It’s our most significant fundraising initiative each year, closing the gap between tuition (which typically covers 80–90% of costs) and the full expenses of a top-quality education. Gifts made are used immediately, fueling classroom resources, faculty development, and essential operations.

Tuition alone doesn’t cover the true cost of delivering an enriched, whole-child education. Like most independent schools, Tessellations relies on annual giving to bridge this gap. The Tessie Annual Fund empowers us to invest in robust programs, faculty excellence, and equitable access—without raising tuition to unaffordable levels.

Annual Fund contributions touch every corner of our school experience:
Competitive faculty compensation and professional growth

• Updated classroom materials and cutting-edge technology
• Campus safety, maintenance, and facilities improvements
• Enrichment programs, field trips, and campus events
• Financial assistance for families in need
• Nature Campus experiences and outdoor learning

Support comes from our full community:

• Current and alumni families
• Grandparents, friends

We strive for high participation—ideally 100% across our community—as it reflects strong collective commitment and is highly valued by foundations and peer institutions.

Giving is personal—choose a level that’s meaningful for your family. Most importantly, every gift matters. Joining together, even modest donations add up to significant impact.

Yes—your participation in any form underscores your belief in our values. It’s not about amount, but about equal commitment.

Unrestricted gifts are most impactful. If you’re passionate about a specific area—such as arts, financial aid, or nature programming—we welcome conversations to align intentions with school needs.

The Annual Fund is always our priority, and it keeps Tessellations strong every day. But in some years, like this one, we also invite families to consider a designated gift to a specific program. Restricting your gift is a way to:

• Align your giving with your passions. Whether you are most inspired by math, the arts, or the natural world, you can direct your support where it matters most to your family.
• See your impact directly. Designated gifts fund visible enhancements—such as instruments, fieldwork, or advanced curricula that students experience immediately.
• Strengthen our shared values. Restricted giving is an expression of the Tessellations’ mission, allowing families to invest in programs that embody wonder, curiosity, resilience, and connection.

Every contribution, whether unrestricted to the Annual Fund or designated to this year’s chosen programs: Math, Performing Arts, or Nature Connections, is essential to the Tessie experience and deeply appreciated.

We offer several convenient and flexible ways to give:

• Online, by check, or credit card
• Pledges with the option to fulfill in installments
• Gifts of stock or securities
• Donor-advised funds (DAFs)
• Employer matching gifts to maximize your impact

Double your impact: Many employers offer matching gift programs—check with your HR department to see if your contribution qualifies.

We also support planned giving and leadership-level gifts.

Yes, while the Annual Fund is the foundation of our philanthropic efforts, there may be times when additional initiatives require targeted funding to support the school’s growth, vision, or long-term sustainability.

It bridges critical funding gaps, enabling the innovative, inclusive, and high-caliber programming that’s the hallmark of Tessellations. No amount of tuition could fully support our mission without this collective commitment.

Participation rate is both a financial asset and a community asset. It signals unity and trust—qualities that strengthen grant applications and donor confidence.

The 2025–2026 Tessie Annual Fund campaign runs throughout the academic year, with a goal of 100% family participation by the end of April.

We encourage the majority of gifts to be made between October and November, as early support allows the school to plan proactively, allocate resources effectively, and build momentum for the year ahead.

We invite gifts of all sizes. Whether your donation is $25 or $25,000+, it is valued and impactful. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

You may give or pledge anytime during the campaign. Visit our How to Give page or contact Advancement. Early gifts help shape the year ahead with confidence.

While we appreciate the generosity behind in-kind gifts, monetary contributions are more efficient and equitable—they enable responsive funding, simplify stewardship, and reduce logistical challenges. In-kind offers are considered on a project basis, subject to prior approval.