Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fund for Excellence?

• ACDS’ annual giving program conducted each fiscal year (July 1-June 30).

• Dollars raised support the school’s current-year operating budget, and make up the difference between what tuition covers and the actual cost of running the school. Donations are unrestricted, meaning that donors agree that their gifts will be spent on the priorities deemed necessary by the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. The 2008-2009Fund for Excellence goal is $175,000.




The Fund for Excellence supports, among other priorities:

• Curriculum-related field trips

• Teaching tools and educational technology

• Athletic programs

• Professional development opportunities for faculty

• Teacher salaries and benefits

• Financial aid

Specifically, where does the money to the Fund go?

• The Fund is used to recruit and retain faculty, purchase textbooks, computers and other technology needs, provide financial assistance, sports equipment and uniforms, and organize special activities for our students. These are critical and annual needs that require your support and funding.

Why not just raise tuition to eliminate the need for the Fund?

It is our belief that the educational experience at ACDS is enhanced by having students from as many different backgrounds as possible, in addition to making ACDS accessible to as many students as possible.




Since participation in the Fund is never 100%, we ask that you give the largest possible gift to the Fund for Excellence. However, we want you to know that every dollar is precious to meeting our annual budget and every donation, no matter how large or small, is greatly appreciated.

How does a capital campaign differ from annual giving?

• A capital campaign is an organized, time-limited effort to raise significant funds for a defined project or purpose outside of annual operations.

• Capital campaigns are commonly organized to finance capital improvement or building projects and/or to build an institution’s financial capacity through endowment.

• Independent schools generally conduct capital campaigns once or twice a decade to address the current and future needs of the program and facilities.

For more information please contact the Development Office at (703) 837-1307.