My family is already paying tuition. Why do we need to donate money as well?
Your gift supports the people and programs that make FISW special, including talented teachers, small classes, curriculum and classroom resources, technology and more. This translates into personal attention, intellectual stimulation, and joyful learning.
Gifts are important because they give your child access to more than tuition is paying for. The things that make FISW special, and prepare your child for the 21st century, drive the operating budget up. To keep tuition more affordable, yet still offer this amazing FISW education, we must ask parents, grandparents, alumni and friends for financial support above tuition.
FISW doesn’t look like it needs money. Why should I give?
Because the cost of tuition is relatively high, it’s easy to assume that FISW doesn’t need additional support. You might assume we have a lot of money, well-paid teachers and staff and minimal financial needs. However, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented, and this costs money - about 70% of the school’s operating budget.
Why can’t you just charge the full cost of tuition and avoid fundraising?
The Board does not charge the full cost of tuition because they want FISW to be accessible to a greater number of families. Offering this excellent education at a lower price allows parents to make up the difference through tax-deductible donations.
Diversity of all types is also very important to FISW, and fundraising allows the school to offer tuition assistance to families and students who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
When all is said and done, the for-profit business model, whose mission is to make money, is not an appropriate model for an independent school, whose mission is to educate your child. Socio-economic diversity, excellent teachers and a caring community creates an excellent learning environment and gives your child an amazing school experience.
Many people enjoy getting involved in fundraising activities because they meet new people and establish friendships. Others view giving as a way to become an active stakeholder and help the school achieve its goals. Still others take pride in being recognized on a list of school supporters. And, unlike tuition payments, gifts to independent schools are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
FISW has fewer supporters than a university or a large charity. Because the number of supporters is small, but the need is large, every gift is important. Gifts to FISW really pay off, and make your child’s education even better.
