Parent Engagement
A Guide to
A generous community supports Summit’s mission. Since its founding in 1933, each Summit School family has played an important role in the school community. Summit parents share the responsibilities of meeting the school’s educational goals and ensuring a soundly governed and financially healthy institution. Summit encourages parents to actively participate in daily school life and provide financial support beyond tuition. Through volunteer opportunities, special events, and fundraising efforts, the school offers a variety of ways to become involved.
Educating a child requires: An exceptional faculty, a curriculum that develops fluency, creativity, and competency, and the involvement of parents.
Within a school year you will have many opportunities to engage.
Your participation is essential to the success of our community.
Endowment Summit’s endowment funds, established in 1959, have grown to more than $19,538,000 and generate $850,000 annually for the operating budget. The Board’s policy is to spend up to 5% of a three-year rolling average of the value of the endowment for operations. Gifts to the general endowment fund are always welcome; additionally, a gift of $50,000 or more can establish a permanent, named endowment.
Corporate Partner Program Partner with Summit School to make a meaningful impact while increasing your business's visibility in our community. Corporate sponsorships support the school's operating needs and offer valuable benefits, including brand recognition, marketing opportunities, and event exposure.
Matching Gifts Make your gift go twice as far! Matching gifts from your employer are a great way to leverage additional dollars to support Summit. Please check with your company to see if they can assist you with this process. Remember that gifts from spouses and retirees may also be eligible.
Getting Involved Family Association Summit offers a variety of volunteer opportunities that coordinate enrichment and fundraising activities to benefit all students. These activities provide assistance to classroom teachers and staff as well as financial support through “fun raisers” such as school pictures, the Back to School Bash, May Frolics, and the biennial Gala. Proceeds are used for special projects throughout the entire campus. There are many opportunities to get involved, and we welcome parents, grandparents, caregivers, older siblings, and family friends to participate. Thank you for your interest! If you have any questions, please email family.association@summitmail.org.
Committees • Advancement Office Support • Athletics • Back to School Bash • Costume Room • Faculty and Staff Appreciation
• Gala • Garden Guardians • Grade Representative • Gratitude Gift • Lower School Library • May Frolics • New Families
• Parent Coffee • Spirit • Summit Fund • Under the Stars • Upper School Library • Yearbook Photos
SAVE THE DATE!
Summit Gala: Celebrating Summit School Mark your calendars for Summit School's biennial Gala on Saturday, April 17, 2027! This special evening of fellowship and fun will celbrate Summit’s legacy and invest in its future. We are grateful to Heather Maloy, parent of Whit (6th), Molly (8th), and Riley '25, for serving as Gala Chair. Be on the lookout for details and sponsorship opportunities in the coming months.
Giving Opportunities We need your help this year to achieve two important goals—The Summit Fund and Seeding Possibilities Campaigns—both are critical to offering the best possible experience for our students. We hope you will consider supporting both.
The Summit Fund is the primary way for alums, parents, grandparents, past parents, and friends to support the annual operations of our school. By giving, you help Summit take advantage of mission-driven, real-time innovations that keep a Summit education dynamic— both in and out of the classroom. Annual participation is strongly encouraged. As an independent school, Summit receives no government funding and relies on tuition, charitable gifts, investment income, and special events to sustain its programs. Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of a Summit education; each student receives an annual subsidy of approximately $2,300. Gifts to The Summit Fund help bridge this gap, providing resources for an exceptional educational experience while helping keep tuition increases modest.
seeding possibilities
The Seeding Possibilities Comprehensive Campaign was created to support the long-term strength and success of our students, teachers and campus. With the SEED Center nearing completion, we are Seeding MORE Possibilities by enhancing the Loma Hopkins Theatre with updated carpeting, lighting, curtains, and other improvements that will preserve this cherished space and continue to inspire connection, creativity, and community for years to come.
Parent Checklist for Getting Involved 2026-2027 Sign Up to Volunteer
Now!
New Parent Social
August 24
Back to School Bash
August 28
4th & 5th Grade Parents’ Night
September 2
9th Grade Parent Breakfast
September 11
Early Childhood Parents’ Night
September 15
7th Grade Parent Breakfast
September 15
8th Grade Parent Breakfast
September 18
Fill the Hill
September 18
1st - 3rd Grade Parents’ Night
September 22
Summit's Birthday
September 25
SEED Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration
September 26
6th Grade Parent Breakfast
September 29
Under the Stars (parents only)
October 17
Special Persons’ Day Return re-enrollment contracts to Admissions Office
November 20 February
Head’s Team Reception (donors of $3,000+)
April 8
Gala
April 17
May Frolics
May 7
Donor Appreciation Event (all donors)
May 12
9th Grade Commencement
May 26
To make a gift, volunteer, or get more information, please contact the development office at (336) 724-5811 or visit summitschool.com/give.