NEWTOWN, PA — The George School, a Quaker boarding and day school in Newtown, has announced a groundbreaking $17.75 million donation from an anonymous George School family to benefit The George School Foundation.
“These funds are an important step toward our goal of ensuring that each of our students can enjoy the full George School experience without being limited by the financial constraints that increasing numbers of our families feel in their efforts to provide the best education possible for their students,” said Principal Justin Brandon.
The donation of $17.75 million will be distributed across three funds:
- The International and Experiential Learning Fund builds on The George School’s long-standing travel learning program, expanding the range of academic and service travel options and providing every student with access to an opportunity that is a hallmark of a George School education.
- The Student Activities Fund will improve and expand both the scope and access to extracurricular programs and provide more valuable experiences outside the classroom for the entire student community.
- The Student Leadership Development Fund will fund new programs on and off campus designed to recognize and develop the leadership potential and unique personalities of all our students.
With a focus on three interconnected, mission-centered components – developing a strong, vibrant community, teaching the value of learning to lead from any vantage point, and the critical importance of developing a global worldview – these funds will both enhance programs and provide a more financially equitable experience for every George School student.
The Engaged Citizenship program focuses on service and experiential learning, which have been an integral part of the George School curriculum for over 75 years. It’s not about educational tourism, but rather, explains program director Meredith Baldi, “about diving deep into understanding the structural problems of our world and finding out where their limits lie. It’s about learning more about yourself, what you can contribute, and what you need to work on.”
Meredith sees this fund as a critical and transformative building block for the program. “Understanding global issues from a lived and seen perspective helps instill in our students and alumni a desire to make a lifelong commitment to peace and justice,” Meredith said. “Being able to provide each student with this impactful and tangible course experience will be exponentially impactful.”
Funding for student activities and leadership training confirms the benefits an on-site learning experience can have for all students.
“Students may choose The George School because of the academic program,” explains Mb Duckett Ireland, Deputy Director of Student Life, “but everything that goes with it – the leadership skills they develop in clubs and teams, the life skills they gain from living and interacting with friends from around the world, and their creative endeavors – adds that ‘something special’ to their George School experience.”
“We are extremely excited and deeply grateful,” said Justin. “This generous donation will be an important step in supporting the integration of our extracurricular offerings as consistent, equitable and profound components of our learning environment.”
