Annual Fund First
Our ability to provide each Westchester student with the best possible educational experience depends on you. The continued generosity of parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, alumni, friends, corporations and foundations helps sustain our enhanced programming, adding to the well-rounded experience all students receive at Westchester. We are all bound together by their unique experiences and will continue to THRIVE because of our community’s devotion. Join us in helping current and future students begin to develop this special bond by giving to the Annual Fund.
The WCDS Annual Fund provides:
• A competitive tuition cost that is less than our peer schools (GDS, FCDS)
• The highest quality faculty and staff
• Up-to-date software and hardware for the school community
• Financial aid to students who otherwise could not attend
• Enhanced curriculum for all departments, including arts and athletics
When you give back, we move forward.
May 25, 2013
Graduation
May 31, 2013
Last Day of School
Annual Fund FAQ's
What is Annual Fund
Tuition only covers about 80% of what it costs us to run the school. This equates to a gap of $750 per student. Our Annual Fund covers the majority of this gap, with other fundraisers making up the difference. This is the norm for most independent schools across the country.
How much should I give?
To reach our Annual Fund goal of $300,000, we need to collect the equivalent of $750 per enrolled student. We realize this is a big number and don’t expect every family to contribute this amount. However, your gift, regardless of the amount, goes a long way toward accomplishing this goal.
Why don't we raise tuition to cover the full cost?
Augmenting tuition with the Annual Fund allows the school to keep it at a competitive rate with the surrounding community. Charging the full cost would significantly increase tuition, limiting the number of qualified students able to attend.
What if I am unhappy about something at Westchester?
While your concern is very important please keep in mind Annual Fund supports allaspects of the WCDS experience. Westchester encourages open discussion and strives to communicate effectively with all members of the school community. Instead of using the Annual Fund to express your concerns, please contact the person involved or a school administrator to try to resolve the issue.
Do Blue & White Gala/Auction purchases count toward Annual Fund?
The Blue & White Gala is the second most important way in which we cover the gap between what we charge and what it costs to run the school each year. Chuck’s Fund, a key component of our spring auction, is a discretionary fund for the Head of School to spend on non-budgeted needs. Annual Fund is for budgeted items.Both are important elements of our yearly development efforts.
How do I make an Annual Fund gift?
Pledges can be made now and payments can be made throughout the fiscal year. Our goal is to have all pledges made by the end of October. All pledges should be paid in full by June 30, 2012. Payments can be set-up on the school website via credit card, or you can pay by check or stock gifts.
Click here to make a gift or pledge now!