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HYLA SCHOOL

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE

INDEX

Table of Contents 03

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

CONTEXT: HOW WE GOT HERE & THE NEED

HYLA’S MISSION

OUR PATH FORWARD

05 WHAT MAKES HYLA UNIQUE

07 HYLA’S HISTORY & HYLA TODAY

11-12 GIFT OPPORTUNITIES WITH TRANSFORMATIONAL IMPACT

12 A FINAL NOTE

A NOTE FROM THE HEAD It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank you for your consideration of supporting our mission, efforts, and work at Hyla. Your partnership at this moment has the power to shape not only the future of our school, but also the future of the young people who rely on Hyla for a transformative and deeply human educational experience. For more than three decades, Hyla has been a place where students engage with the world through inquiry, creativity, and authentic relationships. Our mission remains steadfast: to nurture intellectual vigor, inspire curiosity, and cultivate character through meaningful coursework, experiential learning, and a culture where every student is known, seen, and deeply supported. From grades 5–12, students grow into articulate, confident, and compassionate young people — ready for upper school, for college, and for the opportunities of life beyond. Hyla is a unique and vital presence in our region: the only experiential-learning school serving grades 5–12; an independent school committed to public purpose; an environment where arts, outdoor education, world languages, and belonging are foundational; and a community intentionally accessible to families across a wide range of economic backgrounds. Today, 55% of our students receive financial aid — a reflection of our deep commitment to access and equity. Yet this moment calls for bold, visionary leadership. Hyla’s program is thriving, but the economic and demographic realities of Bainbridge Island and Kitsap County have shifted dramatically. Dramatic increases in housing and living costs, coupled with sustained economic uncertainty, have reshaped the financial realities for families in our region, constraining affordability in ways that did not exist even a few years ago. This has been especially true for young families. Financial aid needs have grown tenfold since 2018, and only 45% of families can now pay full tuition. Rising aid requirements, affordability barriers, and bank-imposed constraints around debt service place pressure on a school whose mission has never been more essential. A gift — whether in the form of a strategic capital-asset acquisition or a transformational investment in financial aid and affordability — would provide the stability Hyla needs to continue serving students with excellence and integrity. Such support strengthens our financial foundation, preserves essential programs and spaces, and ensures that Hyla remains accessible to the families who depend on it. This packet includes several high-impact options for your consideration, each designed to meet Hyla’s most urgent needs and to create long-term sustainability. We would be honored to talk through any of these opportunities in more detail and explore how your leadership could make a generational difference for Hyla and its students. With gratitude and appreciation, Suzanne Messinger

HYLA’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 human connection.

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 05

A School With Public Purpose 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.

Extraordinary Access & Affordability 55% percent of Hyla students receive financial aid (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. Financial aid needs rose sharply year-over-year. Economic and demographic changes reduced families’ capacity to pay full tuition.

THE NEED Financial aid 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

Financial Aid (Hyla’s Most Urgent Need) Financial aid has increased tenfold since 2018 and now totals over $1.3 million annually. 55% of Hyla families require assistance, and over 75% of recipients qualify for high-need awards. This rapid, unprecedented rise has outpaced tuition revenue and created annual pressure that Hyla cannot sustain without significant philanthropic support.

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.

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.

OUR PATH FORWARD ENSURING ACCESS. SUSTAINING IMPACT. STRENGTHENING HYLA’S FUTURE.

Support Financial Aid & 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 THAT WOULD CREATE LONG-TERM STABILITY FOR HYLA.

Fund Two Years of Financial Aid & 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 Financial Aid Amount: $2,760,878 Impact: Meet an urgent need of Hyla’s: 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 Financial Aid 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 a significant and immediate benefit to our community.

Fund One Year of Financial Aid & 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.

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