Donate directly to Desert Star. We are a non-profit 501 (c) 3 corporation, so your donations are tax-deductible. Click above to use your credit card and donate through PayPal.
Supporting Desert Star
The unique education offered by Desert Star Community School continues to be available to children in the Verde Valley because of the generosity of individuals and local businesses. This school exists due to the grass roots efforts of those who value an education that addresses the needs of the whole child, and for this we are very grateful.
Why do public schools ask for money? Remember the olden days when public schools didn’t need to ask for donations? Children might have knocked on your door selling items to raise money for sports teams or special field trips, but that was pretty much the only time you were asked to give anything other than your tax dollars.
We remember too. But today’s reality is quite different. All public schools now rely on donations in addition to tax dollars, and Desert Star is no exception. In fact, Desert Star, with its highly enriched curriculum and specialty programs, is more in need of donations than the average school.
As an Arizona State Charter School, Desert Star is not eligible to receive state funds to acquire, build, maintain or remodel school facilities. Charter schools are also unable to participate in general school district bond issues or to access override funds.
Most Waldorf schools require tuition of between $500 and $2,500 per month! How can we be doing it tuition-free? During Desert Star’s recent renewal of its charter agreement with the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, Desert Star was recognized for its prudent control of overhead costs and the proportion of our budget that is dedicated to serving students.
This is an achievement to be proud of, but there is more to operating a great school than prudent spending. We now need to turn our attention of raising the funds we need to enhance support to our wonderful teachers, spiff up our desert campus and keep growing our special school.
We hope that you are able to contribute via the Arizona State Tax Credit Program, cash donations, in-kind donations or with your valuable time and expertise and keep this educational option alive for our children for now and in the future.
You may have seen the recent call for parent input for our campus development program as well as more attention paid to funding needs. And look for us out in the community—we will be reaching out to a wider circle as we do our due diligence to meet student and teacher needs.
If you would like to get involved in growing our school or have ideas to share, please let us know! Given our track record with careful spending, you can be assured that your contributions will be well used!
