The Summit Fund
The Summit Fund is the foundation of philanthropy at Summit.
Each year, gifts from parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends provide essential support for the school’s daily operations—bridging the gap between tuition and the full cost of a Summit education.
This tradition of giving is longstanding. In 1941, Summit formalized its first annual fund to support competitive faculty salaries, keep tuition reasonable, and remain debt-free while managing a growing campus. Even earlier, in 1938, the school began raising funds to provide financial aid—values that continue to shape Summit today.
Today, Summit’s $20.3 million operating budget is supported by tuition, a draw from the endowment, co-curricular revenue, and donations to The Summit Fund. Tuition and fees cover approximately 84% of this budget, with an additional 4% supported by the endowment. The remaining gap—consistent with the model used by peer schools and National Association of Independent Schools guidelines—is filled by The Summit Fund, making it critical to sustaining the exceptional, accessible education that defines Summit.
While tuition varies by grade, the average cost to educate a Summit student is approximately $37,100, compared to average tuition and fees of $31,625. Every student benefits from this difference. Gifts to The Summit Fund help close that gap while allowing us to keep tuition increases as modest as possible.
More than 60% of Summit’s budget is invested in our faculty and staff—because great teachers are the single most important factor in student success. The Summit Fund supports competitive salaries and benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a vibrant, inclusive community for educators and students alike.
As Summit’s most flexible and immediate source of support, The Summit Fund touches every part of campus. Your gift helps provide:
- Financial aid for deserving students
- Professional development for faculty
- Classroom resources and technology
- Visual and performing arts programs
- Maker spaces and innovation
- Athletics and experiential learning opportunities
Each year, more than 1,000 donors contribute to Summit, with hundreds supporting The Summit Fund at leadership levels. Participation at every level strengthens our community and amplifies our impact.
Gifts to The Summit Fund make a difference every day—supporting every student, every teacher, and every program.