WISHFORWARD 2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
20 23 EXCELLENCE FOR ALL
22-23 Annual Report
WISHForward
Table of Contents Who We Are
1
Letter from the Board President
2
Whole Scholar Approach
3
National Recognition
4
Academic Performance
5-6
Alumni Spotlight
7
Milestones & Achievements
8
Parent Educators
10
Letter from the Executive Director
11
Capital Campaign
12
Gratitude and Collaboration Appendix-Financials
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13-15
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From Humble Beginnings To Shaping the Future WISH–Westside Innovative School House–opened its doors in 2010-2011 as a free, public, independent, nonprofit, charter school authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Since that time, WISH has grown from 136 TK-3rd grade students and ten educators to now supporting more than 1,100 TK-12th grade students and 100 educators. In the 2022-2023 school year, 30% of our students were Black/African-American, 30% White/Caucasian, 25% Hispanic/Latino, 7% Asian, and 6% multiracial. WISH has evolved from a small offering built on a dream to a thriving program grounded in excellence, and a destination for visiting educators from 26 states and 14 countries. WISH has hosted education ministers, superintendents, policymakers, professors, and other influential educators who come to WISH to learn of our signature practices, producing some of the country's top test scores and amazing human beings. Today, WISH Community (TK-8) and WISH Academy (9-12) are internationally recognized as innovators in a whole scholar approach to education grounded in social justice through inclusivity. The purpose of WISHForward Educational Foundation, Inc. ("WISHForward" or "WF") is to support, guide, and promote the growth, operations, and sustainability of the WISH schools. Thus, its focus is on building long-term financial relationships and support to further strengthen and amplify the WISH model. It is a fundraising entity with two areas of focus: (1) securing a private, single-site facility and (2) enhancing programs and creating new ones. As a separate 501(c)3, WF can create partnerships through fundraising events, one-on-ones, mixers, and other events with corporations, foundations, high net-worth partners, and families able to give above and beyond WISH's general operating needs. WISHForward was created by families, educators, and community members who, through their own children’s experiences, are passionate about what WISH can do for ALL children today and inspired to do more for ALL children tomorrow. Page 001
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Founded with Heart Aiming for Excellence Dear Friends of WISH Community & WISH Academy Schools
The WISH journey started with the incredible efforts of a few mothers of children with disabilities who applied to attend their local public schools and were turned away. These mothers were told their children would be bussed to segregated special education programs in schools away from their siblings, neighbors, and other children who had strengths very different from their own. Disappointment and frustration turned to determination and commitment, as these moms, in partnership with a number of tremendous educators and knowledgeable Loyola Marymount University (LMU) professors who provided invaluable guidance and support, chose a path toward a dream that became a reality with the opening of WISH in 2010. Thanks to the resilience of this group of parents, educators, and professors, WISH has educated thousands of students, supported tens of thousands of families, and impacted millions of students whose educators have visited our schools. With support from friends like you, WISH is known around the world as an innovator in a whole scholar approach to education with its strong commitment to social justice through inclusivity. Given our annual waiting list of more than 1,100 students who passionately want to join the WISH family, we know we are onto something, and that we have more work to do. Page 002
What can we achieve in our next 5, 10, and 15 years as we continue supporting and motivating future leaders? This is the focus of WISHForward, ensuring our future is as magical and productive as our past by focusing on two key areas: facilities and programming. And, for that, we look to the support of corporations, foundations, high networth community members and families able to give above and beyond the Annual Giving request that supports our daily efforts. At www.wishforward.org you’ll find various ways to get involved, including supporting “One WISH, One Campus.” This is our most ambitious fundraising effort, to raise our first $10M to fund the development of our own campus and improve our programming over the next ten years. Please let us know if you’re interested in supporting WISHForward. We would welcome the chance for you to meet some of the dedicated volunteers and families at WISH to understand the difference your support will make. We look forward to meeting you. With deep gratitude,
Karina M. Fedasz WISHForward Board President
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Guided by Research Shaping the Whole Scholar WISH serves TK-12th grade students through our two schools: WISH Community School (TK-8) and WISH Academy High School (9-12). From those early days in transitional kindergarten through those last days as seniors getting ready to start a new life chapter, students benefit from world-class instruction in areas such as music, art, physical education, STEM, and technology. WISH connects research to practice to bring positive changes for students in every grade level by serving as a professional development school for LMU School of Education. WISH has two LMU liaisons who serve as instructional coaches and partners in this work, with over 80 LMU students on our campuses conducting fieldwork or serving as student teachers each semester. At WISH, we are deeply committed to serving the Whole Scholar. This commitment starts from day one and continues throughout a student’s tenure, focusing on academic excellence and social-emotional growth and development. Our team of interdisciplinary teachers and specialists collaborate to ensure the instruction and evidence-based teaching practices are meaningful and engaging for every child, tailored to their individual development.
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Resetting the Bar Nationally Recognized Our exceptional educators foster strong partnerships and build connections with students, parents, and the community that WISH serves. These efforts have not gone unnoticed. SWIFT (School-wide Integrated Framework for Transformation), a nationally recognized leader in education aligned with the University of Kansas, recently recognized WISH for its exemplary work. WISH was named a SWIFT Knowledge Development Site, 1 of only 6 schools in the country selected for this auspicious designation. This past year WISH was identified as a SIP (Supporting Inclusive Schools) demonstration site, and teams of educators throughout California and across the nation will be visiting to observe our signature practices. WISH has also received the maximum 6-year accreditation for schools from Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This accreditation serves as a testament to the quality of education that WISH provides and the commitment of the faculty and staff to the students' academic and personal growth. WISH is proud to be one of only two Los Angeles TK-12 schools to have received this prestigious accreditation from WASC (and one of only 122 TK-12 schools out of nearly 5,000 schools nationwide), as we continually strive for excellence in education, serving the Whole Scholar. As demonstration sites, WISH hosts quarterly tours for educators and researchers and has been acknowledged by noteworthy organizations as excelling in serving all students.
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ES & MS Academic Performance The Pride of the Westside While test scores aren't the sole measure of a school's success, they do provide a valuable snapshot of academic achievement. At WISH, we believe in a whole scholar approach to education— nurturing students' creativity, character, and diverse talents alongside academic excellence. And we agree that understanding a student’s potential cannot be solely captured by standardized tests. However, our consistently high test scores reflect the exceptional dedication of our educators and the supportive community that fosters a love for learning. What sets these achievements apart is the pride we take in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every student, regardless of background or ability, thrives together.
% of ES Students in ELA & Math Combined Exceeding Standards % of ES Students in ELA & Math Combined Exceeding + Meeting Standards
Our combination of strong test scores and educational philosophy assures us we're not just nurturing academic achievers but also cultivating future citizens poised to make meaningful contributions to our diverse society. As seen on the right, our elementary and middle school students set the bar for excellence on the Westside when compared to our adjacent schools, and consistently double state and county standards for exceeding standards. Our test scores actually meet or exceed those of schools in districts with more financial resources and homogenous classrooms. During the last eight years WISH ES ELA and Math scores combined have increased by 40.5%, and WISH MS ELA and Math test scores combined have increased by 45.9%.
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% of MS Students in ELA & Math Combined Exceeding Standards % of MS Students in ELA & Math Combined Exceeding + Meeting Standards
Source: California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, 2022-2023 School Year https://caaspp-elpac.ets.org/caaspp/Default
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HS Academic Performance The Surprise of the Westside Six short years ago, WISH Academy opened its doors, welcoming 76 ninth-grade students to benefit from our whole scholar approach to education and participate in a handful of afterschool activities. Today, WISH Academy continues to grow, now serving nearly 300 students and offering 20 specialty classes, 15 clubs and organizations, and 12 athletic teams. All of our WISH educators are fully accredited, with one-third also serving as faculty at local universities, and include esteemed authors, lecturers, patent holders, inspirational leaders, and even Grammy winners.
% of HS Students in ELA & Math Combined Exceeding Standards % of HS Students in ELA & Math Combined Exceeding + Meeting Standards
WISH Academy provides an exciting school offering that has surprised the Westside with its quick success. Achievements include a 100% college acceptance rate and 79% University of California acceptance rate (the highest on the Westside). WISH Academy also has combined ELA and Math test scores that have increased by 44.5% since the school opened and that are above all other adjacent high schools. WISH Academy is thriving and aiming for more. With hundreds, and counting, of WISH Academy graduates now pursuing higher education at schools from across the country and around the world, we are excited for the future with these amazing young people ready to lead the world.
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Sampling of some of the colleges and universities where WISH Academy graduates are blazing new trails
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Already Changing the World WISH’s First College Graduate Walking in the doors on WISH Academy’s opening day was freshman Stephan BaumHarvey, who four years later was part of our first graduating class. At the end of 2023, Stephan made more WISH history as our first college graduate, completing his Bachelor of Arts in Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley in two and a half years, and currently the founder of several businesses. We recently sat down with Stephan to chat about his WISH experience: What grade did you join the WISH community and why? I joined WISH Academy as a founding high school class member in 2017. When my parents explored possible high schools, they heard amazing testimonies of WISH from friends and neighbors. It was a great choice! What were some of your best memories of WISH? The best memories mainly stem from people I met, as WISH felt more like a family than a typical high school. I am still in contact with nearly every member of our senior class and several faculty members. One of my favorite memories was our UAS (drone) class where we were helping each other pass different sections of the procedures to qualify for the next level in the course. Another memory is of a fundraising campaign in our business class. We designed, marketed, and executed a student movie night. It was an excellent teaching moment, exposing us to how events are run and the hard work required while providing a fun, engaging event for students who chose to attend.
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How did WISH Academy prepare you for college? The extra focus on public speaking helped me not only at college but actually getting into college. I had several interviews with different institutions, and the extra practice we did for our presentations on learning at WISH came in handy. At Berkeley, I was constantly asked to present findings and speak at varying points in class and at some events. Having those fundamental skills was a great benefit and gave me a head start to my future career. Why did you choose Berkeley? I picked Berkeley mainly due to my personality and how I could connect to the campus history. I have always been a self-starter and dedicated to my work, which Berkeley is well-known for. Initially, I aimed to pursue a degree in computer science, a field in which Berkeley is respected as a leading institution. While I went a different route for my major (interdisciplinary studies), it was still an excellent fit for me. What next? I am currently looking for jobs and will be attending LMU to complete an MBA program starting in fall 2024. I want to continue expanding my education while gaining a fundamental understanding of specific jobs in which an MBA may benefit. I'm also engaging with non-profit groups focused on public safety and contributing to freelance reporting in Los Angeles. These experiences are not only enriching my professional skills but also broadening my interests and hobbies. I am eager to explore all of the new opportunities that are coming my way!
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Milestones & Achievements Inspiring Progress
100% 79% of seniors accepted to college
#16
UC acceptance (state avg: 67%)
1,154
WISH Community ranks in the top 20 of Niche Best Charter Elementary Schools in LA Area
average # of students annually waitlisted for admission into WISH over the past 5 years
14
100%
countries have sent educators to WISH to learn about our whole scholar approach
11:1
WISH Academy student/faculty ratio
97%
of WISH families attend events and/or donate to the annual fund
80K
WISH Academy AP Calculus AB score of 3+ (state average 60%)
service-learning hours donated to date in support of more than 200 activities and nonprofit organizations
16:1
1 of 6
WISH Community student/faculty ratio
nationwide schools selected as a SWIFT Knowledge Development Site
Best Public School From Hometown News: Voted by the community as “Best Public School,” “Best Charter School,” and Best High School throughout the last decade.
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Parent Educators Above and Beyond Trisha and Matt Lee - WISH Parents and Educators We are grateful for the experiences we’ve had at WISH. As parents and educators in the WISH community, we feel that being able to work and have our daughters learn in a community that thrives on being able to teach to the whole student is very important. We stand behind WISH’s mission and philosophy to support all students of all abilities and their social emotional well being. We believe both of these ideals are important life skills that provide a substantive foundation in being able to navigate their own world with people of all abilities and emotions one day in the future.
Elizabeth and Miguel Ornelas - WISH Parents and Educators What I love about WISH Charter is its emphasis on the whole child. WISH balances academic excellence along with social emotional learning and a variety of extracurricular activities such as music, art, technology, and gardening. Our inclusive practices add to our diverse student body which initially attracted us to WISH. The caring community feel is reflective of the dedicated teachers and staff who make WISH feel like a second home. I'm grateful my children attend WISH and am honored to serve as a WISH teacher.
Pilar Chavez and Mike Devlin - WISH Parents and Educators We love so many things about WISH. One of the things we love the most is the balance between academic and social emotional learning. Our girls have really thrived in learning to understand their emotions and the emotions of others. We know this will serve them well in the future.
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Our Vision Together
A Thriving Future for All Children One of the main drivers of making a school fantastic is passionate educators who strive for excellence in all they do to serve students, families, and one another. I am so proud to be surrounded by a team of passionate educators at WISH Community and Academy schools. The 2022-2023 school theme--Onward and Upward--united our community members across grade levels, schools, and out into the world. We know families and the public hold us accountable for providing the very best education to our young people and to always be reaching for more. Our faculty and staff take that responsibility seriously, and it fills our hearts and guides our actions every day. We pride ourselves on ensuring each student has a whole scholar approach to learning with high-quality music, art, PE, STEM, computer science, horticulture, field trips, and social-emotional support and instruction. From meaningful and engaging learning experiences to authentic relationships grounded in social and emotional wellness, our faculty and staff are passionate about this work. We love being a part of a community that values all people! Our charge as public school educators is to raise informed, critical thinkers who contribute positively to society as adults. One of the ways we achieve this is by teaching our young people in heterogeneous classrooms that represent an array of races, cultures, identities, abilities, religions, and more found in the broader community. We see students go out into the world valuing diversity in people and the richness amongst us. The values instilled in them by their WISH education inspire each to create community spaces and workplaces that embrace and value all humans! Thank you for investing in our young people, educators, families, and excellence in public education. Every single day, we are grateful and honored to be able to do this work on behalf of the children and families we serve. With gratitude,
Shawna L. Draxton Dr. Shawna Draxton Executive Director, TK-12 WISH Community and Academy Schools
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Capital Campaign One WISH - One Campus
Artist rendition of future WISH TK-12 campus
The objective of the ONE WISH - ONE CAMPUS capital campaign is to generate $10 million in funds to establish a single location for all WISH TK-12 students. This initiative will enable the creation of an educational center to cater to the needs of students, educators, and the broader community, allowing our students to explore their passions and develop the skills they need to achieve their full potential. By bringing together students, educators, and the community, we aim to serve thousands of families in our local community. Additionally, our new campus will serve as a vibrant hub of learning and innovation as we continue to welcome visiting educators from across the globe, indirectly benefiting a broader number of students worldwide.
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Gratitude and Collaboration Ongoing Success We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, including WISH families, educators, employees, and community businesses for their steadfast support and unwavering dedication as we continue our shared vision via WISHForward. We are proud to have a community who shares this vision and who work tirelessly to ensure that our students receive the support they need to succeed. To our WISH families, we want to express our appreciation for entrusting WISH Community and Academy Schools with your children's education. This is a significant responsibility, and we are proud to support the efforts of both WISH schools striving to provide a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment that fosters learning and growth. To the WISH educators who represent our entire faculty and staff, we continue to be inspired by your incredible dedication and hard work. Your passion for teaching and your commitment to student learning fuels our efforts, and we are grateful for all you do. Your hard work is heart work and we appreciate you. Finally, to our community sponsors, we want to acknowledge your generosity and commitment to supporting education. Your contributions help make the WISH programs and initiatives possible, and we are thankful for your partnership. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our students and our community. Thank you for your support and dedication to WISHForward as we move onward and upward. Page 013
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Gratitude and Collaboration Ongoing Success Thank you to our WISHForward 2022-2023 supporters and sponsors
$100,000+ Luminaries Hameetman Foundation Michael and Suzanne Goldstein $25,000+ Brian and Allison Buchner Miles and Melissa Remer Dave and Brenda Torres $15,000+ Dr. Shawna and Peder Draxton Dr. Danelle Fisher and Marshall Naiman Raj Makwana and Kimberlie Traceski $10,000+ First Priority Management Karina and Stephen Fedasz Gregg and Ellen Goldfarb Lali De Aztlan and Fernando J Guerra Morris Braun Foundation
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WISHForward Gala 2023 Apollo and Mercury Sponsors Hameetman Foundation and Team Tami
Thank you to our WISHForward 2022-2023 supporters and sponsors
$1,000+ Neal Mendelsohn & Jennie Brook Paul & Alyssa Bost Sean & Carlene Card Michael Devlin & Pilar Chavez
JSF Financial Shawna & Chad Kenan Elliot & Liz Kotek Kellie & James Mowll
Britton Payne Thomas Perkins The Chang-Scott Families The Stragnell Family
up to $1,000 Eric Adams Alicia & Dan Akers Nancy Aossey Charlotte & Ricardo Angeles Scott Baker Justin Beck Gilberto Chavez Daniel Clark The Coates Family Crista Copp Nathan Cox Jonathan Day Annette Devlin
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April Do The Gallen Family Deanna Gillen Wayne & Melanie Goldstein Julie & Schaffer Grimm Paul Gutrecht Megan & Ted Hall Sidney Hamburg Joan House Paula Kalandiak Shawna & Chad Kenan Rachel Knopf The Koppula Family
Randy & Robyn Kwan Karen Lamberton Daniel Loder Dustin Manning Jessalyn & Michael Matyas Lynda Modaff & Steve O’loughlin Thomas & Thao MOKuLehua Cecily Mullings Estella Perkins Jessica & Kevin Poff Julio Ramos Daniel Oakley Ben Orze
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Robert & Zsuzsana Pavlovich Ryan Peal & Andrew Martin Michelman & Robinson LLP Reuben & Jennifer Shah The Shikiar Family Ken Simon Eric & Ivey Steinberg Phyllis & Jerry Steinberg Peter & Sheri Steinman Ryan & Kristina Stybel Marta Vukovich Scott & Hilary Walter Young, Minney & Corr, LLP
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The WISHForward Educational Foundation, a California-based non-profit organization, operates as a public benefit corporation. It holds a tax-exempt status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with a federal tax ID number (EIN) of 81-2032610. Donations to the foundation are tax-deductible, subject to the limitations prescribed by law.
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Appendix Financial Statements
WISHForward had a strong year in 2022-2023, increasing its net assets by almost $500,000 through pledges receivable generated at its gala and golf events. These pledges will be collected over a 5-10 year period with the majority of donations coming from community and family members. The capital campaign balance grew by 353% primarily from donations made by the Hameetman Foundation, Team Tami, Michael & Suzanne Goldstein, Dave & Brenda Torres, and almost $55,000 in donations collected at the gala. As of the printing of this annual report, approximately $140,000 of the $357,500 total current and long term pledges receivable at June 30, 2023 have already been collected.
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