Annual Fund

• New staff positions
• Schoolwide security improvements and staff safety training
• Wayfinding signs
• Campus enhancements (renovations, additional furniture for lower and middle schools, middle school ceiling graphics)
• Community-building events (pizza, coffee, etc.)
• Athletics programming and equipment purchases (including the addition of 6th-grade athletics)
• Upgrades to the playground and cafeteria furniture for the Jones Center
• Improvements to Moss/Andrews Dining Hall
• Replacement of landscaping damaged by freezing weather
• Pavers in front of the Jones Center along the Greenspace
• Buildout of four new offices
• New soccer and football scoreboard at McGovern Park
• Teacher document cameras
• Waterproofing and painting of the Main Building basement lightwell

Your participation in the Annual Fund not only shows your financial support, it also represents your commitment to the school's mission.  Many corporations and foundations ask for our Annual Fund participation percentage when deciding whether or not to provide additional funding.  Together, our gifts enhance the quality of unparalleled resources and opportunities that our students receive this year and in years to come.

The purpose of this time frame is to secure gifts and pledges early since a solid financial footing paves the way for all of the exciting plans and necessary operations throughout the year.

Gifts to the Annual Fund can be made by mailing a check or making a payment online with a credit card. You can pledge now and defer payment until later; you can also pay in installments if that is more convenient for you. Additionally, a gift of securities can be made by calling the Advancement Office at 713-470-5650. The Annual Fund runs on the school's fiscal year calendar starting on July 1 and ending on June 30. 

Yes, absolutely. Matching gifts allow you to double (and sometimes triple) your donation through your employer. We encourage you to check with your HR or Benefits department. The Tax ID number for AOS is 76-0276967.

We understand that tuition is a significant investment and every family’s capacity is different. We ask that you contribute at a level that is personally meaningful and makes sense for your family, keeping in mind the number of children you have at AOS. In the past, gifts have ranged from $25 to $25,000. Every gift of any size is needed and important.

The Board of Trustees tries to keep tuition as low as possible so as many families as possible will be able to afford an AOS education. Raising tuition would restrict even further the number of families who could attend the school. At the same time, we endeavor to maintain the excellence of our academic programs and a diverse community. Charitable contributions help us achieve both goals. Additionally, donations to the Annual Fund are fully tax-deductible, while tuition is not. Donating to the Annual Fund benefits you more than raising tuition would.