October 16 through 20 will mark the kickoff for this year's You Make a Difference Fund Drive. This annual fund helps the school fund the many programs that make up the Academy experience. Whether it is providing salaries for the outstanding faculty, purchasing supplies for the many educational activities, or maintaining the athletic facilities, dollars are required so that the students' experiences are outstanding in all areas of their education.

The introduction to the fund will come through the mail the week of October 9, so that those who wish to pledge immediately may do so. For others, our parent volunteer team will begin making calls during "You Make a Difference" Week. (Make your pledge early, and you can avoid the call!) New parents will be invited to a cocktail party on November 9 so that they may meet other new parents and learn more about the Academy.

This year, parents will have the opportunity to designate their gift to one or more of the following areas that you are most interested in supporting.

General Fund
Unrestricted support allows the school the most flexibility in directing funds to areas where they will have the greatest impact.

Technology and Classroom Support
Technology is an increasingly powerful tool that can be used to enhance student learning.

Faculty Support
Independent schools need to attract and retain highly competent, qualified and caring faculty members to lead academic, arts and athletic programs.

Character Development
Whether it is spiritual enrichment through Christian life classes and special Chapel assemblies, community service programs that expand the boundaries of the classroom, or involvement in afterschool athletics, the Academy emphasizes moral and ethical character development in young people to help prepare them to assume leadership roles later in life.