List of 12 frequently asked questions.

• What is the Soaring campaign for Palmer Trinity School?

  The Soaring Campaign for Palmer Trinity School is a capital campaign directed at raising $13 million for the development of the South Campus.

• Why is Palmer Trinity conducting a capital campaign at this time?

  This campaign will provide needed facilities. It is the result of the Strategic Plan that was approved last year and recommendations from the Feasibility Study. The Strategic Plan identified needs that couldn’t be met through the operating budget, and the Feasibility Study tested the community’s support for the campaign’s objectives.  The final report was delivered to the Board in May 2015. 

• What will the campaign cover?

  The campaign will cover all aspects of student life:

  • Academic Growth: Classroom Building
  • Athletic Excellence: Main Athletic Field and Track
  • Episcopal Identity: Chapel
  • School Community: Multi-use Student Center/Dining Hall

• How did you decide on the goal?

  The Campaign goal was approved by the Board of Trustees following a comprehensive Feasibility Study which tested the School community’s support for the campaign priorities and funding levels. 

• Who is managing Palmer Trinity’s capital campaign? 

  The campaign is being managed by Juan Gomez, Director of Development and our campaign consultants, Marts & Lundy/Rocky Ford & Sarah Cave. 

• Who are the volunteers leading the effort?

  Present Parent and Trustee Beth Brockway Serrate ’85 and Alumni Parent and Trustee Hugo Mantilla are the Campaign Co-chairs.  In addition, Alumni Parent and Grandparent, Pat Brockway is our honorary chairs.

   

• Who is being asked to support the campaign?

  The entire PTS community will be asked to participate in the campaign. Because campaigns are conducted sequentially, some members of the PTS family may not be contacted right away, but within a year everyone will have had an opportunity to be a part of this important event in the School’s history. Making the School a philanthropic priority will ensure the success of the campaign. 

• When will I be asked for a gift or pledge?

  You’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the campaign, timing, and objectives. Then you can expect to be contacted by a volunteer member of the campaign committee

• Why should I invest in PTS? My children are no longer there. 

  Everything we enjoy at PTS is the result of the generous gifts from those who came before us; as they provided for you and your children or grandchildren, it is now our responsibility to provide for those who will follow. Your belief in Palmer Trinity School’s mission was, in part, what led you to choose the School for your children. You now have the opportunity to reinforce that choice with a gift that reflects your continuing commitment to the goals and values that a PTS education represents. A gift to this campaign will ensure Palmer Trinity School’s strength and success in the future. 

• Do other independent schools have capital campaigns?

  Yes, capital campaigns are common for schools that, like PTS, are dependent upon tuition income and charitable gifts. 

• Why are we asked to give to the Annual Fund and the Soaring campaign in addition to paying tuition?

  The actual cost of educating each student is greater than the tuition at Palmer Trinity School. Tuition covers approximately 90% of the total educational experience. Annual Fund dollars and endowment income make up the remaining portion. For our students to stay competitive nationally, Palmer Trinity School must constantly challenge itself to meet emerging needs while keeping an eye on its high standards in every area of school life. 

• How does this capital campaign affect the Palmer Trinity School Annual Fund?

  Even during the capital campaign, the School’s annual operating expenses will continue to require the support of the Annual Fund. The Palmer Trinity Annual Fund is vitally important to the life of the School and will be run separately from the capital campaign.