that Cottage is in the process of purchasing 169 Arlington Drive, the house where our school currently sits. This fund does NOT apply to the purchase of this house nor its capital improvements. The Cottage Annual Fund is strictly for the community, though you, as a donor, do have the ability to direct some of your funds to specific causes.

Cottage Annual Fund causes

1) Scholarships / Financial Aid - Cottage sets aside a portion of its operating budget to provide financial assistance to those who apply. Cottage is for Everyone and everyone who applies for financial assistance will receive aid. The amount per family per year will vary and donations to this cause allow Cottage to allocate funds to those in need.

2) Parent Education - Cottage has a regular parent education program throughout the school year which is open to all current matriculated families as well as Cottage alumni. There are some speakers, particularly for bigs, whose speaking fees are a little higher than our budget allows. Everyone is welcome to submit requests for parent education and funds donated to this cause allow for venue rental and speaker fees that exceed the annual parent education budget.

3) Where it is Needed Most - This cause provides the most flexibility for Cottage's fund allocation particularly as it can be difficult to predict one-off events like a global pandemic or industry-wide strikes or whatever is about to happen to athropodic evolution with climate change. Cottage's books are always transparent, especially for current and alumni families and we see expenditure audits as good practice for everyone. Donations to this category fundamentally invest in the Cottage mission and both the Board and Director determine the use of these funds. In the past, unrestricted donations have funded financial aid (due to sudden increases in demand), unforeseen costs in school repairs, or most significantly, sustaining the school through the 2020-2021 pandemic years.

We continue to be in stewardship to the school and the families it serves. Thank you very much for your generous donation to Cottage Co-operative Nursery School.