Frequently Asked Questions

We hope that the following comments answer any question you may have about giving to High Meadows School.

Q: What is the Annual Fund?
A: The Annual Fund is the unrestricted fund that supplements the tuition revenue. Unrestricted means that all funds not specifically restricted to a particular project or fund are deposited directly into our Annual Fund.

Q: Why do we have an Annual Fund?
A: Our primary source of income is tuition. Tuition alone does not cover all of the actual costs of educating each student for one year. Therefore, we must look for additional ways in which to supplement our income.

Q: How is the Annual Fund spent?
A: This is a vital supplement to tuition income. The total school revenue is over 90% dependent upon tuition and fees and over 85% of our tuition is allocated to our teacher’s salaries.

Q: I already pay tuition. Why should I give to the annual giving fund?
A: Tuition only covers 90% of the costs associated with educating our children. Contributions to the annual giving fund make-up the difference and provide an opportunity to help improve the school. As donors, you receive a personal income tax deduction for your contribution.

Q: What has the Annual Fund been used for in the past?
A: Since 1997, Annual funds have been used to provide the following:

  • New Classrooms
  • Fully Renovated Preschool Building
  • Computer Equipment
  • Academic Programs
  • Outdoor Learning Materials
  • Guided Reading Program
  • GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment)
  • Curricular Enhancement Materials
  • Staff Development Programs
  • New School Bus
  • Robotics

Q: Besides an Annual Fund, what are the other possible fundraising campaigns?
A: As needed, nonprofits may hold a capital campaign to raise monies for “bricks and mortar” projects, an endowment fund, or other large projects. Alternatively, nonprofits may hold a combined campaign encompassing several of these objectives.

Q: What is the difference between unrestricted and restricted money?
A: Unrestricted goes directly into the annual giving fund and can be used to supplement the operating budget. It can be used for much needed improvements to our programs which benefits the entire student body. A restricted gift, whose purpose is designated by the donor, is acceptable provided it is consistent with the school's mission, goals and priorities. Restricted gifts are segregated for accounting purposes and may be used ONLY for the designated purpose.

Q: What is an Endowment?
A: An Endowment is a fund that produces interest. The interest, also known as “income” from endowment funds, is then used by many independent private schools, to provide some measure of budget relief by funding any of a wide range of items including, increased faculty development opportunities, financial aid, maintenance of buildings, and other operating expenses.

Q: What is the High Meadows Scholarship Fund?
A: To stimulate diversity and assist those in financial need, the High Meadows Scholarship Fund began in 1999 with a donation from one family, which was matched by BellSouth. The High Meadows Scholarship Fund is awarded to recipients based on the candidate’s demonstrated financial need.

Q: What is the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program?
A: In 2008 Georgia passed a law allowing dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to a High Meadows scholarship fund for students transferring from public schools. Details are available on our administrative partner Apogee School Choice Scholarship Fund’s website.

Q: Why donate through the Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program?
A: Donations strengthen the quality and diversity of High Meadows' student body, maintain full enrollment, and help us control expenses and tuition increases. Donors benefit from a Georgia tax credit while retaining a federal tax deduction. Donor forms are available on Apogee’s forms page.

Q: Are there other forms of contributions?
A: Transferring securities, either stocks or bonds, allows you to make a gift to High Meadows and receive a charitable deduction equal to the full fair market value. For more information concerning gifts of securities, please contact the Development Office by calling Kathleen Bryant, Director of Development, at (678) 507-1169.

Q: What is Indirect Fundraising and how do I participate?
A: High Meadows School can raise money and it costs you nothing except participation. Schools the size of High Meadows often generate $15,000 a year and more by fully participating in these programs. Learn more about Indirect Fundraising and its programs.

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