Rooted in Belonging: A Reflection on Inclusion and Financial Aid at Montview
At Montview Community Preschool and Kindergarten, we believe that when children feel a deep sense of belonging, they thrive. Belonging isn’t just a feeling—it’s a foundation for growth, curiosity, and connection. It’s also why our commitment to inclusion, supported by a strong financial aid program, is at the very heart of who we are as a school community.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our families, year over year, we are able to award around $40,000 in financial aid to our students. The majority of these families are receiving 75% tuition coverage—a meaningful investment that ensures no family is turned away simply because of financial barriers. This support allows Montview to remain accessible to families from all walks of life, honoring our cooperative model and our shared values.
Our financial aid program reflects our deep belief in economic diversity—and it goes beyond numbers. When we look at our student body, we see that 35% of Montview children bring rich elements of diversity, including ethnicity, home languages, differing abilities, and varied developmental needs. These children are more than a third of those who experience what we often call the “Montview Magic.”
And here’s something important: 100% of our students benefit from learning in an inclusive environment. Inclusion isn’t a separate program or an isolated effort—it’s woven into the everyday experiences of our children. This year, we saw that especially clearly through “helping days,” when families brought in stories, traditions, music, and food from their cultures. These beautiful, personal contributions sparked curiosity and joy in the classroom—and created the kind of meaningful learning that stays with children for a long time.
Montview has always been a place where everyone is welcome. That includes families receiving financial aid, families who speak a first language other than English, families with political views that may differ from others in the community, and families with differences that aren’t immediately visible. As we come to know one another, we discover that none of us is exactly the same—and it’s in those relationships that we build something stronger together.
Our approach to teaching about culture and differences isn’t just a feel-good practice—it’s supported by research. It’s essential. And it works.
In that spirit, we’ve also made some thoughtful shifts this year around how we celebrate in the classroom. When we realized that even traditions like handing out valentines could unintentionally leave some children feeling left out—especially if their family couldn’t provide them—we made a compassionate choice. We encouraged families to celebrate holidays together outside of school, helping to ensure that no child feels excluded or different during the school day, while also encouraging deeper connection beyond Montview’s walls.
These decisions reflect our NAEYC-accredited values of equity and empathy. And we know that change sometimes brings questions—we welcome your honest conversations and feedback. Understanding the “why” behind our choices is part of growing together as a community.
Montview may be a short chapter in your child’s life—but it is a powerful one. The safety, stability, and sense of belonging they experience here help shape who they are becoming. And as your family’s time at Montview moves forward—we hope you’ll join us in passing the “community-building torch.” Attend an end-of-year celebration, organize a park meet-up, reach out to a family you haven’t gotten to know yet. There are many ways to build community here—and it’s never too late.
We’re so proud of the community we’ve built together.
And we’re always grateful for your part in making Montview a place where everyone belongs.
