MORRISTOWN, NJ — A Morristown-based nonprofit is helping a record number of children access early education this school year, while a recent fundraising event has secured tuition assistance for 21 more children next year.
Preschool Advantage, headquartered on Lindsley Drive in Morristown, announced that it has provided preschool tuition assistance to 145 children for the 2026-27 school year, exceeding its original goal of 115 students.
The organization initially expanded its assistance to 131 children before additional donations allowed it to fund another 14 students from its waitlist.
The milestone comes as Preschool Advantage celebrates the success of its annual fall gala, "An Evening of Impact," held Oct. 7 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park.
According to the nonprofit, the event raised enough money to provide 21 children with full-day preschool tuition assistance for the upcoming school year.
Preschool Advantage provides tuition assistance for 3- and 4-year-old children at 33 partner preschools throughout Morris and Somerset counties, helping families access early education opportunities they might otherwise be unable to afford.
The organization has been serving local families since 1995.
"At our annual Evening of Impact, we are reminded again of how quietly, consistently, and with great humility our staff, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, and Board members have influenced the lives of so many families throughout Morris and Somerset Counties for over 30 years," said Preschool Advantage Board President Bette M. Simmons.
Simmons credited the organization's continued growth to community support, noting that the nonprofit remains committed to expanding access to preschool while maintaining resources for future generations.
The October gala also recognized two individuals for their contributions to early childhood education.
Gail Reuther, executive director of Mount Olive Child Care & Learning Center and a Preschool Advantage trustee, received the Community Honoree recognition.
Reuther has played a key role in the nonprofit's Outcomes Measurement Report, which has tracked the progress of students receiving tuition assistance compared with their privately funded peers over 12 years.
Kathleen Casiano, director of El Primer Paso, was recognized as the Partner Preschool Honoree. El Primer Paso has partnered with Preschool Advantage since 1999.
The evening also featured a musical performance by Preschool Advantage alumnus Enzo Giannone, accompanied by Gloria Bangiola and John Fisher.
Since its founding more than three decades ago, Preschool Advantage has funded tuition for 1,244 students and estimates that its programs have impacted nearly 4,500 people across Morris and Somerset counties.
The nonprofit receives support from individual donors, private foundations, and businesses.
For more information about Preschool Advantage, visit its website here or call 973-532-2501.
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