The Pledge Drive/Annual Giving Drive is the centerpiece of Larchmont Charter’s fundraising efforts. The Pledge Drive/Annual Giving Drive supports Larchmont’s programs - a challenging, constructivist learning environment, with the arts, sciences and physical education integrated into the standards-based curriculum - that are not funded by the State of California education funding model. The money raised during the Pledge Drive is a crucial portion of our annual operating budget. This yearly fund-raising effort raises money that is essential for ensuring the quality of the educational experience for our students.

Every year we ask and invite all the families with children enrolled at LCS to invest in their children’s education. Families are asked to contribute, and budget for, a meaningful gift to LCS.

While many families donate a monthly pledge amount, many families prefer to donate a one lump sum during the year. Others families make multiple gifts; for example, they may make one gift in the fall and then make another gift in the spring after receiving their tax refund. Gifts range from $20 to in excess of $20,000.

We invite you to choose a plan that works for your family. As LCS is a charitable organization, donations are 100% tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Yes. A January 2012 report by the state Legislative Analyst's Office found that charter schools receive at least 7% less funding than traditional schools across the board, or $395 per student, and as much as $1,000 per student for some charter schools. We rely heavily on our parent and school communities as well as grants and corporate donations.

California ranks among the last in the nation in per-pupil spending and the funds that the state provides must often be supplemented by the generous support of parents, grandparents and community members. Virtually every public school in California — not just charter schools — must fundraise from families in order to continue quality programs like music, art, p.e. and low class size. There is a shortfall between the funds that the state provides for a basic public education and the enriched education that our children receive at Larchmont Charter School.

Your donations to the Pledge Drive/Annual Giving Drive directly support Larchmont Charter School. Money raised during the Pledge Drive/Annual Giving Drive directly, and indirectly, affects each class and each student at LCS. Whether the school can afford to retain the high-caliber of teachers we currently have and maintain the level of enrichments & electives offered each year is determined by the success of our Pledge Drive and other fundraising events. See below!

Yes. Larchmont Charter School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your generous donation is tax-deductible. Our tax ID number is 57-1206928.

The most beneficial way for you to pledge is online at: www.larchmontcharter.org/lcs_pledge_drive or with a check or cash and a Pledge Sheet turned into your campus office.

If you are able to make the sacrifice, investment and commitment to LCS by pledging meaningfully, all of our community would benefit greatly.

Don't forget to check out the many companies that match employee, spouse and retiree donations by going to www.larchmontcharter.nationbuilder.com/double_your_donation. It's a great way to SUPER SIZE your donation!

No, although giving your Pledge in full is definitely preferable. If you make a pledge to the LCS and must make your gift contribution in the future that is fine. Please let us know when you plan on making your gift. 

All donations to Larchmont Charter School are voluntary. Your decision to participate and the amount you give has no impact on whether a child is accepted for enrollment or continues to be enrolled in LCS. However, we want every family to understand that while government funding provides a basic free education to all children, the enriching curriculum offered at LCS relies on parent participation, including financial and volunteer time contributions. We ask that all families participate in making a meaningful donation to LCS. If this curriculum is a priority for your family, we ask that you consider a gift contribution that is meaningful to your appreciation of our school.

Our goal for the Pledge Drive/Annual Giving Drive is 100% participation among LCS families to support our children’s’ education. We encourage every family to give as generously as possible. Every gift—whatever the size— is gratefully received and strengthens our community.

Money raised during the Pledge Drive/Annual Giving Drive cannot be accepted as a restricted or directed gift. The LCS Board of Directors and LCS Finance Committee manages the LCS school annual operating budget and sets the priorities of program and curriculum goals each year.

Volunteerism is the cornerstone of charter school education. Volunteering directly supports class teachers and classrooms, student life and other school events. While your volunteering is crucial (though not required) to the success of our school and your child’s education and directly aids our teachers and curriculum, LCS must also stay financially viable. Therefore, fundraising and financial support do go hand-in-hand with volunteerism and both are equally important.

As a sustaining donor, your credit card will be conveniently billed every month. If you need to suspend your membership, please contact [email protected]. 

We ask each LCS family to make an annual pledge that is meaningful and fiscally comfortable. If at any time you would like to increase or decrease your pledge contribution, please contact the LCS Development Associate to adjust your pledge.

ADA stands for “Average Daily Attendance.” The state of California funds school districts based on each student’s daily-recorded attendance. ADA is calculated by dividing the total number of days of student attendance by the number of days of school taught during the same period. Larchmont Charter School budgets for program and curriculum based upon projected enrollment and ADA. Additionally, LCS only receives money for the days when a student is actually in school. If your child has an unexcused absence, the school loses money - about $45 per student per day. That can really add up!

We will not sell, share or trade our donors' names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by Larchmont Schools, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.