Tuition Equity Fund: The Road to Corlears’ First Endowment

In Winter 2024, we were able to put a bow on our five-year 50th Anniversary Campaign, the first phase of our broader vision to raise $10M to support our students and families. This campaign enabled significant progress in our strategic goals around growth, expertise, and access.

Corlears is now embarking on the next phase of that $10M goal: the Tuition Equity Fund (TEF), which will serve as the foundation for Corlears School’s first-ever endowment. The endeavor to establish the endowment is projected to take 10 years, and begins with the Sustain Phase, a major giving campaign to raise $2M to be released over three years to support tuition equity as enrollment grows at Corlears.

Corlears has committed significant resources to become the leading school for young children driven by diversity and equity. Through the Tuition Equity Fund, we strive to cultivate inclusion and belonging for all community members for generations to come.

The Impact of Tuition Equity

A key piece of our vision for a truly diverse, accessible institution is the school’s Tuition Equity and Accessibility Model, or TEAM, which launched in the 2021–22 school year. This innovative tuition-setting approach turns the classic independent school tuition model on its head, shifting community culture away from some families receiving “aid” or “awards” and ensures all families are contributing in an equitable way.

In fact, we know this model is already making a significant community impact. Families who responded to our community-wide survey in winter 2024 named tuition equity as one of the top 3 contributors to their sense of belonging and happiness at Corlears.

Corlears first grade students in the classroom

Ensuring Future Access

The implementation of the Tuition Equity Fund will enable Corlears to prioritize access, inclusivity, and belonging within our community. Seeding, growing, and sustaining the Tuition Equity Fund will allow us to advance four core priority programs that broaden that access.

Tuition Equity and Accessibility Model (TEAM) and Core Values Scholarships. Reflecting Corlears’ long-term commitment to removing financial barriers to high-quality education through equitable contribution from all community members.
Preschool Head Start and Middle School Partnerships. Expand the pathways for enrollment at Corlears and enable a continued educational journey by bolstering and securing partnerships with both preschool programs and middle schools. Currently, Corlears has established preschool partnerships with Bank Street Head Start, Hudson Guild, Henry Street Settlement, and Grand Street Settlement, as well as The Calhoun School for middle school.
Learn. Play. Grow. Center. Create inclusive and accessible learning spaces by expanding the Learn. Play. Grow. program to include new spaces, curriculum, and communities.
Making Learning Accessible. Offer personalized support services through the hiring of two learning specialists and a full-time school psychologist. Make access to learning resources equitable for all students by offering affordable on-site speech and language and occupational therapy providers.

Corlears nursery students at the sand bin

Establishing the Endowment

The TEF will be seeded, sustained, grown and eventually endowed with a $10M investment over the course of 10–15 years.

Seed Phase (2022–23)

While closing out the 50th Anniversary Campaign, $500,000 was dedicated to seed the TEF.

Sustain Phase (2023–25)

A major giving campaign to raise $2M to be released over three years to support tuition equity.

Grow Phase (2025–30)

A reserve of $2M will be established through a continued major giving program and reduced draws.

Endow Phase (2030–33)

Launch campaign to endow the Tuition Equity Fund by growing the reserve to approximately $8M in reserve.

A Call to Action

Your support of our school and initiatives like the Tuition Equity Fund bring to life our vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community like no other in New York City. Once the school has established an endowment, we can ensure access to a high-quality early childhood education at Corlears School for generations to come.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss contributing, please reach out to the team at development@corlearsschool.org.