Onward Learning
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Onward Learning ensures a safe community of interactive learning with a love based and child centered approach. Every child is seen as extraordinary and is supported in finding their own unique strengths and interests through embracing curiosity, creativity, connection, and independence. This is accomplished through age specific education.
- Income
- $201,575
- Spending
- $490,606
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 0 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- government grants, 66%
- Employees
- 12
- Highest pay
- $52,250, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 7% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.0 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 19% of what it owns.
Living within its means
0 of 15Spending exceeded income by 143% of income.
Income trend
0 of 15Income fell 67% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Good: 82 out of 100. Higher than 81% of charities in its peer group (education, under $250k).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $86,029 spent. First Steps - Learning and Care for Ages 1 to 3. Every aspect of this program has been meticulously crafted through the lens of what is best for the early development of children. During this stage of development, children learn best through sensory experiences, manipulating objects, imitation, and involvement in carrying out daily tasks and responsibilities. This program serves 5 students and all students receive discounted tution and/or tuition assistance.
- $232,278 spent. Little Learners - Preschool and Kindergarten. During these years, we foster a learning environment in which children develop a love of learning. Teachers guide the learning process of hands-on learning and independent and collaborative play. 9 Students were served and the majority recieved discounted tuition and/or tuition assistance.
- $111,837 spent. Taking Flight and Age of Exploration - Grade 1st through 8th. Highly experienced teachers guide students in meaningful, real-world learning, giving students a deeper understanding of language, mathematics, science, social studies, music, the natural world, social interactions and much more. Learning is enriched through community awareness activities such as visiting senior centers to perform, performances for the community, hosting bake sales, and volunteering at various community events. 14 students were served with the majority of students recieving discounted tuition and/or tuition assistance.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since April 2022.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.