Dear Friends,

After spending five years at Besant Hill School of Happy Valley I have seen our great little school undergo remarkable growth and transformation. I am pleased to report a continuing of that trend, and that we have been able to say “Yes” to thriving, despite seeing our competitive schools experience downturns in revenue. Amid the economic challenges that schools are facing, we have been able to increase and maintain our strength of enrollment and affirm our direction as outlined in the strategic plan, all while producing a transformational year in fundraising which included a capital gift for a pool, commitments for planned giving and an Annual Fund that increased markedly!

It is common knowledge that these economic times will not go away anytime soon. Because of this, many people have asked me how we are able to continually exceed enrollment targets. Beyond attributing a good deal of our success to hard work and perseverance, much of what we accomplished is a result of trumpeting the school to our constituents across the globe and getting the message to them about what a Besant Hill education is all about. This, combined with our school’s ability to deliver on the unique educational experience, has led to this five year consecutive trend of exceeding our yearly enrollment projections.

Given what we all have experienced in one form or another this past year with regard to the economy, I am pleased that our parents, alumni, friends and trustees have been extremely generous to our school. With an increase in participation to the Annual fund by 35%, an increase in dollars raised by 28%, large capital gifts, and planned giving commitments, our school had its best fundraising year in recent history! Our development office is continuing its hard work that includes everything from finding alums who lost touch with the school to establishing and reconnecting with donors who have had other philanthropic priorities. I am excited by the progress we have made in such a short period of time, as I believe we are only seeing a small portion of the fundraising potential our school has.

Thank you for making a difference. The future of our school relies on your generosity - the financial gifts and gifts of engagement that reinforce our existing strengths and allow us to build new ones. Besant Hill School of Happy Valley is an ever-better place because of your commitment.

With deep gratitude,

Randy R. Bertin
Assistant Head of School for Advancement