Aster Montessori opened with a simple but ambitious question: How can we make high-quality Montessori education accessible to more families in Cambridge, MA—while building a school where teachers thrive? In a city known for innovation, diversity, and commitment to early childhood education, Aster’s Teacher Leaders saw an opportunity to create something rare: a small, community-embedded Montessori school that could serve a mixed-income population.

In 2025 alone, the Sunlight Loan Fund provided $1.2 million in loans to 22 childcare centers and schools, with 73% of those dollars reaching institutions in low-income areas. The Girasol School is one of many powerful examples of how access to capital fuels educational opportunity.

Show your story in action. School tours are one of the most powerful—and authentic—fundraising tools available.

Learn how to fundraise for your school with a clear, compelling story and specific ask. Use these 5 questions to craft a pitch that moves supporters to act.

Starting a Montessori school takes vision—and support. Wildflower’s Seed Fund provides grants to help educators take the first steps, covering essential startup costs as they prepare to open community-embedded, teacher-led schools.