Giving

Annual Fund

Cultivating Excellence in Education: The Weiss School Annual Fund

The 2018-2019 Weiss School year opened with great enthusiasm. Our gifted students are fully engaged in a uniquely crafted educational experience that meets their individual academic and social development needs. As a school, we are committed to continuing the path to exceptionalism for our gifted students. Chairing the Annual Fund this year will be Rachael Hickson, a Weiss School parent and member of our Parents' Association Board.
 
The Weiss School educational experience is delivered at an excellent value. Our tuition is competitive, and in fact, is aligned with or below other private schools in our region. Like all private schools, our tuition is not designed to cover all school operating costs and an annual fund is needed and used to bridge the financial gap. Annual funds collected are put to use immediately for the 2018-2019 school year. Some of the highlights of where your Annual Fund dollars will be used this year are:
  • Updated Math Curriculum, 1st Grade – Algebra 2
  • Upgraded Early Childhood Curriculum
  • Friday Morning Show Equipment Upgrade ($8,000 already raised from 2018 Auction)
  • Upgraded Robotics and Coding Program
  • Replacement of Physical Education Equipment
  • Increase of Guidance Counselor from Part-Time to Full-Time Position
  • Pottery Kiln for Art Department
  • Imagination Playground Equipment
  • Gifted Professional Development by Dr. Patricia Gatto-Walden for Staff, Students, and Parents
  • Dean of Discipline and Campus Security
We are very fortunate to have a remarkable legacy of philanthropic support from the Weiss School community. This year, the Weiss School Annual Fund has a goal of 100% parent participation. This increases our probability of securing funding from outside sources such as private foundations and corporations. We understand that each family has a unique giving capacity, and each donation is welcome and meaningful. We thoughtfully ask each family to support the Weiss School Annual Fund by contributing $1,500 for the 2018-2019 school year. With the appreciation that we value every gift, we are deeply grateful to our families who give beyond the minimum Annual Fund request. Please consider giving to the best of your ability and making The Weiss School your top philanthropic priority.
 
We need everyone to be ALL IN together to champion this unique school. To give, please complete the 2018-2019 Annual Fund pledge form and return your payment to the school for your contribution or pledge. All credit card fees will be waived for any Annual Fund donations for the 2018-2019 school year. Please make your contribution or pledge by Friday, October 26, 2018. 

Finally, there are numerous companies who provide matching contributions when their employees make contributions to nonprofit organizations. Please visit https://doublethedonation.com/weissschool to determine if your company matches employee contributions.


LET’S BE ALL IN TOGETHER!

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Why an Annual Fund?

    As is typical for most independent schools, The Weiss School relies on its Annual Fund as an important component of its operating budget. Tuition covers approximately 85% of the annual operating budget. The remaining 15% is comprised of Annual Fund gifts, fundraising activities, corporate gifts, and other non-tuition income received from outside sources.

  • Q. Why does the school fundraise?

    The Weiss School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Unlike public and charter schools, The Weiss School receives no local, state, or federal government funding. Tuition alone does not cover everything we have come to expect in our exemplary gifted educational program. The Board of Trustees approves a budget that relies on philanthropic support as one way to keep tuition as affordable as possible. Furthermore, philanthropic contributions provide an opportunity for donors to receive tax benefits while also supporting The Weiss School.

  • Q. How are Annual Fund dollars used?

    Annual Fund dollars are used to support Weiss School academic and extracurricular programs, facility enhancements, and unique school projects. 

  • Q. What is the goal of the Annual Fund?

    We ask all families to consider The Weiss School a philanthropic priority and the Annual Fund is the first and most important fundraising initiative each year. The goal of the Annual Fund is achieveing 100% participation among Weiss School families. 

  • Q. What is the appropriate amount to give?

    We realize that all family circumstances are unique. Families are asked to give to the best of their ability and we understand that means different things at different times. Some families are able to give a substantial amount while others are only able to give more modestly. What matters most is the act of giving and that every family contributes what they can to support The Weiss School. Our history has shown that when everyone gives as generously as possible, we are able to ensure that The Weiss School programs remain excellent for gifted students. 

  • Q. Are families receiving tuition assistance expected to participate?

    Yes. Gifts commensurate with each family's financial means are welcome and honored.

  • Q. Are gifts tax-deductible?

    Yes. The Weiss School is a nonprofit organization so all gifts and contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS. Donors are always advised to seek guidance from their tax preparer to determine tax deductibility questions. The Weiss School Development Office provides donation acknowledgements for tax purposes for all gifts regardless of the amount of the donation.

  • Q. Can we make a pledge?

    Absolutely. Some families choose to make a one-time gift while other families make a pledge to make a contribution in the future. If you do indicate you are making a pledge, please fulfill your pledge committment by April 30, 2018.

Questions?

If you have any questions or need guidance about the type and amount of gift you would like to make to The Weiss School, please contact Rachael Hickson, at (561) 209-2477 or via email at rhickson@weissschool.org.

Why donate to the Annual Fund? Please browse The Weiss School Guide to Giving.
The Weiss School is a co-ed private school that serves gifted students in PreK-3 through 8th grade in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A Weiss School education prepares students to think analytically and creatively, act socially responsible, live vigorously, and create imaginatively in a warm and supportive educational environment.