St. Anne’s School of Annapolis is using this moment to prepare for our future. As part of our Strategic Plan, Journey Forward, we aim to create a sustainable financial foundation. Journey Forward Together is our campaign to create a Trustee-restricted endowment for the School.
The Trustee Endowment principal of $3,000,000 will be in a protected account to ensure economic stability for future generations of St. Anne’s School students. Conservatively, we anticipate seeing 5% returns (initially $150,000) annually on the Endowment that can be used as the Board of Trustees determines what will most benefit the School. Returns on principal are dependent on market forces. For reference, our Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) peer schools with endowments saw an average of 10% growth in their endowments in 2024.
*Should the Board reinvest in any given year, the interest in following years would increase as the principal increases. Long term, this means greater access to capital for investment in St. Anne’s School.
Some of the ways the Endowment growth may be applied include reinvesting in the Endowment to grow the capital (and therefore, future returns), improvements and upkeep of campus, and supporting faculty. For context, $150,000 return is equivalent to approximately 150% of the proceeds of a paddle raise at our annual auction, providing a new, strong, and continuous source of Trustee-restricted funding for the School.
An endowment is a marker of strength in an academic institution, and the Trustee Endowment will provide St. Anne’s School with financial legitimacy to the community at large as we continue to grow and innovate for years to come.
WHERE WE STARTED
St. Anne’s School of Annapolis was started in 1957 as a Preschool and Kindergarten located in Eastport and eventually historic downtown Annapolis. Through generous contributions by parents and community members, St. Anne’s School was able to open its current location on Arundel on the Bay Road in 1994 and also became incorporated as an independent day school. The School recently celebrated 30 years as an independent day school serving students ages Two through Eighth Grade.
St. Anne’s School’s current campus on Arundel on the Bay Road opened in 1994 thanks to a Capital Campaign that raised $1,000,000+
St. Anne’s School graduated its first Eighth Grade Class in spring 1999
St. Anne’s School provides a research-informed and individualized education rooted in Episcopal tradition that encourages students to form deep connections in the community and to fully know themselves as learners. At St. Anne’s School, the educational experience focuses on the whole student, providing a Social-Emotional Learning platform from which learners can launch themselves toward success and academic distinction. From the Reggio-inspired Program for Young Children to the Eighth Grade Capstone projects, the St. Anne’s School process-driven experience is one that encourages each student’s individuality while also connecting them to their school and community at large.
St. Anne’s School’s Founding Board included Hutchey Doley (left) and Caroline Aras (right) pictured at the 2024 30th Anniversary Installation Ceremony with current Head of School Connie Coker (middle left) and Founding Head Fran Lukens (middle right)
Dominic Patanella (‘24) Painting in Preschool, 2012
Dominic Patanella (‘24) Presenting Capstone Research Project in Eighth Grade, 2024
mission statement
St. Anne’s School invests in the intellectual and spiritual promise of each student in a community that celebrates diversity and upholds the dignity of every human being.
We challenge students to think critically and creatively, to know themselves as learners, and to govern their lives with confidence, compassion, and integrity.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
The Board of Trustees, in concert with School Leadership, created the 2023-25 Strategic Plan Journey Forward to guide decision makers as they build on the School’s unique history to expand the impact and elevate the experience of a St. Anne’s School education. The Board identified four pillars for a sustainable future: Program; Culture; Environment; and Stewardship. These pillars, in conjunction with the School’s Mission Statement, inform every decision about the future of St. Anne’s School of Annapolis.
PROGRAM
We aim to enhance our process approach to education, continuing to focus on the social-emotional needs of our diverse student body to further academic excellence. We will stay abreast of current research in educational science to enrich our program and the St. Anne’s School experience while ensuring that we stay true to our values and mission.
Endowment interest can be directed by the Trustees to expand access to research databases or further technology and academic program initiatives. A strong endowment will also help the School in attracting and retaining highly talented teachers.
CULTURE
We aim to promote our core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, kindness, and inclusivity while maintaining a school community that feels like family. Through honoring and supporting the work of our talented and diverse faculty, we strive to further deepen student-teacher relationships and enhance academic excellence.
Endowment interest can be directed by the Trustees to pay for continuing education for teachers or enhance financial aid.
ENVIRONMENT
At St. Anne’s School, we consider the classroom environment to be a “third teacher,” and as such we aim to create a campus that is inviting, safe, cutting edge, and conducive to inventive instruction. We will continue to bolster our technology and security initiatives while upgrading and improving the campus and classrooms per results from a needs assessment.
Endowment interest can be directed by the Trustees for ongoing campus improvements or expansions. In the planned Phase 2 of our fundraising efforts, the Endowment will fortify community donations towards a new Reggio Cottage for our youngest learners and improved facilities at our main campus.
STEWARDSHIP
Our program, with its focus on service and leadership, naturally gives way to a culture of philanthropy and collective stewardship at St. Anne’s School. We aim to establish a sustainable foundation for continued growth by expanding our donor base, exploring new revenue streams, and innovating outreach to our school community.
Endowment interest can be reinvested into the principal of the Endowment to grow returns and further financially support the School far into the future.
INVESTMENT POLICY
The principal of the Trustee Endowment represents permanently restricted funds to be retained in perpetuity. The funds will be invested and governed as outlined in a Board-approved Endowment Investment Policy. Any income generated from the principal shall be unrestricted funds to be directed by the Board of Trustees. The Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees will appoint an outside investment advisor to ensure investments align with the primary objectives of the safety of principal, long-term growth in fund assets, and the generation of income to support endowment purposes and reserve endowment purchasing power. Please ask about our complete Trustee Endowment Investment Policy for further details.
FURTHER CONNECTIONS
AMONG STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FAMILIES
WHY WE GAVE
Britta and Henrik Rasmussen decided to donate to the Endowment after having seen the positive impact St. Anne’s School of Annapolis has had on their grandkids from a young age. As such they wanted to ensure future generations would have that same benefit.
- Britta and Henrik Rasmussen, Grandparents ‘27, ‘29
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact St. Anne’s School has on its students. They exude confidence and compassion, and leave the School seeking a life of purpose. By donating to the Endowment, we ensure this special place continues to cultivate empathetic young leaders who will create positive change in the world for generations to come.”
- Courtney and Jaime Panaia-Rodi, Parents ‘32
CULTIVATE EMPATHETIC YOUNG LEADERS WHO WILL CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE WORLD FOR YEARS TO COME
“St. Anne’s School has been a source of joy, community, and support for our family since we joined the School in 2020. We would like future families to have the opportunity to experience the wonder of a St. Anne’s School education. We feel like creating a strong financial foundation is the best path toward this goal.”
- Marc and Nora Pangburn, Parents ‘29, ‘31
DONOR RECOGNITION LEVELS
Now is our time to establish St. Anne’s School as an institution for the future by donating to the campaign for the Trustee Endowment. We invite you to donate at the giving level that is right for your family, with the knowledge that your gift will be protected and grown to support future endeavors at St. Anne’s School. We intend to honor donors with a plaque inside the School to commemorate the gifts that have strengthened St. Anne’s School’s future.
supernova: $500,000+
galaxy: $250,000-$499,999
star: $100,000-$249,999
planet: $50,000-$99,999
moon: $25,000-$49,999
asteroid: $10,000-$24,999
comet: $1,000-$9,999
STRONG
We encourage you to consider a three-year pledge to make a gift of any size more
HOW TO GIVE
For any questions, or to discuss your gift to the Trustee Endowment Campaign, please reach out to:
Nora Pangburn, Board Development Chair npangburn@st.annesschool.org
Jake Rasmussen, Chairman of the Board jrasmussen@st.annesschool.org
Connie Coker, Head of St. Anne’s School ccoker@st.annesschool.org
St. Anne’s School of Annapolis Campaign for Endowment
