What is the Circle of Friends - Annual Fund?

The Circle of Friends Annual Fund is made up of trustees, parents, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends who provide support by giving financial contributions to our school's operating budget. 

Why is the Annual Fund necessary?

Tuition and other fees cover about 89% of the annual operating expenses of the school and the purpose of the Annual Fund is to help bridge that gap.  Our annual fundraisers such as Wine Tasting, Las Vegas Night and others go towards scholarships and raise about $200,000.  

Why not raise tuition? 

No independent school could charge the full cost of educating its students without pricing itself out of the market.  That's why every independent school has an Annual Fund Drive.  Gifts to the Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible.

What makes VIMSIA an independent school?

We are able to design our own program and curriculum under the guidelines of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the International Baccalaureate Program (IB), operate without financial support from federal or state government agencies, and are self-governed by our Board of Trustees and Administration.  Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, independent schools rely solely upon tuition revenues and philanthropic gifts to meet their operating and capital expenses. 

Do corporations and foundations support the Annual Fund?

Corporations typically contribute to independent schools by offering matching gifts to their employees' contributions.  Several families in our school are able to double their personal contributions through their employer's matching gift programs -- check with your employer to see if such a program is in place where you work. Foundations generally give to annual funds when there is a direct personal connection to the school.    

Why support VIMSIA's Annual Fund? 

The answer is simple-- the Annual Fund ensures the margin of excellence that sets a VIMSIA education apart from that of our peers-an experience that attracts students world-wide. 

VIMSIA has two major sources of income: tuition and the Annual Fund.  The Annual Fund ensures that VIMSIA keeps a moderate tuition level and provides need based scholarships.  It is imperative to us at VIMSIA that we make every effort to improve the Virgin Islands through the education of our children. 

For over 50 years, VIMSIA parents, grandparents, alumni and friends have collectively expressed their confidence in VIMSIA's mission through their continued support of the Annual Fund.  We are thankful for their support each year!

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Circle of Friends                                                                         (340) 775-6360