Annual Giving Campaign

As a parent, I already pay tuition. Why do I need to donate money as well?

Tuition builds the foundation for an ACDS education. Your gift to the Annual Giving Campaign enables us to elevate that foundation for our students and teachers.

ACDS is always becoming, and your gift fuels our school’s ongoing growth. It allows programs to deepen and expand over time. For example, our music program has grown from singing, learning musical dynamics, and exploring different composers to include opportunities for students across grade levels to play instruments like the Orff and ukulele. Fundraising dollars have also made it possible to add exciting new clubs and electives—such as Vanguard, piano, and band—giving students more ways to explore their interests and talents.

Why not just raise tuition?

Tuition covers the foundation of the ACDS experience. The Annual Giving Campaign provides an opportunity for tax-deductible donations that, in turn, help ACDS keep tuition lower for all families. Funds raised through AGC allow us to invest in areas that enhance the student and teacher experience and fuel our school’s continued growth.

By keeping tuition increases as modest as possible, we can continue attracting a diverse community of capable students from a variety of backgrounds—promoting greater socioeconomic diversity—while still raising the funds needed to elevate every child’s education.

What are Annual Giving funds used for and how do the funds benefit my child?

Tuition covers the foundation of an ACDS education. Annual Giving funds elevate that foundation—bringing additional depth, joy, and opportunity to every child’s school experience. These dollars go to work right away, benefiting students and teachers across all grade levels.

Your gifts help make possible:

• Exceptional teachers who know and inspire each child
• Small class sizes and meaningful teacher-student connections
• Materials that bring hands-on, joyful learning to life
• Enrichment programs such as Art, Music, Drama, Robotics, Science, Foreign Language, and PE
• Field trips and experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom
   
• Professional development for teachers, keeping our curriculum dynamic and responsive
• Welcoming spaces and resources that support childhood at every stage

When you give, you’re ensuring that every student, from our youngest learners to our soon-to-be graduates, benefits from an enriched and elevated education.

How much do we need to raise?

This year, our Annual Giving Campaign goal is $625,000. These funds go directly to elevating the ACDS experience—supporting exceptional teachers, dynamic programs, enriched learning opportunities, and the resources that elevate the ACDS experience for every child.

How much should I give?

The suggested amount per student is $1,480. We understand that some families are unable to give at that level, while others can contribute significantly more. We encourage each family to give at a level that is meaningful to them and fits their family budget.

If you are able, we invite you to consider becoming a Leadership Donor with a gift of $2,500 or more.

We believe that when every family gives a gift that is meaningful to their particular financial situation, ACDS will reach its goal. Please remember that all gifts are tax-deductible, and every gift truly counts!

How did the school arrive at the suggested gift amount?

The suggested gift amount is typically based on the school's annual fundraising goal divided by the number of families. This provides a baseline to help the community achieve its collective target.

Are the ACDS faculty and board of trustees involved in the campaign?

Yes, the ACDS faculty and board of trustees are actively involved in the Annual Giving campaign, often with 100% participation, demonstrating their commitment to the school's mission.

Why should I consider becoming a Leadership Donor?

Leadership Donors play a vital role in helping ACDS elevate the educational experience for every student and teacher. By making an annual gift of $2,500 or more, you provide critical support that goes beyond the foundation tuition provides—enhancing faculty compensation, expanding innovative programs, updating teaching materials, and integrating new technologies.

Your leadership gift ensures that our students benefit from a dynamic, joyful, and ever-evolving learning environment, and positions you at the forefront of ACDS’s most important fundraising initiative.

Leadership Levels

• Imagine $2,500 - $4,999
• Envision $5,000 - $7,499
• Aspire $7,500 - $9,999
• Legacy $10,000 +

How are leadership donor levels calculated?

Leadership donor levels are determined by specific gift amounts set by the school. These levels recognize donors who make a substantial commitment to the Annual Giving campaign.

What is a "Matching gift" and how do I know if I am eligible?

A matching gift is a donation made by a company that matches its employee's charitable contributions. Many corporations offer this benefit as a way to support their employees' philanthropic efforts. You can find out if your employer has a matching gift program by checking with your Human Resources department.

Can I donate securities and what is ACDS's tax ID number?

Yes, you can donate securities. For instructions and the ACDS tax ID number, you should contact the school's development or business office directly.

May I designate how my gift will be used?

Annual Giving gifts are typically undesignated, meaning they are used for the school's greatest needs. This allows the school to be flexible and allocate funds where they will have the most impact.

I can't give now, but would like to later. Can I do that?

Yes, you can make a pledge now and pay it later, all pledges must be fulfilled by May 31st, 2026.

The link to the giving form needs to be updated to the 25/26 Online Giving Form.

Can I break my pledge into several payments?

Yes! You can set up Recurring Payments for your pledge. Payments can be made monthly from either your credit card or your bank account. Recurring payments will begin on the first of the month following setup (for example, if you set up a recurring payment on September 13, 2025, payments will begin on October 1, 2025) and will end automatically on May 31, 2026.

If you need assistance, please contact the Director of Annual Giving & Special Events, Kimberly Ahlgren at 408-997-0424—we’re happy to help make your pledge work for your family.