Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a Children's Community School (CCS) education. There is an operational gap of approximately $7,800 per student between what tuition covers and the actual cost of educating each child.

Beyond the financial reality, giving is deeply connected to CCS’s educational philosophy. CCS teaches children that being part of a community comes with a shared responsibility to participate, care for it, and contribute to its well-being.

Supporting the Annual Community Fund (ACF) allows parents to model that exact value for their children. It is also an act of stewardship—passing the torch forward to sustain the faculty, programs, and campus built by past generations.

Yes, both are equally valued. CCS relies on many different forms of participation including volunteering, attending events, sharing expertise, supporting other families, and donating.

Community is sustained through both time and financial contributions. This does not mean everyone gives the same dollar amount; it means every family belongs equally and participates in ways that are meaningful and possible for them—whether through time, energy, or a financial gift of any size.

Donations to the Annual Community Fund directly support six core pillars across campus:

• Faculty: Supporting and retaining exceptional teachers, professional growth, and progressive pedagogy. (Faculty salaries represent one of the two largest expense areas supported.)

• Facilities: Caring for, improving, and growing classroom structures, campus spaces, and yard features.

• Arts: Sustaining teachers, supplies, and creative experiences in music, art, and science.

• Financial Aid: Ensuring CCS remains accessible to families across diverse financial circumstances.

• Belonging: Funding programs, gatherings, and experiences that deepen connection and build bridges across identities.

• Innovation: Providing tools, emerging technologies, and learning experiences aligned with progressive education.

Every gift directly impacts the daily experience of every single student and staff member on campus.

Annual Community Fund donations are directed toward the school's six core operational priorities (Faculty, Facilities, Arts, Financial Aid, Belonging, and Innovation). Donors can choose to specify an area or they can select “the area of greatest need”.

Gifts to the Annual Community Fund can be made through multiple convenient channels:

• Credit Card

• Venmo

• Zelle

• Check or Cash

• Stock Transfers

Donors are also encouraged to check if their employers offer corporate matching gift programs to double or maximize the impact of their contribution.

CCS does not set fixed required amounts per family. Instead, the school invites every family to contribute at a level that is personally meaningful and possible for them, with gifts historically ranging from $50 to $50,000.

In some outreach communications, families are invited to consider a symbolic gift of $1,981.00 to honor the school's founding year (1981), but any amount that fits a family's budget is welcomed. The emphasis is placed on shared participation rather than specific dollar targets.

The main campaign drive runs annually from October 9 through Giving Tuesday (December 2). Gifts can be submitted electronically or physically during this period via credit card, check, cash, stock, or Venmo. You can pay in one lump sum, schedule recurring payments or pledge an amount to be paid at a later date during the school year.

Specific gift amounts and personal payment details are kept strictly confidential within the Advancement and Business Office on a need-to-know basis.

In alignment with non-profit donor rights, any donor can choose to make a completely anonymous gift. If you prefer that your name not appear in school publications or donor listings (such as the Book of Gratitude), your preference will be honored