Help us sustain the unique approach to education that can only be found at The Summit

love supporting The Summit because I am passionate about giving back. I enjoy volunteering and helping people in need. With that being said, since my daughter is a new early learner, I want her to have the tools to succeed at The Summit. I also want all of her classmates and fellow students at the school to succeed. ~ Summit Parent

As a non-profit independent school, The Summit truly operates independently. We are not supported by state or federal tax dollars, educational, or religious affiliates. Each year, our school relies on donor contributions to our annual Raven Experience Fund to provide critical support to our operating budget.

Your gift helps us sustain the unique approach to education that can only be found at The Summit. These gifts have an immediate and direct benefit to each student and faculty member, as well as to the quality and range of all school programs.

We count on the philanthropic support from our community, including parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to give a meaningful, heartfelt donation to The Raven Experience Fund each year. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution is important.

Whether it's $10 or $1,000, your donation becomes a part of many other donations. Before you know it, you've helped us met our $150,000 goal! Last year 65% of donations to The Raven Experience Fund were $100 or less!

The Impact of Giving

The Raven Experience Fund is the core of The Summit's fundraising efforts and makes up the difference between what tuition covers and the cost of running the school.

Your gift will help us provide an exceptional education for our students today. Through this support, The Summit is able to:

• Attract and retain the most talented faculty.
• Provide optimum resources to support best practices in student learning.
• Maintain an attractive, welcoming, and safe learning environment.
• Enhance art, music, physical education, yoga, Spanish language, STEM, and athletic programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have The Raven Experience Fund?

The Raven Experience Fund makes up the difference in what tuition covers and the actual costs of operating The Summit.

This fund allows The Summit to maintain small classes providing a more individual and personal approach to each student. Like other nonprofits and private schools, The Summit supplements costs through The Raven Experience Fund. These donations are tax-deductible donations, unlike tuition. The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) recommends that 26% of an independent school’s budget should be fundraising revenue.

Where does the money go?

The money donated to The Raven Experience Fund is used within the current fiscal year and supports teacher salaries and benefits, educational equipment and technology, continuing education for staff, and keeping the lights on.

• $50 would cover the cost of medical supplies at the front desk for one month
• $100 would cover the cost of sending the Raven Report for one month
• $500 would cover the cost of copying and printing for one month
• $750 would cover the cost of athletic activities for one month
• $1,000 would cover the cost of online student subscriptions for one month
• $2,500 would cover the cost of hosting one school concert

Why does The Summit ask for contributions instead of increasing tuition?

If the tuition price was increased to include all costs, many families would be unable to afford an independent school experience. We know this would exclude the talented and deserving young students who would add so much to the Summit community. A diverse student population enriches the educational experience for all of our students and their families.

Does my gift really make a difference?

Yes! The Summit is a truly independent school. We are not supported by federal tax dollars, educational, or religious affiliates, so every gift matters.

When you participate in The Raven Experience Fund, whether it's $10 or $1,000, your donation becomes a part of many other donations. Before you know it, you've helped us meet our $150,000 goal!

Gifts of $5,000 and more qualify for Raven Partner benefits.

If you would prefer to write a check, please make check out to The Summit Preparatory School, with Raven Fund in the memo line. Check can be mailed to: 202 East Walnut Lawn, Springfield, MO 65807

For more information about The Raven Experience fund or other giving options please contact Amy Maas, Development Officer at 417-869-8077 or amaas@thesummitprep.org.

Thank you for your support!