List of 9 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Annual Fund?

  The Annual Fund is Clairbourn’s yearly giving campaign that bridges the gap between what tuition covers and the full cost of a Clairbourn education. It supports the general operation budget, as well as additional programs and activities that directly benefit your child. The Annual Fund allows our families and supporters to contribute the remaining funds in a tax-deductible format.

• Where do Annual Fund contributions go?

  Your contributions directly impact each student at Clairbourn. Contributions for the Annual Fund directly support the school's budget for:
  
  
  

  • Safety of our Students: Your contributions go towards helping to retrofit the campus in preparation for a safe return: This includes resources for PPE, purchasing HEPA filters for our HVAC system, outdoor sinks for frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer stands, certain filtration systems, and more.
  • Excellent Remote Learning Environment: This includes upgraded technology for our students, new iPads (our ratio for technology to student stands at an astounding 1:1), online learning programs and apps, as well as distance learning, and continuing education classes and workshops to make sure our teachers stay on the leading edge of their teaching. 
  • Greatest Needs: This allows us to remain flexible and meet the unanticipated needs and challenges that emerge in this rapidly changing climate.
  • Field Trips – This covers everything from the much-beloved multi-day middle school field trip to Pali Institute to class trips to local museums, marine institutes, gardens and businesses. Clairbourn students take some 25 field trips a year.
  • Exceptional Faculty – Our faculty development program ensures that we can select and retain the best, well-trained teachers and specialists in world languages, art, music, and technology. Your contribution also supports faculty development, which enables Clairbourn teachers to pursue master's and other advanced degrees to be at the top of their field as educators.
  • S.T.E.M. Studies and State-of-the-Art Technology for Our Classrooms – In addition to the Clairbourn Innovation Lab, our students have access to 3D printers, programmable robots, computers, and interactive white boards or projectors in every classroom, and proven leading-edge technology.They also have access to hands-on science labs and accelerated math activities that promote curiosity, exploration, and experimentation to groom students to be future S.T.E.M. leaders.
  • Our Beautiful Campus and Amenities – From our perfectly manicured grounds to our state-of-the-art facilities, your support helps us maintain this eight-acre campus which includes well-equipped, stimulating classrooms, age-appropriate play spaces, a media-rich art studio, a heated swimming pool, a fully-equipped computer lab, a newly-renovated library, two science labs, an air-conditioned gymnasium, and much more.
  • Outstanding Arts, Music, and Drama Program – We have a dedicated art room with classes taught by a specialist, an advanced curriculum that allows student as young as kindergartners to experience lessons in conceptual development and technical skills, and a variety of electives to choose from including ceramics, fiber art, photography, and more.
  • Sports – Sports uniforms and equipment for our athletic teams that extend to baseball, volleyball, basketball, soccer, track, softball, flag football, swimming, golf, tennis, and more.
  • Events – Guest speakers and special assemblies.
  • Financial Aid – 17% of Clairbourn students receive some form of aid.

  
  And much more to come!

• Why doesn't tuition cover all educational costs?

  If the tuition price was increased to include all costs, many families would be unable to afford the cost of an independent school experience, and this would exclude those talented and deserving young students who would add so much to the Clairbourn community. A diverse student population enriches the educational experience for all of our students and their families. Increasing the tuition price to cover costs would further limit enrollment and could require a cutback in the exceptional programs we provide.
  
  The Annual Fund allows us to bridge the gap between tuition cost and actual cost. In addition, no independent school would want to price itself out of the market, so keeping tuition rates competitive while supplementing with an Annual Fund campaign is a common practice of most independent schools. Plus, while tuition payments are not tax deductible, donations to the Annual Fund are 100% tax deductible.

• Does my gift really make a difference?

  Yes! Each gift makes a significant difference to our community. Your gift helps to provide an atmosphere of educational excellence to every Clairbourn student. Participation in the Annual Fund builds a stronger, more unified community and represents an investment in our collective future, one child at a time.
  
  High Annual Fund participation levels can help the school raise crucial dollars from outside foundations and institutions. Greater participation helps the school when applying for grants and helps in securing gifts from large corporations because these institutions support schools who are first supported by their loyal community.

• How much should I give?

  Give an amount that makes you feel comfortable. We hope Clairbourn sits high on your list of charitable organizations, but understand that life is full of financial demands. We encourage you to join the circle that is the right fit for you.

• What are the giving levels?

  • Life Benefactor - $20,000 and Up
  • President’s Circle - $10,000 - $19,999
  • Founder’s Circle - $5,000 - $9,999
  • Trustee’s Circle - $2,500 - $4,999
  • Head of School's Circle - $1,000 - $2,499
  • Cougar Circle - Up to $999

• Do corporations and foundations support the Annual Fund?

  Yes! Some corporations have contributed to the Annual Fund by offering matching gifts to their employees' contributions. You can check with your employer and see if you can contribute through a matching gift program through work. Foundations can also give to the Annual Fund if there is a direct personal connection to the school. If you have a connection or contact with a foundation, please contact development@clairbourn.org.

• A history of giving

  The generosity of our community is as important today as it was in times past. Your gift today honors all the gifts that have come before and paves the way for an exciting future. The school began with a gift from the Arthur K. Bourne family—San Marino residents who wanted an education for their daughter that aligned with their spiritual convictions. In the 1930s and 40s, as the country struggled through the Great Depression and later World War II, Clairbourn was kept alive by gifts from generous individuals. In fact, our current property on Huntington Drive was a gift to the school. Without the support of the previous generations, there would be no Clairbourn to support today.

• Questions?

  Please email development@clairbourn.org.