Giving to St. James

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A Message From Our Director of Advancement

It is a privilege to serve as the Director of Advancement for St. James Academy, overseeing fundraising that supports and enhances our SJA experience. I joined the faculty full time in 2021, and I currently have two children at St. James, Maggie (class of 31), and Caroline (class of 32). Our family is delighted to be part of the St. James community!

St. James Academy depends on the generosity of our community to fulfill our educational mission.

Your gift is an investment in the people, programs, and values that are at the heart of the St. James experience. Your contribution allows us to provide big opportunities in a small school setting, where each child is known and supported by nurturing teachers and staff.

As you may know, the business model of an independent school is unique. St. James is an independently organized 501c3 non-profit school, overseen by the Board of Trustees. The Academy is not dependent on government or church funds – rather it is funded primarily through tuition and charitable donations. Tuition revenue only covers about 85% of the true cost of a St. James education. The rest is covered by the The Annual Fund, donor-restricted gifts, and the endowment.

SJA Giving Student
The Annual Fund, SJA’s annual fundraising campaign, is our top fundraising priority.

Our goal is to achieve 100% family and staff participation in the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund bridges the tuition gap by providing funds needed to operate ongoing and time-sensitive academic and extracurricular initiatives, as well as providing campus maintenance and upgrades, and scholarships. SJA relies on generous financial contributions from parents, alumni, past parents, and friends to support its curriculum and facilities. Past support has helped to fund the SJA computer labs, iPads, athletic fields, materials and supplies for Performing Arts musicals, instrumental music classes, and much, much, more!

Throughout the school year, you will also receive notifications from our dedicated parent group, The Patrons Association. The Patrons work together with our Advancement Department to raise funds each year through various fundraising events and initiatives. Some of our most beloved traditions, such as Foxhound Festival, are made possible by the Patrons. Funds raised by the Patrons are separate from our Annual Fund and also support each student and teacher through community building events, timely projects, and our endowment. The Patrons Association not only provides funds, but they leverage the power of our parents through volunteerism.

Lacrosse Players

If you have any questions about how you can make a meaningful contribution to the school through philanthropic donations, or volunteer opportunities, please reach out to me at asmith@saintjamesacademy.org or 410-771-4816 ext 7576. My door is always open, and I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and partnership in supporting the St. James Academy experience so that our students can SPARK. SHINE. Soar.

 

Sincerely,

Analeigh Smith
Director of Advancement
Current Parent

Thank You For Supporting The Children Of St. James Academy
SJA Giving Video