Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Horace Mann School called an independent school?
A: Horace Mann School is an independent school because it designs its own programs and curriculum. The school operates without financial support from the Federal Government or from New York State and is governed by its own elected Board of Trustees. Unlike public schools, which are funded by tax dollars, Horace Mann School relies upon tuition, endowment income, and fundraising to meet its operating expenses.

Q: Why should I contribute to the Annual Fund? Isn't tuition enough?
A: The continuing success of the Annual Fund has a direct impact on the quality of a Horace Mann education. Tuition covers only 87% of the cost of educating a Horace Mann student. Money raised through the Annual Fund helps bridge this gap. The heart of the operating budget includes teachers' salaries, physical plant maintenance, and the financial aid program.

Q: Why can't the school draw more money from the endowment instead of fundraising?
A: Horace Mann is fortunate to have an endowment that allows the school to pursue its educational mission without jeopardizing its financial stability. Endowment income funds a portion of the yearly operating budget. Endowment income in excess of 4.5% is reinvested each year to ensure that the endowment keeps pace with inflation. Endowed funds are held in perpetuity.

Q: Will I be solicited for Annual Fund?
A: Alumni/ae, parents, parents of alumni/ae, grandparents, and faculty and staff are solicited for support each year by mail and/or in person. Two goals drive the Annual Fund, 1) the total dollar amount and 2) percent of participation. The parent participation goal is 85%, and the alumni/ae giving goal is in excess of 30%. The Annual Fund runs between July 1 and June 30 of each year. By making a gift early in the fund year, you not only will save the school the expense of repeat mailings and phone calls, but also will serve to take your name off all solicitation lists for the remainder of the year.

Q: Are Annual Fund and Capital Campaign gifts tax deductible?
A: Horace Mann School is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization under the Federal Internal Revenue Code. Unlike tuition fees, all contributions to the Annual Fund and the Capital Campaign are deductible pursuant to the prevailing tax laws. All donors to the Annual Fund and ongoing capital campaign receive a letter noting their gift amount, date of gift, and the disclosure that no goods or services were provided.

Q: How much should I donate to the Annual Fund?
A: We anticipate that parents will make Horace Mann School their highest philanthropic priority while their children are students here, and that alumni/ae will recognize the critical importance Horace Mann played in their success and will support and enhance the school's ability to provide a similar opportunity to those who follow. Annual Fund gifts to the school range in size from $25 to upwards of $35,000. While leadership gifts are important for the school's economic strength, every gift matters and each gift makes a difference.