The Annual Fund and generous donations support the people and programs that make Birches School unique. Our highly talented teachers know children well and are focused on their growth and development. Classes are small in size. Challenging academic experiences are interdisciplinary and hands-on. Immersion in the natural world and outdoor time are foundational to our program. Explorations, music, and artistic opportunities enrich learning. Field trips around Boston and other dynamic offerings, including yoga, science, and Spanish, make for an exceptional educational experience.

At Birches, children receive personal attention and support as they engage in opportunities for intellectual stimulation and social-emotional development. Birches students enter their next schools with confidence, both academic and social, and are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Independent educational institutions rely on donations because tuition alone does not cover the cost of the engaging education offered. Birches, like other independent day schools, has established an annual fund and other ways of donating to support our mission and enable us to develop robust and exciting programming for our students. 

Traditionally, most independent schools, including Birches, set tuition below the actual cost of educating each student to make the school accessible to as broad a range of families as possible. A diverse student body enriches every aspect of a Birches education and daily life. Commitment to diversity is an integral part of the school’s mission.

It is common to overestimate the affluence of independent schools. For most independent schools, including Birches, these are misconceptions. At most day schools, tuition pays only 75 to 85 percent of the costs. Schools must find other ways to generate income.

A for-profit business whose mission is to make money differs from a nonprofit school, which aims to provide students with a superior education and learning environment. Therefore, high-quality schools are labor-intensive and people-oriented. On average, salary and benefits make up approximately 70 percent of a day school’s budget. These schools cannot become more efficient by increasing the number of students in each classroom, reducing staff, or cutting staff salaries. None of these options is likely to be in the children's best interest.

The rising cost of living, particularly when fewer people choose to work in schools, drives the price of independent school education. Tuition increases and robust donations are necessary to offer competitive salaries to our faculty and provide excellent programming.

Birches is committed to ensuring the unparalleled learning experience here is accessible to as many individuals as possible. Donations help us keep tuition lower and offer tuition support for a diverse student body. Without sufficient donations to cover operating costs, more tuition dollars would have to go to operations, leaving fewer dollars for tuition support.

Many people take pride in being recognized as appearing on the school’s supporters list. Families may choose to be included in a list of contributors; names listed are not attached to specific amounts donated. 

Others enjoy being involved in fundraising activities because it allows them to make contacts with families who might have students in different grade bands. Still others view giving as a way to become active stakeholders critical to their school’s ability to achieve goals. Lastly, unlike tuition costs, gifts to Birches are tax-deductible because the school is a non-profit organization.

Every donation, no matter the size, has an impact. Gifts to Birches are an investment that truly benefits students, faculty, and the wider school community. We appreciate your consideration in making a gift a philanthropic priority.