The 2009 – 2010 Annual Fund Drive is in full swing, with the majority of staff and board members have already on board. The goal for this year’s campaign is $140,000 and the School is confident that it can achieve that goal if everyone participates.

“Increased participation is this year’s number one goal, especially among our parent population.” said Headmaster Ron Ferguson. “Parent participation has been inching up gradually over the last several years, but St. Andrew’s participation numbers still lag significantly behind many of our sister schools”.

The Annual Fund provides an opportunity for parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and staff to advance the continued excellence of a St. Andrew’s education. Tuition covers only 80% of the cost of educating each student therefore support of the Annual Fund is critical to the School as it underwrites a significant part of the budget.

The Annual Fund benefits every facet of the School's operation from faculty salaries and professional development, athletics and technology, to the arts programs and classroom materials. A gift to the Annual Fund is tax deductible and it is the foremost donation that the School asks of parents, grandparents, faculty, and friends.

Many people forget that as an independent Episcopal school, St. Andrew’s operates without financial support from a parish or from local, state, and federal governments. This means that the School relies on tuition income as well as a strong Annual Fund to maintain operations. Each year, it is the Annual Fund that raises money critical to balancing the School's budget.

Participation is so important because every gift, regardless of size, contributes to the growth and development of St. Andrew’s students. Participation is also is a vote of confidence, a sign that the St. Andrew’s community invests in the School and its mission. Being able to demonstrate a high level of participation by parents, board and staff is crucial when approaching outside sources of funding like foundations and corporations.