Giving FAQs
The following questions and answers will introduce you to charitable giving and fund-raising at The Advent School.
Q. Tuition is expensive. Why must The Advent School ask for additional money?
Tuition covers about 84% of the full cost of educating an Advent student each year. We depend upon charitable contributions to supplement tuition income and cover operating expenses including faculty and staff salaries and benefits, professional development, building maintenance, and financial aid. Without this additional support, tuition would be higher.
Q. What is the Fund for Advent?
The Fund for Advent is an indispensable source of unrestricted income and an important part of the annual operating budget. Gifts to the Fund for Advent help to close the gap between the income received from tuition and the total cost of an Advent education.
Q. How much should we give to the Fund for Advent?
Advent needs and appreciates gifts of every size. Last year gifts to the Fund for Advent ranged from $10 to $15,000. Your contribution to the Fund for Advent is an investment in our teachers and students, and is an expression of your commitment to Advent’s mission. The right amount is what is appropriate for you and your family, according to your circumstances. We hope that parents and guardians will make The Advent School one of their top philanthropic priorities.
Q. Who supports The Advent School and the Fund for Advent?
Parents, alumni and parents of alumni, trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents and many other friends of Advent give to The Advent School. The success of the Fund for Advent depends on the participation of the entire community.
Q. Should those who volunteer their time to Advent also make a financial contribution to the School?
Yes, we need both volunteers and financial contributions to survive! Volunteerism is a vital part of our community and Advent parents give extraordinary gifts of time, but we do hope that everyone in our community will make a financial contribution according to their ability.
Q. Does The Advent School have any restricted funds?
While unrestricted giving provides flexible funds that can be used where best needed, some donors may wish to direct the use of their gift or part of their gift. The school has several restricted funds including for the Margo Lane Fund for Financial Aid and the Faculty Professional Development. Contact Suzanna in the Development Office for more information.
Q. Does The Advent School hold additional fund-raising events?
Our biggest event of the year is our annual Spring Benefit which raises funds for financial aid and special projects. Other events include a fall fund-raising sale of Equal Exchange coffee and chocolate and our annual Comedy Night in May. These additional activities help strengthen our community and provide additional support for Advent. Participating in these activities is a great way to get involved in our community and meet other Advent families.
“What is absolutely unique [about the Advent School] is the judgment, creativity, and developmental attention with which its rich multi-cultural program has been constructed. If any school will underscore and illuminate the opportunity and challenge with which multi-cultural education can be considered, this fine, small, humane scholarly little school can do it for us all.”
— citation from the U.S. Department of Education
- Spring Benefit 2009
