Thank, Soxmom, for that additional data point.
Soxmom, that has been my experience as well.
Just to reiterate one point (speaking as an Annual Fund volunteer) those participation numbers are VERY important to the schools. So even if you can give very little, it’s helpful to give something, in an effort to get as close to 100% parent participation as possible. Even at my kids’ day schools, I received quite a few checks for $25, so don’t be embarrassed if that’s all you can give. Any amount is helpful and appreciated, truly.
The tuition gap at Choate runs about $5 million. This past July, Choate was able to boast:
The last letter I was able to find that spelled out the gap exactly was from 2012:
Yes, thanks so much for digging up additional info, ChoatieMom. We have always covered the gap for our children , and then given beyond that to cover gaps for others who are not in a position to give as large a donation. But we do not get an email as direct and succinct as the one from which you have quoted! We should. We are in significant volunteer leadership positions at our kid’s schools so I am going to suggest to the admin. that they take the same approach!
This quote about the Choate gap was in an article in “The News”, and it said: approximately $65,000 is needed to educate a single student at Choate, and the tuition for a boarding student costs about $45,000 a year". It’s odd that the number is so much higher (and the article is from 2013, only a year past your communication in 2012). I wonder if sometimes they report it before considering endowment income or somesuch? Doubt it went from 12 to 20 in a year? Or, the article is wrong.
See more at: http://thenews.choate.edu/article/senior-pledge-program-reconsidered#sthash.eMy5ks9D.dpuf
The school my kids went to had a different “ask” amount for each family, probably based on family’s financial status (full pay, fa, etc.) and parent’s jobs, where they live, etc. I guess some assumptions are made, not unusual in the more sophisticated world of nonprofit Development offices. I’ve seen “asks” ranging from $5 to over $50,000. Of course, one can give more or less (or nothing!) than the suggested amount. As others have stated, participation rates are just as important - often more so - as the amount given.
I got the call tonight and gave what I felt we could. Unfortunately, it was not much. However, I did volunteer to become a caller and will put in lots of hours to help out.