The Center School
The Center School: Strong Program Spending, but Transparency Lacking
EIN: 221933177 · Somerset, NJ · NTEE: B280 · Updated: 2026-04-04
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94% program spend, health grade A
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| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $9.1M |
| Total Expenses | $8.5M |
| Program Spending | 94% |
| Net Assets | $2.2M |
| Transparency Score | 75/100 |
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The Center School Form 990, Revenue, CEO Pay, and IRS Filing Signals
The Center School is surfaced here as a decision-ready nonprofit financial profile, not just a charity listing. The page consolidates IRS Form 990 revenue, expenses, assets, tax-exempt classification, executive compensation, mission score, red flags, and year-by-year filing history so donors, researchers, journalists, and grant teams can answer the common search questions around The Center School in one place.
Form 990 Filing Summary
13 filing years are available, with latest revenue of $8.8M and expenses of $8.5M.
Revenue and Expenses
The Center School reported $8.8M in revenue and $8.5M in expenses, a surplus of $357K.
Executive Compensation
Officer, director, trustee, and key employee pay is reviewed from IRS 990 compensation disclosures when present.
Charity Score and Red Flags
75/100 mission score, 3 red flags, and 3 strengths are shown from structured and AI review.
Is The Center School Legit?
Some Concerns
Assessment based on IRS 990 filings, spending patterns, and AI analysis. Not a guarantee of legitimacy. Full charity check →
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Where the Money Comes From and Where It Goes
Revenue Source Mix
Revenue-source line items are not available on the stored filing yet. Future ingestion now preserves contribution, program-revenue, and investment-income fields when ProPublica provides them.
Expense Deployment
| Program services | $8.0M (94%) |
Across stored filings, The Center School shows contribution history pending. Next enrichment targets: revenue-source fields, IRS BMF classification.
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| Decision Lens | Signal | What to Inspect Next |
|---|---|---|
| Legitimacy | Some Concerns | Good filing record; 3 red flags identified |
| Mission spend | 94% to programs | Excellent |
| Financial durability | Grade A | 13 stored filing years |
| Peer context | Compare with Dance For The Cure Inc | New Jersey and Education context |
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The Center School directs 94% of its spending to programs. This exceeds the industry benchmark of 65%, indicating strong mission focus.
About The Center School
The Center School (EIN: 221933177) is a nonprofit organization based in Somerset, NJ, classified under NTEE code B280. The organization reported total revenue of $9.1M and total assets of $6.1M according to its most recent IRS 990 filing. This transparency report provides an AI-powered analysis of The Center School's financial health, spending patterns, executive compensation, and overall mission effectiveness based on publicly available IRS data.
Organization Overview
The Center School is a mid-size nonprofit that has been operating for 52 years, with 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record (2011–2023). Revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 5.4%.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
| Total Revenue | $8.8M |
| Total Expenses | $8.5M |
| Surplus / Deficit | +$357K |
| Total Assets | $6.8M |
| Total Liabilities | $4.6M |
| Net Assets | $2.2M |
| Operating Margin | 4.0% |
| Debt-to-Asset Ratio | 67.6% |
| Months of Reserves | 9.6 months |
Financial Health Grade: A
In 2023, The Center School reported a surplus of $357K with revenue exceeding expenses, holds 9.6 months of operating reserves (strong position), has a debt-to-asset ratio of 67.6% (high leverage).
Financial Trends
Over 13 years of filings (2011–2023), The Center School's revenue has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%.
| Year | Revenue Change | Expense Change | Asset Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | +24.4% | +20.7% | +0.6% |
| 2022 | +14.7% | +12.9% | -4.6% |
| 2021 | -0.9% | -1.3% | -0.8% |
| 2020 | -9.9% | -9.9% | +3.4% |
| 2019 | +0.1% | +0.1% | -5.1% |
IRS Tax-Exempt Classification
| IRS Classification Codes | 2000 |
| IRS Ruling Date | 1974 |
Classification data from ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Additional BMF data may be available after enrichment.
AI Transparency Report
Mission Effectiveness Score
NonprofitSpending's AI analysis rates The Center School with a Mission Score of 75 out of 100 (Good). This score reflects the organization's overall financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance indicators derived from IRS 990 public filings.
Spending Breakdown
- admin: 3%
- programs: 94%
- fundraising: 3%
According to IRS 990 filings, The Center School allocates its expenses as follows: admin: 3%, programs: 94%, fundraising: 3%. With 94% directed toward programs, this reflects a strong commitment to its charitable mission.
Key Financial Metrics (2023)
From the most recent IRS 990 filing on record:
- The organization reported a surplus of $357K, with revenue exceeding expenses.
- Debt-to-asset ratio: 67.6%.
Executive Compensation Analysis
Executive compensation is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, making a direct assessment difficult without further information on specific salaries.
Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require nonprofits to disclose the compensation of officers, directors, trustees, and key employees. NonprofitSpending analyzes this data relative to the organization's total revenue and sector benchmarks to assess whether executive pay is reasonable.
Red Flags
The following concerns were identified during AI analysis of The Center School's IRS 990 filings:
- Lack of detailed breakdown for program expenses beyond general categories.
- Limited information on executive compensation in public filings.
- Absence of easily accessible financial reports on the organization's website.
Strengths
The following positive indicators were identified for The Center School:
- Consistently high percentage of expenses allocated to programs (e.g., 94% in 2023).
- Stable revenue streams over several years, indicating consistent support.
- Healthy asset base relative to liabilities, suggesting financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Center School
Is The Center School a legitimate charity?
The Center School (EIN: 221933177) is a registered tax-exempt nonprofit based in New Jersey. Our AI analysis gives it a Mission Score of 75/100. It has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record. Total revenue: $9.1M. 3 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted. Financial health grade: A.
How does The Center School spend its money?
The Center School directs 94% of its spending to programs and services. Fundraising costs 3%. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark.
Are donations to The Center School tax-deductible?
The Center School is registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit (EIN: 221933177). Donations to most 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
What percentage of The Center School's spending goes to programs?
The Center School directs 94% to programs, 3% to fundraising. This exceeds the 65% industry benchmark for efficient nonprofits.
How does The Center School compare to similar nonprofits?
With a transparency score of 75/100 (Good), The Center School is above average for NTEE category B280 nonprofits. The score reflects financial transparency, program spending efficiency, and governance quality based on IRS 990 data.
Where is The Center School located?
The Center School is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey and files with the IRS under EIN 221933177. It is classified under NTEE code B280.
How many years of IRS 990 filings does The Center School have?
The Center School has 13 years of IRS 990 filings on record at NonprofitSpending. This extensive filing history provides a strong basis for evaluating long-term financial trends. The most recent filing shows $9.1M in total revenue.
What does The Center School do?
The Center School is a nonprofit organization in the Education sector, located in Somerset, New Jersey. It is classified under NTEE code B280.
How much revenue does The Center School have?
The Center School reported total revenue of $9,115,411. Based on 13 IRS 990 filings on record.
What are The Center School's total assets?
The Center School holds total assets of $6,131,460 as reported in IRS 990 filings.
Where is The Center School located?
The Center School is based in Somerset, New Jersey.
What is The Center School's EIN?
The Center School's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 221933177. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS for tax-exempt organizations.
What type of nonprofit is The Center School?
The Center School is classified under NTEE code B280 (Education).
Is The Center School a registered 501(c)(3)?
Yes, The Center School is recognized as a tax-exempt organization by the IRS. EIN: 221933177.
Does The Center School file IRS Form 990?
Yes, The Center School has 13 IRS Form 990 filings on record. The most recent covers tax period 202306.
What was The Center School's revenue in 2023?
In the 202306 filing period, The Center School reported total revenue of $8,828,944, total expenses of $8,471,563, and net assets of $6,799,589.
Is The Center School's revenue growing or declining?
The Center School's revenue is growing. Revenue went from $7,098,022 (202206) to $8,828,944 (202306), a +24.4% change. Based on 13 filings on record.
What is The Center School's most recent 990 filing?
The most recent IRS Form 990 filing for The Center School covers tax period 202306. It shows revenue of $8,828,944, expenses of $8,471,563, total assets of $6,799,589, and liabilities of $4,597,801.
How much does The Center School spend on programs vs administration?
Based on IRS 990 analysis, The Center School allocates approximately 94% of expenses to program services, 3% to administrative costs, and 3% to fundraising. This indicates strong program focus.
Is The Center School a trustworthy charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 data, The Center School appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100 (Good). 3 red flags identified. 3 strengths noted.
What are the red flags for The Center School?
The following concerns were identified: Lack of detailed breakdown for program expenses beyond general categories.. Limited information on executive compensation in public filings.. Absence of easily accessible financial reports on the organization's website.. These flags are based on automated analysis of IRS 990 public filings and should be verified independently.
What are The Center School's strengths?
Positive indicators for The Center School include: Consistently high percentage of expenses allocated to programs (e.g., 94% in 2023).. Stable revenue streams over several years, indicating consistent support.. Healthy asset base relative to liabilities, suggesting financial stability.. These findings are derived from AI analysis of the organization's financial filings.
How does The Center School compensate executives?
Executive compensation is not explicitly detailed in the provided data, making a direct assessment difficult without further information on specific salaries. Executive compensation data is sourced from IRS 990 filings, which require disclosure of officer, director, and key employee pay.
Given the high program spending, what specific impact metrics or outcomes does The Center School track and report to demonstrate the effectiveness of its programs?
The provided data does not include specific impact metrics or program outcomes, which would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment of program effectiveness despite high spending.
How does The Center School ensure that its administrative and fundraising costs, which appear low, are sufficient to maintain operational efficiency and support future growth initiatives?
While low administrative and fundraising costs are generally positive, it's important to understand if these levels are sustainable and adequate for necessary overhead, compliance, and strategic development. The data alone doesn't provide this insight.
Filing History
IRS 990 filing history for The Center School showing financial trends over 13 years of public records:
Over 13 years of IRS 990 filings (2011–2023), The Center School's revenue has grown by 88.2%, moving from $4.7M to $8.8M. Total assets increased by 138.7% over the same period, from $2.8M to $6.8M. Total functional expenses rose by 77.9%, from $4.8M to $8.5M. In its most recent filing year (2023), The Center School reported a surplus of $357K, with revenue exceeding expenses. The organization holds $4.6M in liabilities against $6.8M in assets (debt-to-asset ratio: 67.6%), resulting in net assets of $2.2M.
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Liabilities | Officer Comp. % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $8.8M | $8.5M | $6.8M | $4.6M | — | View 990 |
| 2022 | $7.1M | $7.0M | $6.8M | $4.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2021 | $6.2M | $6.2M | $7.1M | $5.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2020 | $6.2M | $6.3M | $7.1M | $5.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2019 | $6.9M | $7.0M | $6.9M | $5.1M | — | View 990 |
| 2018 | $6.9M | $7.0M | $7.3M | $5.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2017 | $7.0M | $7.0M | $7.5M | $5.5M | — | View 990 |
| 2016 | $6.7M | $6.7M | $7.9M | $5.9M | — | View 990 |
| 2015 | $6.1M | $6.0M | $7.7M | $5.8M | — | View 990 |
| 2014 | $5.4M | $5.4M | $6.1M | $4.3M | — | View 990 |
| 2013 | $6.4M | $5.6M | $2.7M | $791K | — | View 990 |
| 2012 | $5.3M | $5.3M | $2.1M | $880K | — | View 990 |
| 2011 | $4.7M | $4.8M | $2.8M | $1.7M | — | View 990 |
Year-by-Year Financial Summary
- 2023: Revenue of $8.8M, expenses of $8.5M, and assets of $6.8M (revenue +24.4% year-over-year).
- 2022: Revenue of $7.1M, expenses of $7.0M, and assets of $6.8M (revenue +14.7% year-over-year).
- 2021: Revenue of $6.2M, expenses of $6.2M, and assets of $7.1M (revenue -0.9% year-over-year).
- 2020: Revenue of $6.2M, expenses of $6.3M, and assets of $7.1M (revenue -9.9% year-over-year).
- 2019: Revenue of $6.9M, expenses of $7.0M, and assets of $6.9M (revenue +0.1% year-over-year).
- 2018: Revenue of $6.9M, expenses of $7.0M, and assets of $7.3M (revenue -1.0% year-over-year).
- 2017: Revenue of $7.0M, expenses of $7.0M, and assets of $7.5M (revenue +3.6% year-over-year).
- 2016: Revenue of $6.7M, expenses of $6.7M, and assets of $7.9M (revenue +10.9% year-over-year).
- 2015: Revenue of $6.1M, expenses of $6.0M, and assets of $7.7M (revenue +13.4% year-over-year).
- 2014: Revenue of $5.4M, expenses of $5.4M, and assets of $6.1M (revenue -15.7% year-over-year).
- 2013: Revenue of $6.4M, expenses of $5.6M, and assets of $2.7M (revenue +21.1% year-over-year).
- 2012: Revenue of $5.3M, expenses of $5.3M, and assets of $2.1M (revenue +12.1% year-over-year).
- 2011: Revenue of $4.7M, expenses of $4.8M, and assets of $2.8M.
View Individual Filing Years
Explore detailed financial data from each IRS 990 filing year for The Center School:
Data Sources and Methodology
This transparency report for The Center School is generated by NonprofitSpending's AI analysis engine. The data is sourced from publicly available IRS 990 filings accessed through the ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer API and IRS electronic filing records. The Mission Score, spending breakdown, and other analytical insights are produced by artificial intelligence and should be used as one of multiple factors when evaluating a nonprofit organization.
IRS 990 forms are annual information returns that most tax-exempt organizations must file with the IRS. These forms provide detailed financial information including revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and compensation of officers. NonprofitSpending processes this data to provide accessible transparency reports for donors, researchers, and the general public.
Disclaimer
AI-generated analysis based on IRS public records. Not financial or legal advice. Verify information directly with the organization.