Annual Giving FAQs

Annual Giving supports every aspect of our students' lives – from early childhood education through graduation day, to future endeavors including but not limited to experiential learning and class trips, investment in teachers' ongoing education, parent community enrichment, strategic integration of technology, special occasions including reunions, networking events, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, the Arts Festival and more.

Within Annual Giving, donors can direct their gift to a specific area including*:
• Athletics
• The Arts
• Technology
• Community Service
• Caring for our Historic Campus
• Teaching and Learning
• Tuition Assistance

*Should directed contributions exceed a fund's budgeted limit, the school's administration reserves the option to direct the use of such contributions to the area of greatest need.

Like the majority of independent schools, we do not charge what it
actually costs for each student to attend school. While this might appear to be an unusual business model, independent schools do this for two reasons:

1. To make tuition accessible to as many families as possible which helps keep tuition down, and
2. To enable you to take a 100% charitable tax-deduction for your investment in your child’s education.

We strive for 100% participation. Every contribution counts toward our participation rate and bottom line. In the past seven years, we have reached 100% RCDS faculty and Board of Trustees participation and neared 100% participation from parents. Below are leadership levels that many families use to guide their contributions. Supporters at the Green and White Society level and above are invited to a special reception held by the Head of School.