Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to secure and provide resources to support The Museum School. We envision a school where financial constraints never limit a child’s potential for discovery, creativity and academic excellence.
Through fundraising and strategic partnerships, we fund vital programs, capital improvements, state-of-the-art technology, and professional development for our outstanding educators.
Governance
The Museum School Foundation is a 501(c)(3) governed by a volunteer board of directors. The Foundation Board works closely with The Museum School Governing Board to identify needs and priorities. The Museum School Foundation was formed in 2011 to raise the needed capital to fund our growth. All donations to The Museum School Foundation are 100% tax deductible.
Understanding Our Funding Model: The “Museum School Difference”
As a public charter school, The Museum School of Avondale Estates receives per-pupil funding from DeKalb County, similar to other public schools. However, it’s important to understand that this funding does not fully cover the unique and enriched educational experience that defines our school.
Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools often do not receive direct county funding for essential areas such as:
Facilities and Capital Improvements
We are responsible for our own building maintenance, upgrades, and expansion.
Specialized Programs & Resources
The funding doesn’t always stretch to cover the full cost of our unique museum-based learning, specialized arts and STEM programs, or cutting-edge classroom technology.
Smaller Class Sizes & Additional Staff
Maintaining lower student-to-teacher ratios and hiring additional support staff (like our dedicated art, music, or PE teachers) requires supplementary funds.
Professional Development
Investing in ongoing training and development for our exceptional educators to keep them at the forefront of innovative teaching practices.
This is where The Museum School Foundation plays a vital role. We are the volunteer fundraising arm dedicated to bridging this gap, ensuring that every student continues to benefit from the “Museum School Difference” – those enriching programs, resources, and experiences that go beyond standard public school offerings. Your contributions directly enable these crucial enhancements.
Meet the Board
Courtney Swafford
Chairman
Lauren Fountain
Donor Stewardship
Justin Green
Database & Grants
Dave Gumbis
Treasurer
Michelle Robinson
Donor Development
Laura Von Hermann Smith
Communications
Amy Tabb
Donor Strategy
Get in Touch
Have questions about the Foundation, donations or joining the Board? We’d love to hear from you.
Email: tmsfoundation@themuseumschool.org
© 2025 The Museum School Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
The Museum School Foundation is a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Your donation to the Foundation may qualify for an income tax deduction in accordance with Federal and/or State income tax laws. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine whether your donation is tax deductible in whole or in part.