Help Us Close the Gap

Annual Giving is a yearly appeal to our community – parents, alumni families, faculty, staff and friends – to raise funds that bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the school’s operating expenses.

This season is a time for gratitude and thankfulness. This year, we have a lot to be grateful for. While Los Angeles and the rest of the world are facing enormous challenges, community is more important and impactful than ever. Westside Waldorf School provides an education that cultivates and nurtures self-directed children dedicated to the pursuit of lifelong learning. Please help us to continue this important work.

We are an independent school, which means that we can continue our unique and dynamic education free from the limitations of traditional schooling, but it also means that we receive no external funding. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of operations, so we're dependent on generous donors like you to keep us thriving!

What are the major components of the school’s annual operating budget? 

Salaries and benefits comprise 60% of ouroperating budget. The balance supports curricular and co-curricular programs, financial aid, equipment, utilities, and insurance. 

Doesn’t tuition cover all operating expenses? 

Tuition covers only about 78% of our annual expenses. The remainder must be funded through other sources; like most independent schools, this comes primarily through annual fund giving. 

What does Annual Giving support? 

Everything! It pays for the books and classroom supplies, the salary of your favorite teacher, the paint brushes for art class, the petri dishes for chemistry, wood work class materials, financial aid, building repairs and much, much more. 

Why is 100% participation important? 

The school’s financial strength depends upon the participation of the entire community. Parent participation levels are also viewed as a barometer of support and are carefully viewed by foundations and outside funders considering grants or gifts to the school. 

How much should we give? 

Gifts of all sizes make a difference. Your generosity allows us to offer students a unique educational experience and to strengthen programs that will attract and retain talented, caring teachers.