A GUIDE TO
GIVING & GETTING INVOLVED
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Summit is committed to prudent financial planning. As an independent school, Summit receives no financial support from federal, state, or local governments. The sole sources of revenue are tuition, charitable gifts, income from invested reserves, and proceeds from special activities and events. Like all independent schools, Summit must raise additional funds beyond tuition revenue to balance the budget and provide for the future. Even families who pay full tuition receive a subsidy of approximately $2,300 annually toward their child’s education. Your financial support to The Summit Fund allows the school to continue to provide a first-rate education for students while keeping tuition increases modest.
WITHIN A SCHOOL YEAR YOU WILL HAVE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE.
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF OUR COMMUNIT Y.
EDUCATING A CHILD REQUIRES: AN EXCEPTIONAL FACULT Y, A CURRICULUM THAT DEVELOPS FLUENCY, CREATIVIT Y AND COMPETENCY, AND THE GENEROUS INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS.
A GENEROUS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS SUMMIT’S MISSION Since its founding in 1933, each Summit School family has played an important role in the school community. Summit parents share the responsibilities of meeting the school’s educational goals and ensuring a soundly governed and financially healthy institution. Summit encourages parents to actively participate in daily school life and provide financial support beyond tuition. Through volunteer opportunities, special events, and fundraising efforts, the school provides a variety of ways to become involved.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES The Summit Fund is the primary way for alums, parents, grandparents, past parents, and friends to support the annual operations of our school. By giving, you help Summit take advantage of mission-driven, real-time innovations that keep a Summit education dynamic— both in and out of the classroom. Annual participation is strongly encouraged. ONWARD & UPWARD SOCIETY Summit Stars 1933 Council Founders’ Society Head’s Team Pioneer Circle
$20,000+ $10,000-$19,999 $5,000-$9,999 $3,000-$4,999 $2,300-$2,999
Futrell Friends Lewis Legends Adams Architects Summit Supporters Collegiate Honors Eagles’ Nest
$1,000-$2,299 $500-$999 $250-$499 up to $249 Alumni in College Alumni in High School
Summit’s planned giving society, Patrons for Tomorrow, was established to recognize those who have made provisions for a planned gift to Summit School. There are many ways you can leave a lasting legacy and ensure that Summit remains strong for generations to come.
INVESTED RESERVES (ENDOWMENT) Invested Reserves, also called endowment, help fund the costs of school programs. These funds enable Summit to respond quickly to needs and keep the school innovative. Started in 1959, the endowment is currently valued at $19.4 million, built by gifts from generous donors.
MATCHING GIFTS Make your gift go twice as far! Matching gifts from your employer are a great way to leverage additional dollars to support Summit. Please check with your company to see if they offer matching gifts or let us know if we can assist you with this process. Remember that gifts from spouses and retirees may also be eligible.
GETTING INVOLVED PARENT ENGAGEMENT Parent Engagement refers to volunteer opportunities that involve coordinating enrichment and fundraising activities which benefit Summit children. These activities provide help to the classroom teachers and staff and financial support through “fun raisers.” Our fundraisers include Book Fair, school pictures, and the biennial Gala Auction. The proceeds from these activities are used for special projects including library equipment, computers, and software. To learn more about these opportunities, please email sspa@summitmail.org.
COMMITTEES Back to School Bash
Graduation
Book Fair
Grandparent Mailings Support
Costume Room Faculty & Staff Appreciation
Lower School Library May Frolics
Gala
New Families
Garden Guardians
School Pictures
Grade Parents
Summit Fund
PARENT CHECKLIST FOR GIVING AND GETTING INVOLVED 2022-2023 Sign Up to Volunteer
Now!
New Parent Social
August 22
5th Grade Parents’ Night
August 31
Contribute to The Summit Fund
September
9th Grade Family Breakfast
September 1
Parents’ Back to School Coffee
September 2
8th Grade Family Breakfast
September 8
Back to School Bash
September 9
Early Childhood Parents’ Night Week of Giving
September 13 September 19-23
1st - 4th Grade Parents’ Night
September 20
6 & 7 Grade Parents’ Night
September 21
Celebrate Summit’s Birthday (founded in 1933)
September 26
th
th
Return re-enrollment contracts to Admissions Office Head’s Team Reception Gala
February February 23 March 18
Book Fair
Spring 2023
Donor Appreciation Event
May 1
May Frolics
May 5
To make a gift, volunteer, or get more information, please contact the development office at (336) 724-5811 or visit summitschool.com/give.