The Gooden School is grateful to have many friends who contribute generously to the success of the school. With support from individuals and families, the student experience is enriched in the classroom, through field trips and cultural activities, in spiritual events, and through participation in the arts.

The Gooden School is able to offer an affordable, challenging, and enriching experience for our students due in large part to the commitment and support of our donors. Gifts to The Gooden School’s Annual Fund help maintain small class sizes, enrich individualized education, encourage personal and academic expression and development, and provide a diverse and nurturing environment.

Tuition comprises 86 percent of the operating budget of the school. The remainder is collected through the Annual Fund’s various giving vehicles including:

• Fundraisers and special events such as the Spring Benefit and The Country Fair (held on alternate years)
   
• Grants and corporate sponsorships
   
• Direct appeal donations from parents, staff, alumni, extended family members, and friends

Parents, extended family, and community participation at every giving level are critical to our Annual Fund campaign. These donations help cover the remaining 14 percent required to balance our operating budget. In addition, when The Gooden School applies for funding in the form of grants and corporate sponsorships, funding agencies use Annual Fund participation by families as one measure of community support and commitment within our organization. If every Gooden School family makes an Annual Fund donation, the school’s ability to secure outside funding will greatly increase.

Here’s a sampling of the types of services and programs that are supported by your generous donations: 

• Laptop computers
• Roots `N Shoots program at the Los Angeles County Arboretum
• Music program supplies and instruction
• ERB testing and national honors exams
• Field trips and transportation to off-campus experiences
• Supplies for all of the classrooms
• Sports Awards Banquet
• Gooden traditions, such as the Blessing of the Animals, Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, Ice Cream Social and more
• Beautification of the Gooden campus including areas, such as the newly-constructed arbor and memorial garden
• Maintenance of the grounds and classrooms
• Curriculum resources
• Art supplies and instruction
• Formal evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of the education and activities offered at Gooden