FUNDING SOURCES

Revenue sources that make FAIS work

Basic Tuition

Basic Tuition covers the School's most basic operating needs (salaries and benefits, financial obligations, utilities, insurance, routine maintenance and supplies, and the special expenses incurred as a language immersion school - faculty visas, working permits, “expatriate benefits,” importation of foreign textbooks, etc.). Basic Tuition is not tax deductible.

The Capital Fee

The Capital Fee is a one-time only $2,000 per New Family paid at the time of enrollment (or, at $2,100, in three annual $700 installments), and specifically covers major campus upkeep and replacement. The Capital Fee is not tax-deductible.

Tuition Plus (T+)

Providing Our Margin of Excellence
Tuition Plus is a tax-deductible donation, with a suggested minimum amount equivalent to 7% of your student's Basic Tuition. It specifically provides funds to support significant special services and equipment, such as Health and Counseling; broadened Financial Assistance for qualified families; Professional Development for Faculty; beyond-basic Library Resources, and beyond-basic computers, software, and audio-visual equipment not otherwise provided through Basic Tuition (but still 100% part of the School's General Operating Budget).

  • Families participating in the Tuition Plus at the 7% level or more fulfill their basic Annual Fund Drive obligation to the School.
  • All families are encouraged to participate in the Tuition Plus Program, which can be incorporated into your general Tuition Payment Plan -- in a lump sum or, automatically, over a 10-month period through the FACTS payment system.
  • Again, your Tuition Plus participation is 100% tax-deductible.

The Annual Fund Drive

Supplementing Basic Tuition
The Annual Fund Drive is a six-month fundraising effort that, like the non-Special Appeal portion of the Auction (see below), raises supplemental funds to help fill the gap between Basic Tuition expense categories and the actual cost to educate your student at FAIS. 100% of Annual Fund revenues go to the General Operating Budget.

  • Families participating in the Tuition Plus Program at the 7% level will have already fulfilled their basic Annual Fund Drive obligation to the School.
  • Donations to the Annual Fund Drive are 100% tax-deductible.

The Annual Gala Auction

Further Supplementing Basic Tuition
A festive cocktail party, dinner, Silent Auction, and Live Auction that raises funds to fill the gap (like the Annual Fund Drive) between Basic Tuition expense categories and the actual cost to educate your student at FAIS.

  • Purchases of Auction items are partially tax-deductible.
  • All In-Kind donations and cash underwriting are 100% tax-deductible.

Special Appeal - Extra Campus Projects
The Special Appeal at the Auction is designed to raise money for specifically designated campus projects each year. Examples of past Appeals include funds raised to acquire the new three-acre East Campus property and the new FAIS Pavilion for all-weather outdoor recreation.

  • All Special Appeal donations are 100% Tax-Deductible.
  • All families are encouraged to attend, and bring their friends, to the Annual Gala Auction

Capital Campaigns

Capital Campaigns are launched every few years for major Capital Acquisitions, Building Projects, and Endowed Programs. They are the underpinnings of an independent school's ability to expand its facilities and programs, and seek Major Gifts from the parent body, the community, foundations and corporations.

  • All gifts are 100% tax-deductible.

HOW AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IS FINANCED

Facts about FAIS


  • FAIS is a not-for-profit 501©3 organization registered with the State of Oregon and accredited by the French Ministry of Education, the Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools, and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.
  • It receives no significant financial support from either the U.S. or French governments.
  • Basic tuition revenues must be supplemented by 7% (as in all private schools) by a number of private fundraising programs.
  • FAIS has 20-55% lower tuition than other private schools in the area, and a Financial Assistance Program for qualified families.
  • The American independent school system of supplemental funding, through fundraising, permits lower basic tuition, and the opportunity for parents and friends to make tax-deductible donations to bridge the gap.

Tuition Plus Plus (T++)

An optional convenience for parents who like to pay virtually all their financial commitments “up front” -- at the time of your student's Enrollment Contract. Includes:

  • Two tickets to the Annual Gala Auction at the Patron level ($300)
  • Two tickets to the annual Beaujolais Nouveau Fete at the Patron level ($150)

As with Tuition Plus, this $450 fee can be incorporated into your General Tuition Payment plan (lump sum, or over a 10-month period).

A majority portion of tickets purchased will be tax-deductible.