Montessori preschool in New York accepts Bitcoin for payment

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Montessori preschools in New York have joined the growing list of Bitcoin adopters to take the digital currency as tuition payment.

The Montessori school in Manhattan charges roughly 30,000 dollars a year in tuition. It doesn't accept credit cards, but as of this June it began accepting Bitcoin as payment, a decision pushed for by the parents.

“If they request something, we try to appease them whenever possible and this is something that a few have asked for,” said Marco Ciocca, co-founder of Montessori schools in Flatiron and Soho.

Another reason the school decided to adopt the currency is because of its heritage. The Montessori approach to education supports self-directed learning, which has been credited for fostering some of the biggest names in tech.

Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos and Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergei Brin, all attended Montessori schools. Ciocca believed adopting new technologies like digital currencies aligns with the school's values.

“I really think this is the future. Sooner, rather than later, you'll be able to send these digital assets instantly when buying a piece of gum, a book, a car, whatever you want.”

There has been an increasing number of companies that accept Bitcoin. The diverse list now includes high-end grocery chain Whole Foods, Virgin Airlines, online dating site OK Cupid and global charity Save the Children.

Early adopters of the digital currency have done very well. 1000 US dollars invested in Bitcoin in July 2010 would be worth 35 million US dollars 7 years later.