Why is Woodstock Academy embarking on a major fund drive? With a two-century track record of excellence in education, Woodstock Academy needs to build a financial foundation to help the school serve the community better throughout the next century and beyond. In particular, the Academy needs to develop a strong, permanently restricted endowment. The current endowment is the smallest of any remaining Connecticut town academy.
What will funds that are raised be used for? The majority of funds raised from this drive will be placed in the permanently restricted Endowment Fund. The balance will enable the Academy to enrich programs, enhance indoor sports facilities, expand the Bracken library, add new resources in laboratory and natural sciences, and upgrade technology throughout the campus.
How strong is the educational program at Woodstock Academy? Today the educational opportunities that the Academy provides are truly second to none throughout the region. The Academy offers rigorous academics, strong guidance, a broad array of arts and athletics, and many extra-curricular opportunities. Woodstock Academy has more strenuous academic standards than any area public high school, requiring students to pass at least 24 credit hours of coursework in order to graduate.
What is the evidence of the quality? The Academy's success rate in preparing students for a "lifetime of learning" is evidence of the school's quality. Each year, more than 75% of the Academy's graduates enter college and many others enter training programs, the armed services or the workforce. School attendance and graduation rates are significantly above state averages, and the dropout rate is significantly below the state and regional averages. As noted in its most recent re-accreditation report, Woodstock Academy is "a very strong academic institution" characterized by "an exceptional level of faculty dedication and commitment to students' needs." The Academy is well known for the "exceptional breadth and depth of curriculum available to students," and the "outstanding program provided for special needs students."
Who are the Academy's students? The Academy serves approximately 1,000 students annually with the vast majority coming from Woodstock, Pomfret, Eastford, Canterbury and Brooklyn. The service population reflects the diversity of the community with students coming from all walks of life and social and economic circumstances.
Isn't the Academy an elitist institution? No, Woodstock Academy is purposefully non-selective, which is to say that it is open to all sending town students who choose to attend.
How accountable is the Academy to the public? The Academy truly is an independent school with a public purpose. As such, it is at least as accountable to the public as standard public high schools. While an independent Board of Trustees guides the Academy, this body includes two official representatives from each of the sending towns. The Academy is held accountable to the same benchmarks and standards as all public schools.
Why should I give to the Third Century Campaign? The Academy is a unique and historic institution, with a strong track record of success. You should make an investment in this campaign because building the endowment will help the Academy to provide quality education to future generations of families and students. Simply put, the endowment cannot grow without the help of concerned individuals like you, and without your help the quality of the program will be threatened over time.
What percentage of my gift will go to the school? One hundred percent of your gift will be used for the purposes for which it was intended. The Board of Trustees has set aside funds to pay for every aspect of campaign administration and management. The Academy is committed to honoring the wishes and intentions of each and every donor.
How can I be assured that my gift to the endowment will not be used for other purposes? All funds contributed to the school endowment are permanently restricted as defined by the Academy's investment policy. Principal may not be touched, and only a percentage of income will be used by the Academy on an annual basis. This prudent policy will help the endowment to grow over time, while providing vital resources to the school every year.
How large does the endowment need to be in order to assure that the Academy thrives? Over time Woodstock Academy will require a $10 million to $15 million endowment. The Third Century Campaign will jumpstart the long term endowment effort and provide guidance and inspiration to future generations of Academy donors.
The Campaign goal is $2.5 million, yet I see a much greater number of total giving opportunities. Why is that? The giving opportunities have been created to outlive the campaign itself. Should donors come forward after the campaign is concluded, opportunities to honor family members and other loved ones will remain available.
How can I make a contribution to the Campaign? You can help in several ways. Individuals, families, businesses, corporations and foundations can make donations to Woodstock Academy through gifts of cash, securities, life insurance, real property, life-income gifts or other deferred gift options. Gifts may also be made as memorials or tributes to loved ones. Click on How You Can Help. Choosing the right gift option may be further discussed with the Director of Development and Alumni Relations by calling the Development Office at (860) 928-6575
