Scholarship Program
Exciting Scholarship News!
The Friends of Spruce Tree Montessori has provided need-based scholarships since 2012. We currently average a total awards budget of approximately $45,000 in scholarship assistance annually; this year we provided scholarships to 11 students amounting to $57,000.
Beginning in 2027, eligible individual taxpayers can receive a federal income tax credit for donations to The Friends of Spruce Tree Montessori, which is now an approved scholarship granting organization under the new Federal Freedom of Education Scholarship Tax Credit Program.
More info at these links:
Scholarship Tax Credit Info & FAQ
Governor’s Press Release, October 2026
ADN Article, October 20, 2026
Join Head of School, Sabrina Binkley, to learn more about this scholarship opportunity and how it benefits education in Alaska on Monday, November 9, 9 am.
ZOOM LINK for Meeting
Our Mission:
The mission of the Friends of Spruce Tree Montessori School (FOST), a Federal 501c3 tax-exempt organization, is to raise funds through fundraising efforts and donor solicitation programs for the purposes of awarding tuition assistance scholarships for enrollment at Spruce Tree Montessori School or to Spruce Tree teachers who enroll in an accredited Montessori credentialing program.
FOST seeks to form a consortium of parent and alumni partners and businesses who engage in the education of the upcoming generation of leaders. As the first, secular private elementary school in Fairbanks, Spruce Tree embraces cultural and economic diversity by welcoming all backgrounds, all religions or no religion, and those from all walks of life.
The goal of the Friends of Spruce Tree Montessori School Scholarship Program is to expand the educational opportunities in our community at the elementary (K – 6th grade) level to families who desire a Montessori education for their children, but have limited financial resources or are experiencing a difficult family transition or other hardship.
Become a Friend of Spruce Tree Montessori — DONATE TODAY!
Tuition assistance is awarded in the form of scholarships to qualified student candidates selected through a simple application process. Scholarship funds are remitted directly to Spruce Tree Montessori School in the award recipient’s name and applied to the family’s account balance for tuition. Scholarship awards are awarded at various levels with a maximum award equal to half of annual tuition for one child per school year. The remaining balance is the responsibility of the family and shall be remitted to the school in accordance with the Financial Commitment Policy outlined on the Admissions Application. Other fees such as the Materials Fee, Enrollment Deposit, Camp and Club fees, and extended day program fees are the responsibility of the family. Scholarships are awarded and renewed on an annual basis.
The criteria for which candidates will be selected is as follows: **Updates coming soon related to Federal Tax Scholarship requirements.**
- Student is an Alaska resident
- Family presents a match to the Montessori philosophy
- Family desires an educational experience in a true Montessori environment
Scholarship Application; Due May 1 each year by email to .
**Updates coming soon related to Federal Tax Scholarship requirements.**
- Letter of Interest (summary of applicant’s educational experience thus far, family background, family’s special circumstances)
- Spruce Tree Montessori School admissions application or confirmation of re-enrollment