The ODA Fund

Each year, The ODA Fund’s goal is equivalent to approximately 5% of the yearly budget. Without these funds, the school would not be able to provide the rich experiences and support that make our school so special.

Your gift to The ODA Fund enriches the ODA experience for all students, providing expanded student programs in academics, arts, and athletics, professional development opportunities for educators, as well as support for capital projects and technology updates.

Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a part in sustaining and advancing the excellence that defines ODA. Together, our community's generosity ensures that we can continue to provide exceptional opportunities for our students to thrive.

In addition, high participation in fundraising, especially from current families and alumni, signals a strong, united commitment to our school's mission. This collective endorsement not only fosters pride within our community but also demonstrates to external organizations that we are deeply invested in our students and educators. Such visible support can influence decisions by grant-making bodies, which often consider community involvement when allocating funds. These grants further enhance our programs, making tuition dollars go farther and enriching the educational experience for all students.

We don’t ask every family to give the same amount—we ask every family to make a meaningful gift.

We hope that every ODA family considers the Annual Fund a top giving priority, as it helps bridge the gap between tuition and the actual cost of the education each student receives. That gap amounts to approximately $1,500 per student each year—or about $125 per month. If that level isn’t feasible, we encourage you to give at a level that feels right for your family. What matters most is participation rooted in purpose. Every gift, no matter the size, helps sustain the exceptional experience our students enjoy—and every gift is deeply appreciated.

To make tuition more affordable, The Out-of-Door Academy, like most independent schools, intentionally keeps tuition below the full cost of educating a student.

This approach ensures that a quality education remains accessible to as many families as possible. To close the gap between tuition and the actual cost of education, ODA relies on unrestricted gifts through its annual appeal. These unrestricted gifts to The ODA Fund help keep tuition increases to a minimum and ensure that we can continue offering an exceptional educational experience for all students. Every gift to The ODA Fund, no matter the size, is 100% tax-deductible and plays a critical role in sustaining the mission of ODA.

The ODA Fund is essential in supporting a wide range of enriching projects, programs, and experiences for our students and faculty.

These include: art supplies and theater equipment, athletic uniforms and gear, enhanced campus security, cutting-edge STEM curriculum, faculty professional development, field trips, student leadership initiatives, and advanced technology resources.

The financial goal for this year is approximately $1.3M, with a school-wide participation target of 100%, including our dedicated educators and Board of Trustees.

Year after year, our educators and trustees demonstrate their commitment with 100% participation, showing their dedication to the increased resources and value this campaign provides to ODA's overall educational experience. The generosity of our community not only benefits our students today but also strengthens and enhances the Out-of-Door education for years to come.