Support Special Funds

The legacy of an incredible woman benefits our campus in so many ways!
The Tracy Collins Schwartz Endowment (TCSE) Fund was established in memory of Tracy Collins Schwartz. Tracy was the President of the Montessori School of Denver Parent Association for the 2007-08 school year. The mother of three MSD students, Tracy worked tirelessly on behalf of the school.
She loved life, embracing each day to the fullest. No task was ever too small, and her enthusiasm and love for the school were evident in everything that she did. Although Tracy’s unexpected passing left a void in our hearts, Tracy’s work and spirit live on. The purpose and use of the Endowment Fund are to remember Tracy each year by creating an extraordinary experience for the students at MSD.
Each year, we commemorate the memory of Tracy Collins Scwartz with a special event.
These events are designed to deliver an extraordinary experience for our students. Extraordinary TCSE Fund experiences have included:
- 2021-22 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dance
- 2020-21 Simply Venture, Bee Brave Outdoor Experiences
- 2019-20 Frankie Toan, Textile Sculpture Artist
- 2018-19 Dr. Derrick Gay, Equity & Inclusion all-day Workshop,
Parent Coffee, and Student work - 2017-18 Avid4 Adventure, Outdoor Extensive
- 2016-17 History Hunter, The Art of Storytelling with Richie Castro
- 2015-16 Spark It Studios, Mosaic and Pottery
- 2014-15 Avid4 Adventure, Billy Corbett, and Chris Anthony, Fitness Fun Week
- 2012-13 Project V.O.I.C.E., Spoken Word Poetry
- 2011-12 Avid4 Adventure, Outdoor Extensive
- 2010-11 Katherine Dines, Children’s Songwriter & Musician
- 2009-10 Marcy Shepker, Tapestry Artist
- 2008-09 Avid4Adventure, Outdoor Extensive


A gift to MSD’s Special Funds delivers extraordinary experiences.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Frankie Zoan
History Hunter
Spark It Studios
Project V.O.I.C.E.
Katherine Dines
Marcy Shepker
Simply Venture
Avid4 Adventure
Billy Corbett & Chris Anthony
Dr. Derrick Gay, Equity & Inclusion All-Day Workshop
Stephanie Pax Flanigan Legacy Gate
It’s hard to find the perfect way to thank Stephanie Flanigan for her 18 years of BIG thinking and doing at MSD. It’s also tough to say farewell to a Head of School who we have come to know as a friend. While brainstorming a variety of options, we were drawn to the idea of having something permanent on campus that would remind the MSD community that she is forever woven into our history—and our hearts.
Introducing the Stephanie Pax Flanigan Legacy Gate. This Gate was thoughtfully-designed with dashes of beautiful bronze accents to include 66 icons that illustrate how Stephanie’s and MSD’s story are linked together. If you look closely, you will see that there are 18 icons in the archway, carefully selected to represent each year of her tenure at MSD.

Supporting MSD FAQs
Are you wondering… What is the Annual Fund? How can I help beautify campus? Why does my help matter? Can I contribute by volunteering? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Why does MSD need an Annual Fund?
- Montessori Experiences
- Professional Development
- Montessori Materials
- Facilities
- Technology
- Tuition Adjustment
- General Fund
Why not raise tuition to cover the actual operating costs?
When is the best time to donate?
We value your time, talents, and treasure and have events throughout the year, with some on and off campus, as well as virtual options. A tax-deductible donation is always welcome but key donation periods include the following: Read-A-Thon, Fun Runs, and Fall Fest happen in Autumn. In Winter, MSD participates in Colorado Gives Day. In Spring, parents, caregivers, and staff come together for an Auction and Paddle Raise. In 2022, we hosted an in-person auction at the Colorado History Museum on Saturday, April 23!
How can I participate in beautifying MSD?
In addition to supporting the Legacy Gate, these funds contribute to MSD’s two $5,000 summer sabbatical grants each year. Faculty and staff apply for funds for an activity outside of education that will recharge their batteries and promote personal growth. The positive impact the sabbaticals have on our community is truly inspirational. Recipients of Summer Sabbatical funds share their experiences with the MSD community in a variety of ways, such as the MSD Bee Newsletter.
DOWNLOAD THE FORM TO PLEDGE OR PAY BY CHECK. Printed copies of the form are available in the Welcome Center.
Why does my participation matter?
Does MSD have Special Funds?
YES! The Tracy Collins Schwartz Endowment (TCSE) Fund was established in memory of Tracy Collins Schwartz. Tracy was the President of the Montessori School of Denver Parent Association for the 2007-08 school year. The mother of three MSD students, Tracy worked tirelessly on behalf of the school. She loved life, embracing each day to the fullest. No task was ever too small, and her enthusiasm and love for the school were evident in everything that she did. Although Tracy’s unexpected passing left a void in our hearts, Tracy’s work and spirit live on. The purpose and use of the Endowment Fund are to remember Tracy each year by creating an extraordinary experience for the students at MSD. Learn more about MSD’s endowment here.
- 2021-22 Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Dance
- 2020-21 Simply Venture, Bee Brave Outdoor Experiences
- 2019-20 Frankie Toan, Textile Sculpture Artist
- 2018-19 Dr. Derrick Gay, Equity & Inclusion all-day Workshop, Parent Coffee, and Student work
- 2017-18 Avid4 Adventure, Outdoor Extensive
- 2016-17 History Hunter, The Art of Storytelling with Richie Castro
- 2015-16 Spark It Studios, Mosaic and Pottery
- 2014-15 Avid4 Adventure, Billy Corbett, and Chris Anthony, Fitness Fun Week
- 2012-13 Project V.O.I.C.E., Spoken Word Poetry
- 2011-12 Avid4 Adventure, Outdoor Extensive
- 2010-11 Katherine Dines, Children’s Songwriter & Musician
- 2009-10 Marcy Shepker, Tapestry Artist
- 2008-09 Avid4Adventure, Outdoor Extensive