Pacific Oaks Children's School  

Annual Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Pacific Oaks have an Annual Fund?

Pacific Oaks has an Annual Fund to bridge the difference between tuition and the actual cost of an education at the school. However, at the Children’s School, we have a unique challenge in that the school only goes through kindergarten. Therefore, we do not have the alumni activity and generous giving from which many private schools that continue through elementary and high school benefit. Since these gifts are used during the year in which they are received, Pacific Oaks depends on families to support the Annual Fund every year.

Why doesn’t Pacific Oaks charge the full cost as part of tuition instead of raising funds each year?

The tuition that would be necessary to fund our current level of education would restrict even further the number of families who could afford to attend. This would limit enrollment which, in turn, could mean a cutback in programs and would undermine the school's commitment to making a Pacific Oaks education affordable to as many families as possible. In addition, a gift to the Annual Fund is tax deductible.

How much does the school need to raise each year?

The school needs to raise an additional $278,500 during the school year. This difference in the operating budget is covered by unrestricted gifts to the Annual Fund, as well as restricted gifts to specific initiatives such as Teacher Development, Scholarships and Facilities Funds. This operating budget difference translates to $1,266 per child.

 What do most people give and what is the average?

Participation from 100% of the families enrolled is the overriding goal of the annual fund. The critical point is that tuition collected for the 2006-2007 school year coverd only 88% of the Children’s School operating budget. As such, that works out to a budget difference of  $1,266 per child.  Families are encouraged to give generously and to the best of their ability.  Gifts in the past several years have ranged from $100. to $10,000.  We also ask that families vary their level of giving depending on how many of their children are enrolled at Pacific Oaks.

How will my gift be recognized?

Gifts to Pacific Oaks, no matter the size, are appreciated and acknowledged. As gifts are received, family names will be posted to recognition boards in each classroom and also in the Acorn newsletter. Specific dollar amounts of gifts are never published. Pacific Oaks hosts an annual event in the spring to recognize donors who give $1,000 or more.

Does it matter when a gift is made?

Yes; a gift made early in the school year is a great advantage to the school because it enables us to know how much money will be available to support the budget. Because of this, we ask families to make gifts by December 31, 2008, but gifts can be made through the end of the academic year on May 31, 2009.

How do I give?

Gifts can be made by check or credit card. Gifts to the Annual Fund are tax deductible. Many companies offer matching gift programs where your donation is doubled or in some cases tripled. To see if your company has a matching gift program, ask your human resources department.

Whom can I contact with questions?

Please feel free to contact a member of the Annual Fund Committee (comprised of the Annual Fund Co-Chairs and individual representatives from each yard) or the Advancement Office with any questions.

The Advancement Office can be reached as follows: 

Email:  Advancment Office
Telephone:  626-397-1324

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