Table of Contents
A NOTE FROM THE HEAD
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HYLA SCHOOL’S MISSION
At Hyla, students engage deeply with the world through inquiry, creativity, and authentic relationships We challenge young people to think critically, act with compassion, and find purpose in their learning Our culture of care and belonging has made Hyla a trusted home for families seeking both intellectual vigor and human connection.
Hyla is a dynamic school where students in grades 5–12 grow intellectually and personally through experiential learning, meaningful coursework, and real-world application. We are devoted to teaching students to think critically and wisely, find heartfelt joy in learning, and lead lives grounded in character and integrity.
Our students emerge with voice, independence, and a strong sense of who they are fully prepared for upper school and deeply ready for what comes next: college and the opportunities of life beyond
Middle schoolers explore the joys of childhood while building the skills and confidence to thrive in high school, and upper school students pursue advanced, interdisciplinary, and college-level studies aligned with their interests and aspirations Hyla prepares students to launch into the world with purpose, curiosity, and momentum
WHAT MAKES HYLA UNIQUE
Culture of Care & Community
A school where every student is truly seen and known, and where belonging is not aspirational but foundational Students grow in an environment built on relationships, trust, and genuine
Experiential Learning
Hyla is the region’s only experiential-learning school with a deeper-learning pedagogy for grades 5–12 Students grapple with real-world questions, apply knowledge in meaningful ways, and understand the “why” behind their learning
Independent, Not Private
Hyla is mission-driven rather than market-driven. As an independent school, we are committed to serving students and families on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County, expanding access far beyond what traditional private schools offer.
“Community is not something that you just have. It doesn’t just happen. Every day we ’
re all
working hard to make and shape this community, so it feels like the place that we want it to be.” ~Student
A School With Public Purpose Extraordinary Access & Affordability
Through Human Relations, community service, social justice initiatives, and environmental sustainability work, students learn to take action, contribute to their communities, and engage with the broader world
Fifty-five percent of Hyla students receive tuition assistance (compared to under 25% at most private schools) More than 75% of those families receive awards covering over 75% of full tuition underscoring our deep commitment to economic diversity and educational equity
A Forever Commitment to the Arts & Outdoors
While many regional programs shrink, Hyla continues to invest in visual arts, performing arts, outdoor education, and world languages not as enrichment, but as essential elements of a complete education
HYLA’S HISTORY
Hyla School was founded in 1993 by parents, educators, and community leaders committed to a thoughtful, student-centered education rooted in experiential learning, community engagement, and intellectual curiosity. Originally established as a middle school, Hyla offered an alternative to traditional models one that nurtures the whole child and values personal growth as highly as academic challenge
Over three decades, Hyla has remained true to its founding values while evolving to meet community needs. In response to strong support and a desire to extend this unique approach into the high school years, Hyla launched its upper school in 2021.
Today, Hyla serves grades 5–12 across two campuses, offering a forwardthinking, relationship-based program that empowers young people to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
HYLA TODAY: PROMISE AND PRESSURE
Hyla’s program is strong, its culture is thriving, and its impact on students is profound. Yet even schools with exceptional programs encounter moments that require bold, visionary support As Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County have shifted demographically, Hyla is navigating an unprecedented rise in financial aid need alongside demographic and economic pressures shaping families’ ability to pay tuition
These challenges do not diminish Hyla’s value; they illuminate how essential it remains to the region
This is a moment where mission meets necessity and where philanthropic leadership can be transformational.
CONTEXT: HOW WE GOT HERE
In 2021, Hyla expanded to include an upper school in response to strong community demand and a desire to carry our unique educational approach into the high school years. This expansion followed:
More than a decade of steady enrollment growth
Healthy net-tuition revenue
Predictable, manageable financial aid needs
To launch the upper school, Hyla utilized bank financing a reasonable step given our enrollment trends, financial strength, and strong community support Then, beginning in 2022, Hyla experienced a rapid and unprecedented shift:
Incoming middle school classes, historically 24–34 students, dropped to roughly half
Tuition assistance needs rose sharply year-over-year.
Economic and demographic changes across Bainbridge and Kitsap reduced families’ capacity to pay full tuition
THE NEED
Tuition assistance has increased tenfold since 2018 from $250,000 to over $1 3 million annually
55% of Hyla families rely on financial aid
Only 45% of students are full-pay. Over 75% of aid recipients qualify for awards covering more than 75% of tuition
Without philanthropic support both transitional and long-term Hyla must raise the entire aid budget annually. This is unsustainable and creates vulnerability
OUR IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES
Debt Service
The steep rise in financial aid need has constrained Hyla’s ability to meet full debtservice obligations while supporting students Though Hyla remains current on payments, the bank has denied interest-only relief due to loan-to-value complications triggered by a flawed appraisal This creates short-term financial strain and restricts Hyla’s flexibility
Tuition Affordability for Families
Tuition Assistance (Hyla’s Most Urgent Need)
Financial aid has increased tenfold since 2018 and now totals over $1 3 million annually Fifty-five percent of Hyla families require assistance, and over 75% of recipients qualify for highneed awards This rapid, unprecedented rise has outpaced tuition revenue and created annual pressure that Hyla cannot sustain without significant philanthropic support
Collateralization / Loan-toValue Challenges
An undervalued bank appraisal has artificially reduced the loan-tovalue ratio of Hyla’s upper school buildings This limits our ability to renegotiate, restructure, or modify debt terms despite strong programmatic health and community support. Addressing this constraint is key to regaining financial flexibility
A recent demographic study shows that tuition above $23,000 places Hyla out of reach for a large portion of Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County families (Hyla’s current tuition is ~$32,000/year.) This affordability barrier not only suppresses enrollment but also limits the number of full-pay families the very families who help stabilize an independent school’s financial model Addressing tuition affordability is the single greatest lever for rebuilding enrollment, increasing the percentage of full-pay families, and returning Hyla to a sustainable, mission-aligned business model
OUR PATH FORWARD
ENSURING ACCESS. SUSTAINING IMPACT. STRENGTHENING HYLA’S FUTURE.
Support Tuition Assistance & a Tuition Reset
Philanthropy bridges the gap between revenue and need, protects access for current students, and supports a tuition reset that will make Hyla accessible to more families in the region
Acquire Key Buildings to Reduce Debt Pressure
Building acquisition allows Hyla to pay down a meaningful portion of its bank debt, helping to address though not fully resolve the loan-to-value issue created by the recent appraisal. This reduction lowers annual debt service obligations and provides immediate financial relief, while a leaseback ensures Hyla retains access to the instructional spaces. The higher the purchase price, the greater the positive impact on LTV.
Right-Size Capital Asset Expenses
Reducing or eliminating debt service allows Hyla to direct resources toward student experience and long-term sustainability.
GIFT OPPORTUNITIES WITH TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT
BELOW ARE HIGH-IMPACT OPTIONS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO A DONOR INTERESTED IN CREATING LONG-TERM STABILITY FOR HYLA.
Fund Two Years of Tuition Assistance & One Year of Tuition Reset
Amount: $3,187,058
Impact: Sustain access for every student who needs support and unlock Hyla’s long-term enrollment strength This gift preserves the two-campus model during a critical testing period and launches a tuition reset that broadens access for years to come
Fund Two Years of Tuition Assistance
Amount: $2,760,878
Impact: Meet Hyla’s most urgent need: supporting the families who make our community vibrant and diverse This investment provides two years of stability and protects the integrity of our academic and experiential program
Fund Two Years of Debt Service & One Year of Tuition Assistance
Amount: $2,667,101
Impact: Provide immediate relief from bank constraints, stabilize Hyla’s financial position, and safeguard core programs while ensuring students receive the support they need.
Right-Size Capital Asset Expenses
Amount: $2,354,229
Impact: Improve Hyla’s loan-tovalue position while directly supporting student access. This strategic combination mitigates risk and provides significant immediate benefit to our community
Fund One Year of Tuition Assistance & Two Years of Tuition Reset
Amount: $2,232,799
Impact: Accelerate Hyla’s affordability strategy, positioning the school to rebuild enrollment while supporting current families through key transition years
Purchase Building 365 Above Market Value
Amount: $1,800,000
Impact: Strengthen Hyla’s property valuation, unlock a healthier loan-to-value ratio, and preserve important program space all while improving cash preservation
Purchase Buildings 365 & 375 (at Market Value)
Amount: $2,175,000
Impact: Provide immediate relief from bank-imposed pressures and secure essential program space.
A FINAL NOTE
A gift in the range of $2.5–3 million would be transformational. It would:
Protect Hyla’s mission
Safeguard access for students
Relieve institutional financial pressure
Strengthen long-term sustainability
Preserve essential programs and spaces
Allow Hyla to move forward with confidence and vision
This is a rare opportunity to stabilize and strengthen an extraordinary school at a pivotal moment — and to ensure that Hyla’s impact endures for generations.
HYLASCHOOL ORG