Small schools are gaining popularity in the United States not only with students but with donors as well. According to the Neal Peirce Column of The "Washington Post" Writers Group, "far and away the biggest catalyst is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It has poured over $1 billion in five years into promoting smaller schools in Boston, Chicago, Milwaukee, and other cities. Just this month New York City announced it was coming on board the small school's movement. It will open 60 schools with 500 students or less—41 high schools, four traditional middle schools and 15 based on an innovative sixth- or seventh-through-12th grade model."