Q. Why are we asked to give money when we have already paid tuition?
A. Independent school education is expensive. The kind of schooling that Caedmon is designed and expected to give actually provides more educational value than tuition alone would afford. All independent schools rely on additional fundraising efforts both to make ends meet and to improve their programs. Additional sources of income may include earnings from endowed investments, fundraising efforts of the Parents Auxiliary, bequests, and the Annual Giving Campaign.

Q. If tuition income is insufficient, why not raise tuition?
A. Like all independent schools, Caedmon strives to keep its tuition reasonable in order to make the Caedmon experience accessible to more families. We recognize that education is enhanced a thousand-fold when it is offered within a community that is diverse in every way. The Caedmon School mission statement places exceptional emphasis on the need to nurture a school environment that reflects the real world in all its variety and color.

Q. Is my annual gift tax-deductible?
A. Of course! In fact, many current families are happy to be charged less tuition (which is NOT deductible) so that they may make a larger tax-deductible donation to the Annual Giving Campaign.

Q. Can the school cut costs to make tuition income go further?
A. Independent schools are non-profit, mission-driven institutions. Unlike commercial businesses, which might increase profits by streamlining expenses, an independent school strives only to break even, while providing the best possible education. It simply does not make any sense to pay teachers less, or to buy fewer computers, so that tuition dollars can be stretched further. At Caedmon we utilize your tuition dollars economically and solely for the benefit of your children. Your annual gift enhances our ability to do so.

Q. Is my annual gift providing financial aid to families in need?
A. Most assuredly… In keeping with the vision of its founding families, Caedmon has remained committed to offering financial aid through an allocated percentage of expected tuition revenue. Your generosity during the Annual Giving Campaign increases our ability to enrich the Caedmon education by welcoming into our community many families who could not otherwise attend. In recent years, financial aid has grown at Caedmon thanks to the creation of dedicated funds.

Q. Can we direct our donation to be used for specific purposes?
A. There are currently four ways in which you may express your personal priorities by directing your Annual Gift to Caedmon:

The Annual Fund
The Laflin Fund
The Marilyn Ann McTague Fund for Faculty Development
The Elizabeth Crawford Connelly Scholarship

Q. What is the difference between the Annual Giving Campaign and a Capital Campaign?
A. The Annual Giving Campaign is held each year to help Caedmon meet its “annual” expenses and make regular improvements to the program, facility, faculty salaries, etc. A Capital Campaign is an occasional fundraising effort that is aimed at more substantial improvements, such as major building renovations, or the strengthening of endowment. A Capital Campaign does NOT take place instead of the Annual Giving Campaign, but in addition to it. Caedmon is currently in the middle of its first major Capital Campaign.

Q. Are there other ways that we may support Caedmon and its mission?
A. Yes. Caedmon is always happy to receive contributions, whether in the form of an outright gift, a bequest, appreciated stocks, securities, or an unneeded life insurance policy or retirement plan. Many of these gift opportunities can provide substantial benefits to the giver as well, in the form of tax advantages. Anyone interested in exploring the various ways they can contribute to Caedmon and its mission is encouraged to contact the school’s development office.

Of course, donations of time and expertise are welcome as well. Caedmon is a family of families. We are investing in the future by preparing our children to make it their own.