St. Andrews Episcopal School

Why is St. Andrew's considered an independent school?

St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is considered an independent school because it designs its own programs and curriculum, operates without financial support from the national or state government or the Episcopal Diocese, and is governed by its own Board of Trustees. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, independent schools rely solely upon tuition fees, endowment income and proceeds from fundraising to meet their operating expenses.

What special events does the Development Office support and how can I participate?

The Development Office supports the bi-annual Endowment event. The office also supports Family Fair, St. Andrew’s Day, Homecoming, Grandparents’ Day, The Founders’ Dinner, Annual Giving Party, Off-to-College Alumni Party, First Grade Parent Dinner, New Parent Dinner, 8th Grade Parent Dinner, Senior Parent Dinner, Parents’ Council Luncheon, Lucy’s Lunches, groundbreakings and dedications, and other special events that may occur during a school year.

Look for more information about our special events on our Web site, in the Crusader Magazine and school newsletters, and through the Parents’ Council. You can volunteer online for any events, too. We depend heavily on our parent volunteers – feel free to stop by or call the Development Office anytime!

What is the difference between the Development Office, the Communications Office, and the Business Office?

The St. Andrew’s Development Office manages the school database and all fundraising and special events for the school. The Communications Office is responsible for the Web site, media relations, and all published materials for St. Andrew’s. The Business Office manages all standard financial information for the school. All tuition and fees payments should be directed to the Business Office (located at 1212 W. 31st street) as well as any financial inquiries about fee statements, financial aid applications, or monies due.

Why does St. Andrew’s need an Annual Fund?

St. Andrew’s is an independent school, therefore we operate without financial support from the national or state government or the Episcopal Diocese. Independent schools rely solely upon tuition fees, endowment income and proceeds from fundraising to meet their operating expenses.

The success of the Annual Fund has a direct impact on the quality of St. Andrew’s programs. Dollars raised by the Annual Fund are crucial to bridge the gap between tuition income and operating expenses. All independent schools rely on a strong Annual Fund to assist with the school’s operating budget. The Annual Fund is a critical component of the budget (over $600,000) and its unrestricted funds help keep our special daily classes, retain small teacher-student ratios, and purchase necessary items for the school that are not anticipated in the budget. All Annual Fund gifts are 100% tax-deductible.

What is the difference between the Endowment Fund and the Financial Aid Program?

Income from the Endowment Fund serves as a cushion should financial stress affect the school and it is also composed of gifts intended to supplement scholarships, teaching chairs and departments, and administrative positions.

At St. Andrew’s, our Endowment Fund currently has a balance of $4.9 million. This is considered to be a very modest endowment for a grade 1-12 independent school of St. Andrew’s age and reputation; the average endowment of other Southwest Preparatory Conference schools is approximately $65 million.

An endowment of $10 million could provide approximately $500,000 annually. Although substantial, this amount would not be enough to cover the school’s annual financial aid needs, which for the 2004-2005 school year were more than $640,000. An endowment of $10 million would relieve pressure, although not eliminate, the need to use other school dollars to cover financial aid requirements. This amount would also allow the school to begin building other endowed funds to benefit St. Andrew’s students.

An endowment of $50 million could generate as much as $2.5 million per year. This amount would not only fully fund financial aid needs, it could generously supplement faculty salaries, purchase library books and other resources, replace obsolete technology, and ensure the well-being and beauty of our two campuses.

Financial Aid assists our students who are unable to pay in full to go to St. Andrew’s. In the 2004-2005 school year, over $640,000 was distributed to deserving students, approximately 17% of our student body. The National Association of Episcopal Schools recommends that financial aid be made available to 20% of the student body. St. Andrew’s has received commendations for its increasingly generous financial aid program, which allows the school to seek students of character and intelligence from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

The main vehicle for financial aid fundraising is the Family Fair, a fun community event held each spring. In addition, a portion of tuition proceeds is given annually in financial aid to encourage and support socio-economic diversity. St. Andrew’s success at reaching out to a socioeconomically diverse community underlines the need to significantly increase the Endowment Fund, which, through income earned from the endowment fund, will support annual financial aid requests.

Q.	What is Family Fair for?
A.	Family Fair is a fun community event that raises money for our important Financial Aid Program. In the past few years, our generous community has helped raise over $200,000 annually through Family Fair sponsorships, Silent Auction, and Live Auction contributions.

Q.	If we increase the endowment, will we still need an Annual Fund?
A.	Yes. The Annual Fund supports an on-going need that assists our operating budget every school year.

Q.	What is the Bailey Society?
A.	The Bailey Society is St. Andrew’s recognition society for all individuals who have named St. Andrew’s as a beneficiary of their estate plan. Anyone interested in including St. Andrew’s in their planned giving should contact Catherine Herter , Director of Development.

Q.	How can I volunteer for St. Andrews’ Special Events?
A.	We love our volunteers! You can volunteer online for a number of our St. Andrew’s Special Events. Volunteers are recruited through our Parents’ Council every year.

Q.	How can I contribute financially to the school?
A.	You can contribute online to the Annual Fund or call the Development Office to make contributions to our Endowment Fund, Financial Aid Program, or the Bailey Society.

Which fund is the most important?

They are all important. The Annual Fund helps St. Andrew’s operate on an annual level by offsetting annual operating expenses. The Endowment Fund is a long-term investment for our school and, with significant increases, will supplement financial aid needs, faculty salaries, purchase library books and other resources, replace obsolete technology, and ensure the well-being and beauty of our two campuses. Financial Aid supports our desire to provide a socioeconomically diverse education for all our students, allowing our children to be surrounded and supported by a diverse and dynamic student body and faculty.

Why is participation in the Annual Fund critical?

The Annual Fund is a community effort and participation in the Annual Fund reflects community support for our school. In addition, strong Annual Fund participation from our families often positively influences contributions from foundations and corporations. Every year, St. Andrew’s faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees participated 100% in the Annual Fund. We hope for 100% participation by our families as well!