Annual Report 2025
“We’re a community school, and the community starts with us.”
-Alysoun Montijo
CEO’s Message
Amber Dawson
Mission Over Margin: Why Running a School Isn’t Like Running a Business
Running a school is often compared to running a business, but the truth is - they are fundamentally different A traditional business focuses on profit Success is measured by revenue, margin, and growth At Brompton, however, success is measured in outcomes: the quality of our students’ learning, the richness of their experiences, and the strength of our community
That difference means that sometimes our investments exceed what tuition alone can cover Our programs, resources, and materials, whether in outdoor education, fieldwork, or our school garden, add enormous value to a child’s education But how can one truly put a price on knowledge, creativity, or confidence? How do you measure future happiness, mental health, or a deep love of learning? If there were a formula, the value would be so astronomical that tuition could never capture the return.
For us, it isn’t about profit It’s about purpose Each year, my family and I have invested more time, energy, and financial resources into Brompton than we’ve received in return And yet, what we’ve gained: the growth of our students, the flourishing of our community, and the long-term impact on the world is immeasurable and absolutely worth it Part of this lies in the fact that Brompton Community School doesn’t belong to us. As a not-for-profit company, this organization belongs and exists only for the good of the community
We also understand that families sacrifice to be here Private school tuition stretches budgets, and our families make difficult choices because they believe in this education We honor that trust by being careful and intentional stewards of every tuition dollar and every fundraising gift.
Our financial priorities reflect our mission:
Investing in People: First and foremost, we dedicate resources to our team ensuring our students have access to the very best educators in the country
Strengthening Programs: Next, we ensure our teachers have the tools, materials, and resources they need to provide a truly high-quality education.
Supporting Families: Then, we prioritize financial aid, making Brompton accessible to as many students as possible
Unlike a retail shop or service business, our goal is not to maximize revenue but to maximize impact We are building something that lasts longer than a fiscal year, something that shapes futures. That is why Brompton exists, and why we remain committed to making our school both excellent and accessible.
Our mission, vision, and values guide every decision we make And that mission is bigger than Fredericksburg It is about preparing children to thrive in the world equipped with knowledge, curiosity, and resilience
Company Culture
Our company culture is defined by collaboration, integrity, and a shared commitment to our mission. We foster an environment where creativity, curiosity, and care are valued, ensuring every team member feels supported and empowered to do their best work. This spirit of respect and purpose not only strengthens our community but also directly enriches the experiences we create for our students and families. In recognition of this, we were honored to be nominated as one of Fredericksburg’s Best Places to Work this year—a reflection of the positive, mission-driven culture we strive to build every day.
Vision
Our vision is to reimagine education by blending rigorous academics with the wonder of the natural world. We aim to nurture curious, resilient, and compassionate learners who are deeply connected to themselves, their community, and the environment.
Mission
To educate and honor the whole child by cultivating a reverence (deep respect) for the natural world, self, learning, and community so they become lifelong servant leaders.
SocialResponsibility
Environmental Sustainability
At Brompton, sustainability is a mindset woven into daily learning From supplying reusable outdoor gear, using bamboo toilet paper, composting after lunch, carefully stewarding classroom supplies, to cultivating our school garden, we intentionally reduce waste and model responsible stewardship of the earth. Our students engage hands-on with ecosystems, conservation, and sustainable living, building both knowledge and lifelong habits that honor and protect the natural world
Community Engagement
Brompton thrives through strong community connections by partnering with local businesses, engaging families, and creating opportunities for students to learn and serve beyond the classroom. Together, we build a vibrant network that enriches both our school and our city.
Employee Well-being
Our team is at the heart of Brompton’s mission. We invest in competitive pay, professional growth, and a supportive culture so that educators can thrive personally and professionally because when our staff flourish, our students do too
Ethical Business Practices
Brompton operates with transparency, accountability, and integrity at every level While we are not eligible for B-Corporation certification, we hold ourselves to the same high standards prioritizing people, planet, and purpose over profit From financial stewardship to community partnerships, our commitment is to do what is right, not just what is easy.
Investing in Curiosity, Community, and Growth
$1,242,854
Total Revenue
97% of our income comes directly from tuition, which sustains our core operations. The remaining 3% comes from community giving: 2% from our signature event, Taste of Brompton, which directly supports need-based financial aid, and 1% from Raise Craze, which fuels additional school priorities.
$ 1,368,463
Total Expense
Where Your Dollars Go
73% → People: Hiring and retaining the finest teachers and staff
27% → Programs & Operations: Outdoor learning, curriculum, accreditation, professional expertise
�� Average cost to educate a public school student in Virginia: $17,000+ per year
�� Brompton delivers more for far less while keeping our students at the heart of every dollar spent.
Impact Report
At Brompton, we see every dollar as a reflection of trust and an opportunity to live our mission. While 97% of our income comes from tuition, those dollars don’t simply keep the lights on; they are carefully stewarded toward what matters most: our students and their growth into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate leaders.
The majority of our expenses - 73% go directly to people. Our teachers and staff are the heart of Brompton, and we prioritize compensating them fairly so that they can pour their energy, creativity, and expertise into guiding students each day. The rest supports the programs, resources, and professional standards that allow us to offer an education that is rigorous, joyful, and deeply rooted in connection to nature, community, and real-world learning. No tuition dollars are allocated for financial aid, yet making Brompton accessible through need-based assistance remains one of our deepest commitments.
Education at this level is costly, but it is never about profit, it is about purpose. While the average cost of educating a public school student in Virginia exceeds $17,000 per year, Brompton continues to deliver far more for less, preparing students to take meaningful action in their communities, become stewards of the world around them, and lead with curiosity, integrity, and confidence. Even at the highest levels of responsibility, leadership here chooses sacrifice and reinvestment over personal gain, because we believe in what this school makes possible for children.
Every choice we make, financial and otherwise, is guided by our mission: to nurture students who will grow into thoughtful leaders, engaged stewards, and people who live with purpose, lead with empathy, and leave a mark on their communities.
$12,000
Last year our school participated in Raise Craze, a fundraiser rooted in kindness rather than traditional product sales. Students collected pledges for completing acts of kindness in their homes, neighborhoods, and communitiesspreading positivity while supporting our school. The event reinforced our values of compassion, service, and gratitude, showing that giving can be both meaningful and fun. Thanks to the generosity and spirit of our families, we exceeded our fundraising goal while making a real difference.
This event raised $12,959 toward classroom supplies, outdoor gear, and financial aid, all while contributing to contributing to a culture of kindness and service that reflects our school’s mission and values.
$36,000
A Taste of Brompton, our annual fundraising gala, raised a generous $36,131 to support financial aid. Every dollar—100% of the proceeds—directly funds tuition assistance for families who need it most. Financial aid strengthens our school by ensuring a diverse, connected community where students learn from one another’s experiences and grow together. This spirit of generosity reflects the heart of Brompton—where supporting one another enriches us all.
Strategic Investment
At Brompton, the cost of delivering a transformative education exceeds what tuition alone can cover. While tuition provides the foundation for our school, it does not fully capture the resources needed to attract and retain exceptional teachers, sustain enriching programs, and ensure students have every opportunity to thrive.
Closing this gap is not about balancing a budget, it’s about investing in our community and our future. We are addressing it through strategic advancement initiatives, including the creation of the Brompton Excellence Fund, targeted fundraising efforts, and other opportunities that strengthen our ability to support students and staff.
We are also exploring leadership roles, such as a Director of Advancement and Chief Financial Officer, to ensure that every dollar is managed with vision, care, and maximum impact.
Every step we take is guided by our mission: to nurture students who grow into thoughtful leaders, engaged stewards, and people who live with purpose, lead with empathy, and leave a mark on their communities. This work reflects a shared commitment to a school where curiosity is celebrated, learning is immersive, and the investment we make today shapes a brighter, more capable future.
In our early years, we experienced rapid growth, our student body grew 206% and our staff 300%, in just two years. We also realized we undervalued our programs and set tuition too low to balance accessibility with sustainability. We’re now taking thoughtful steps to correct course, ensuring we can continue providing exceptional education while keeping our school accessible to families.
Future Roadmap
2025 - 2026
Stabilize & Strengthen
Enrollment: +10 students (≈90 total)
Revenue Goals: $1 5M tuition, $200k fundraising
Priorities:
Competitive staff pay & support
Increase financial aid pool (10–15%)
Program excellence (outdoor learning, fieldwork, academic rigor)
Infrastructure:
Finalize nonprofit status
Build grant calendar
2026 - 2027
Grow & Expand
Enrollment: +10–12 students (≈100–105 total)
Revenue Goals: $1 6M tuition, $300–350k fundraising
Priorities:
Increase financial aid pool (15–18%)
Staff development & well-being
Hire CFO/Director of Advancement
Facilities/resources for growth
Infrastructure:
Establish 3-month operating reserve
Launch multi-year donor pledge program
2027 - 2028
Guiding Principles
Sustain & Lead �� Mission First: Margin will never come before mission. �� Accessibility: Keep tuition as affordable as possible while expanding aid.
Enrollment: +10–12 students (≈115 total)
Revenue Goals: $1 8M tuition, $400–500k fundraising
Priorities:
Benchmark staff compensation against top VA independent schools
20%+ financial aid
Major facility/campus investment
Infrastructure:
Build 6-month operating reserve
Explore endowment or quasi-endowment
Stewardship:
Every dollar tuition or fundraising is invested with care
Understanding Private School Finances: What Parents Should Know
For many families, enrolling a child in a private school is a new experience and so is learning how these schools operate financially. Unlike public schools, which receive funding from taxes, private schools rely on a mix of tuition and donations to cover expenses and grow Here’s a look at where revenue comes from, why tuition may change, and why schools often ask for donations on top of tuition.
Where Does the Money Come From?
For an established private school, most revenue typically comes from tuition Depending on the school, additional support may come from endowments, rental income from facilities, or auxiliary programs (like summer camps). Philanthropy is also a critical part of the picture, with gifts from parents, alumni, and friends making up a significant portion of many independent schools’ budgets.¹
For new schools, however, things can look different Without a financial cushion from endowments or long-established donor bases, new schools often rely heavily on tuition and community support just to cover the basics teacher salaries, classroom supplies, facilities, and insurance.
Why Tuition Might Increase (Even Mid-Year) Financial Realities:
This year in particular, families have wondered why tuition might increase “out of cycle ” The truth is, schools like ours are making budget decisions 12–15 months in advance - long before we can predict how much insurance premiums will spike, what inflation will do to food and materials costs, or whether an unexpected repair will drain our tiny reserves. We work hard to set tuition responsibly and keep costs as low as possible for families, but the reality is that when expenses rise faster than expected, there’s very little room to absorb the difference.¹
Independent schools carry unique financial pressures. Staffing, our teachers, the heart of our program, makes up more than 70% of the budget ² On top of that, we’re maintaining facilities, providing materials, and growing programs. For a younger school like ours without reserves, even modest shifts can have a big impact ³
It’s natural to think that grant funding helps fill in the gaps, but that’s no longer a reliable source of support Even when it was available, grant funding was extremely competitive. In the past year, however, philanthropic priorities have shifted, and many programs that once supported schools have been reduced or eliminated ⁴ The small cushion that grants once provided has all but disappeared, leaving tuition as the primary, and really the only, way to keep the lights on, retain excellent staff, and ensure students have what they need to thrive.
Footnotes
1 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). (2024). How parents pay school costs: Trends and insights in independent school tuition. Washington, DC: NAIS.
2 National Business Officers Association (NBOA). (2023). Independent school budgets: Understanding operational costs. Washington, DC: NBOA.
3 Hancock, D. (2022). Independent school financial planning: Managing uncertainty and growth. Journal of Independent Education Finance, 14(2), 45–62.
4 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). (2023). Why independent schools fundraise.Washington, DC: CASE.
Every family contributes in different ways—through tuition, volunteering, attending fundraisers, or making donations. Together, these efforts strengthen the school community and ensure that students benefit from a well-rounded, sustainable education.
Why Schools Ask for Donations
It may seem surprising to be asked for donations when you’re already paying tuition, but tuition typically does not cover the full cost of a student’s education. Many schools intentionally set tuition below the “true cost” to remain accessible to more families. Donations help bridge that gap, allowing the school to:
Fund financial aid for families who need it
Support program expansion (arts, athletics, outdoor learning, etc.)
Cover professional development for teachers
Invest in facilities, technology, and safety
As one independent school finance guide puts it: tuition “keeps the lights on,” while philanthropy “helps schools thrive and grow.”
Ways to Support Our School
Independent schools thrive not only through tuition but also through the generosity and partnership of families, alumni, and the wider community. Because tuition typically covers only a portion of the true cost of education, schools like ours rely on multiple avenues of support to sustain and grow our mission. Below are several ways that individuals and organizations can help ensure long-term stability and opportunity for our students.
1. Word of Mouth Referrals
According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), wordof-mouth referrals are the number one way independent schools grow. When families share their authentic experiences—why they chose this community, what their children love, and the difference they’ve seen—it makes a powerful impact. Each new enrollment helps spread the cost of education across more students, which in turn helps us keep tuition lower and programs stronger for everyone.
✨ Your voice matters—tell friends, neighbors, and colleagues about our school. Invite them to a tour, share a post, or bring someone to an event. Every conversation helps our community thrive.
2. Annual Giving
Annual gifts provide flexible funds that directly support day-to-day operations—everything from classroom supplies and outdoor learning gear to financial aid and teacher salaries. These gifts bridge the gap between tuition revenue and actual costs, allowing us to keep tuition as accessible as possible while continuing to provide an exceptional education.
�� Consider making a one-time or recurring gift this year to help us sustain quality education for every student.
3. Major Gifts
Major gifts allow families and friends of the school to make a targeted impact in an area they care most about. These could include:
Funding a new program (arts, STEM, athletics, environmental education) Supporting faculty chairs or professional growth opportunities Enhancing facilities, safety, and outdoor learning spaces
�� If there’s an area of the school that inspires you, let’s talk about how your generosity can make a lasting impact.
4. Endowment Giving
An endowment is a permanent fund where the principal is invested, and only the interest (or a portion of it) is used each year. Building an endowment ensures long-term financial stability and allows the school to weather economic shifts while still maintaining affordability and excellence. Endowed Scholarships: Provide lasting financial aid for future generations.
Program Endowments: Sustain signature programs like outdoor learning or environmental stewardship.
�� Help us plant the seeds of long-term sustainability. A gift to the endowment is a gift that grows and supports students forever.
5. Legacy Giving
Planned gifts are long-term commitments, often arranged through estate planning, that allow donors to leave a legacy. Options include:
Bequests in a will or trust
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance
Charitable gift annuities or trusts
5. Capital Campaigns
From time to time, schools launch capital campaigns to fund large projects such as building new facilities, expanding outdoor spaces, or making significant renovations. Capital gifts make these transformative projects possible and help create spaces that support learning for years to come.
6 Corporate & Community Partnerships
Local businesses and community partners play an important role in supporting independent schools. Sponsorships, matching gifts, in-kind donations, and employee giving programs extend the reach of every contribution and strengthen ties between the school and the community.
�� If you own a business or work with an organization that partners with schools, consider connecting with us about sponsorships, matching gifts, or collaborative opportunities.
The Donald Cahill Memorial Fund: Honoring a Legacy, Building a Future
This year, we are humbled to announce the creation of the Donald Cahill Memorial Fund, established through the generosity of Bridget, Shawn, and Nora McDonald in honor of Bridget’s father. This special fund is both a tribute to a life that touched many and a vital step forward in our school’s journey
This Memorial Fund is dedicated to making the dream of a future high school a reality. For years, families have shared their hopes of continuing with us through graduation a place where students can grow academically, emotionally, and socially in a setting that nurtures both heart and mind. Thanks to this fund, we are beginning to lay the foundation for that future.
For parents, alumni, and friends, the Donald Cahill Memorial Fund offers a unique opportunity to contribute to something transformational. Each gift helps ensure that generations of students will benefit from an education rooted in community, curiosity, and care, carried all the way through their high school years
We extend our deepest gratitude to the McDonald family for leading the way. Their generosity honors a legacy of love and learning, while inviting all of us to take part in shaping the next chapter of our school’s story Together, we can carry this vision forward and build a future high school that will serve our students for years to come.
