Giving
The Westwood School is the premier school in the nation blending International Baccalaureate and the Montessori Method. Our Annual Fund campaign is a key component in Westwood’s ability to continue to fulfill our mission each and every year –to develop character, foster community, and promote excellence in each of our 300 students and in all students to follow.
To continue to achieve the standard of excellence that Westwood is known for, we depend on 100% participation from the Westwood community in our Annual Fund campaign. Tax-deductible Annual Fund investments are vital to providing a wide variety of opportunities that support ALL students.
Thank you for entrusting Westwood with the education of those who are dearest to you and for being a part of our Westwood family.
Sincerely,
The Annual Fund Committee
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the Annual Fund?
A: The Annual Fund is an annual a year campaign that supports the school’s current fiscal year operating budget with funds for curriculum development, technology, classroom materials, and staff training. When you give to the Annual Fund, you can be certain that your gift is helping students right now!
Q: Doesn’t the tuition cover these expenses?
A: Yes, but not completely. As at most independent schools, there is a gap between the full cost of educating a student at Westwood and tuition income. Westwood strives each school year to provide small student / teacher ratios, superior teaching staff and extraordinary programs. Your Annual Fund contributions along with contributions from the outside community fill in the gap helping Westwood to meet these goals.
Q: Why is 100% participation so important?
A: To ensure the continuation of outstanding programs, the school relies upon participation from the internal and external community. 100% participation in our Annual Fund is key in helping us to gain support from foundations, corporations and other outside donors as many of these only provide funds to schools that can demonstrate wide support from their internal community of parents, staff and alumni.
Q: Why not just raise tuition?
A: Tuition covers only a portion of the cost of educating a student at Westwood. If independent schools relied solely on tuition income, they would price themselves well beyond the means of many families. In addition, gifts to the Annual Fund are tax deductible while an increase in tuition is not.
