Support University School's 2011-2012 Annual Fund

Dear Friends of University School of the Lowcountry,

It is an exciting time to be part of the University School of the Lowcountry community!  This young school continues to grow and to offer an environment and experience truly unique and engaging for its students.  My family is in our second year at the school (my daughter Anne is in 7th grade, my son Alex is in 6th grade, and I hope that my daughter Charlotte will be in the 3rd grade in 2013), and we are tremendously grateful for the opportunities available at USL.  We are eager to be part of the school’s continued success, and we hope that you will join us in supporting the 2011-2012 Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund is a yearly drive to raise undedicated funds for the school and is one of only two major fundraisers for USL.  Most independent schools rely on an annual fund as the primary source of monetary support outside of tuition. 

University School works very hard to keep its tuition at a reasonable cost (about half that of many other area independent schools).  Among other things, the Annual Fund enables USL to support its program with small class sizes, special learning opportunities, and teacher pay on par with other schools in the area, as well as to offer a comprehensive financial aid package to be able to attract the area’s best and brightest students without regard to financial status.

Frugal by necessity and nature, I struggled with the decision of whether or not to move my children from the public school system to University School. I knew they needed something different, something more, but, given how very unlike Anne and Alex are, I could not imagine that USL would be right for both of them or that it would be right enough to justify any added expense in our budget.  I chose to give the school a try.  I wish all of my choices would turn out so well!  My children have grown in countless ways: from learning to confidently shake hands and look people in the eye to learning how to take notes and organize their study materials; from recognizing that teacher comments reveal at least as much as numerical grades to recognizing that building community and friendship requires sustained effort and flexibility.  Most amazingly, they have grown to feel that their time in school is well-spent, that there is purpose and meaning to what they are doing each day, and that they have friends and teachers they can trust and enjoy.

As I ask you to join me in making a donation to the Annual Fund, I hope that you will consider the many unique opportunities available for students at University School of the Lowcountry, including the following:

  • Exceptionally dynamic, talented, supportive, and engaging faculty
  • Small class sizes with a low teacher to student ratio
  • Mentoring program and community involvement
  • Multiple languages offered (all students take Mandarin, Spanish, and Latin)
  • Daily P.E.
  • Frequent speakers and special programs, especially Learning Outside the Classroom experiences
  • Individual laptops for all students

This year, University School has a goal of $30,000 and 100% participation for the Annual Fund.  This amount is consistent with National Association of Independent School statistics for a school of its size.  USL does not publicize donors’ gift amounts.  Participation in the Annual Fund sends a strong message of support which is very meaningful and much appreciated.  In addition, 100% participation is required to qualify for certain grant opportunities.

In order to take advantage of the tax deduction for this year and so that the school may have access to funds in a timely matter, I ask that you please make every effort to respond by February 15, 2012.  You can make your contribution with a check payable to University School of the Lowcountry (please note Annual Fund on the check), or online using the PayPal link below.

When asked why my family loves USL so much, I find it hard to limit my answer.  At University School, students are supported and challenged academically.  They build strong relationships with peers, faculty, mentors, parents and community members.  They are not just learning what is needed to pass a test and move onto the next grade. Instead, they are learning how to stretch to reach their full potential as learners and how to be kind and effective leaders and citizens.  The tools they acquire and the relationships they build at USL will serve them well throughout their lives. 

You may have a child, children, or grandchildren at University School of the Lowcountry.  You may be a future USL parent or a member of the community who appreciates all that USL has to offer.  However you are connected to the school, I encourage you to please consider making a gift to the Annual Fund.  All donations are tax deductible, and donations of any size will be gratefully accepted and genuinely appreciated.

Sincerely,

Ellie Martin

Online Donations

Credit card contributions are transmitted to University School via a secure web server provided by PayPal. Please click on the link below to make an online donation. On the PayPal page, just type "Annual Fund" in the description, enter the amount and then click Update.

By making a donation to University School, you visibly demonstrate your belief in USL's mission and your desire to support the school. Every contribution is greatly appreciated and truly makes a difference to University School's success. USL is incorporated as a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.