AMIS Education Foundation

The Atlanta Montessori International School will begin offering scholarships through the Georgia Private School Tax Credit program to new AMIS students currently enrolled in a public primary school and new or current AMIS students eligible for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten. Please read the information below to learn about this program and how you can contribute to a scholarship at the school.

What is the private school tax credit?

The Georgia State Legislature passed into law in 2008 the Georgia Private School Tax Credit, a program that has set aside $50 million in credits or tax revenue from the state directly to private schools for distribution on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

How can the tax credit benefit Atlanta Montessori international School and me?

Under this law, you can redirect a portion of your Georgia income taxes to provide private school scholarship assistance.  You will receive a tax credit on your state income taxes and a charitable contribution deduction on your federal income taxes for the amount donated.

Tax Credit Limits:

• $1,000 Individual Filers
• $2,500 Married Filing Jointly
• 75% C-Corporation

How do I participate?

Atlanta Montessori International School (AMIS) has partnered with Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund, a state approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), to enable the school to take advantage of this tax credit program.  By designating AMIS in your donation to the Apogee School Choice Scholarship Fund, you can receive a Georgia state income tax credit for the tax year the donation is made.  Your donation also means you may be allowed a charitable contribution on your federal tax return.

The AMIS Education Foundation serves as an advisory committee to AMIS for financial aid and scholarship awards, drawn from funding raised by AMIS Education Foundation as well as donations made through the Apogee scholarship fund.  AMIS ultimately confirms the eligible students to received funds as mandated by the state qualification process.

Who qualifies for the scholarship?

A Georgia resident enrolled in a primary public school or eligble to enroll in a qualified kindergarten program or pre-kindergarten program.

How do I donate?

Follow the three-step process below.  Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund, AMIS' partner in the Georgia Private School Tax Credit program, will handle everything for you.

For further assistance, contact Dione Marshall at Atlanta Montessori international School (404-325-6777) or John Panesa at Apogee (404-419-7123).  Direct emails to scholarships@apogee360.com

To learn more about the Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund, please visit www.apogeescholarships.org.

• STEP ONE: Print and complete the two forms attached below:

1. Form IT-QEE-TP1
2. Apogee SSO Donation Form

• STEP TWO: Mail both forms along with a donation check made payable to Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund to the following address:

Apogee Georgia School Choice Scholarship Fund

3300 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA  30339

• STEP THREE: Receive Georgia Department of Revenue Approval Letter and mail copy to Apogee at the address above.

Apogee will hold your donation check until they receive the Georgia Department of Revenue approval letter, normally within 30 days from submitting the paperwork. At that point your check will be deposited.  Apogee will then mail you a package in early 2010 with all the necessary forms and instructions on how to receive the tax credit.  As with all charitable contributions, we recommend you consult your financial advisor or tax professional before making a contribution.

Deadlines

Donation forms must be submitted to Apogee by December 1, 2009, to receive credit for 2009 state income taxes. The donation check and Georgia Department of Revenue approval letter must be submitted by the end of the year.