The experience of learning at Highland School is an intense and rewarding one. While Highland School carefully stewards its resources, the cost of this experience cannot be carried by tuition alone. Tuition covers approximately 90% of the cost to educate a Highland student. Your support for the Annual Fund plays a critical role in meeting the annual financial needs of Highland and maintaining its spectrum of high-quality educational programs.
How can you help?
- Join our Faculty, Board of Trustees, Parents, Grandparents, Alumni and Friends and contribute to the Annual Fund. You can allocate your gift to Highland’s Greatest Area of Need or to any of the following Family of Funds:
• Faculty Development • Fine & Performing Arts
• Financial Aid • Experiential Learning
• Athletics • Academics
• Character & Leadership • Head of School Discretionary Fund
- Ask your company if they will match your gift. Many companies match employee and retiree charitable contributions. Please check with your employer to find out if your contribution to Highland School can be doubled or tripled in value.
- Volunteer to help in the Advancement Office. We can use your time and talents! There are many ways to help out: organize mailings, participate in phonathans, and serve as ambassadors for our effort. Please contact the Advancement Office at 878-2793 if you are interested in volunteering.
- Join one of our Honorary Clubs with your contribution. Leadership recognition includes and invitation from the Board of Trustees to a special reception for an enhanced understanding to the School’s goals and objectives.
- Trustees Council $10,000 or more
- Hamilton – Rust Circle $5,000 - $9,999
- 1928 Society $2,500 - $4,999
- Head of School Club $1,000 - $2,499
- Blue/Gold Club $500 - $999
- Credit Card (Mastercard or Visa)
Online – Click red gift box at the top of this page.
Phone or Mail – Call Ann McNerney at (540) 878-2793
Frequently Asked Questions...
Q: I receive letters and phone calls from Highland School each year requesting my participation in the Annual Fund. What is the Annual Fund?
A: The Annual Fund is a yearly fund-raising effort to help defray the School’s annual operating costs. Most donors renew their commitment on a yearly basis and others commit over a 3-5 year period.
Q: Why does my participation matter?
A: In addition to income from the Annual Fund keeping tuition rates at affordable levels, our parent, faculty, staff and trustee participation rates in the Annual Fund serve as a positive indicator of the school’s strength. When Highland applies for grant monies, this participation is often a deciding factor towards grants which we may be awarded; the higher our participation rates, the greater our chances of earning grant support.
Q: Why not raise tuition to cover the total cost?
A: Although we must raise tuition to provide for growth of faculty salaries and school programs, no independent school could charge full cost without pricing itself out of the market. We believe a Highland education should be accessible to as many talented young students as possible. A diverse student population enriches the educational experience for all of our students and their families.
Q: How much should I give?
A: Only you can determine that, but please be as generous as you can. To ensure the quality of the program that Highland provides, the School relies on a strong Annual Fund to maintain and enhance the exceptional opportunities made available to our students.
Q: What’s the difference between the Annual Fund and The Campaign for Highland?
A: Unlike the Annual Fund which support the school’s ongoing operating needs, the Campaign for Highland supports “bricks and mortar” projects and endowment, identified in the school’s long range lan. Gifts to the Campaign for Highland usually constitute an extra effort on the part of the donor, over and above an annual gift.
Q: Should I give to The Campaign for Highland instead of the Annual Fund?
A: We ask that, if possible, you give to both. The Annual Fund must stay strong so that the quality of the educational experience for the students and faculty remain extraordinary.
Q: If I have further questions, whom should I contact in the Advancement Office?
A: Please contact:
Annual Fund Manager: Ann McNerney (540)878-2793 or amcnerney@highlandschool.org
Capital Campaign: Gordon Oliver (540)878-2790 or goliver@highlandschool.org
Alumni Relations: Mary North Cooper (540)878-2795 or mcooper@highlandschool.org
Special Events: Alake Hinton (540)878-2791 or ahinton@highlandschool.org
Communications: Briar Bogin (540)878-2794 or bbogin@highlandschool.org
(back to top)
"The
mission of Highland School is to provide a demanding academic
program to develop the skills and character essential for students
to meet the challenges of college and leadership in the twenty-first
century." 
