LEADERSHIP
Gifts of $100,000+
% raised
94%
The Campaign for Saint Mark’s
In December 2023, we began construction on Phase 1A of our campus master plan—a new early childhood education center to house our preschool program and a new elementary sports court to support many kinds of play and outdoor exercise.
Click here to view a timelapse video of our progress!
THE PRESCHOOL - A PLACE FOR GROWTH
For many of our families, their Saint Mark’s journey begins in our preschool. It is a critical entry point to our school. In our preschool, children build academic and developmental skills that are foundational for their lives.
For years, our program has been located in classrooms and outdoor spaces that were not originally designed for preschoolers. Our vision is for our facilities to match the vibrancy of our program and better support our teachers and students.
Our new preschool features:
• Outdoor spaces that are a natural extension of the indoor environment
• Abundant natural light, which is important for development
• Natural landscaping to foster curiosity and exploration
• Collaborative meeting and break spaces for our hard-working teachers
"Having a state-of-the art facility is foundational for a strong program. The preschool we are building will meet the developmental needs of children, support their natural curiosity and creative expression, and give them the best environment for learning."
Our new preschool will be child-centered, just like our program.
September 2024
Interior Rendering
Original Rendering
THE SPORTS COURT - A PLACE FOR PLAY
As part of Phase 1, elementary students will benefit from a redesigned sports court for basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, and other types of play, alongside the field. Students in Developmental Kindergarten through 2nd grade will have more proximate play space right outside their classrooms. Play is a critical factor in brain development and teaches cooperation, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills. Physical exercise also can increase focus and reduce anxiety. Our program encourages play and movement throughout the school day and the renovated court and play area will give students space to move, run, and have fun.
The CAMPAIGN for SAINT MARK'S
To fund Phase 1A, the church and school have launched The Campaign for Saint Mark’s, a multi-year fundraising initiative. Our ability to see this exciting vision come to life depends on the generosity of our community. Thanks to generous school and church families and foundation partners, we have raised $7.3 million, a significant milestone in the history of Saint Mark’s.
Now we are setting our sights on the finish line.
We have a roadmap to reach our goal, which includes members of our community joining us with contributions of all sizes.
GIVING LEVELS
% OF LEVEL RAISED, AS OF APRIL 22, 2023
MAJOR
Gifts of $10,000-99,999*
% raised
78%
COMMUNITY
Gifts up to $9,999
% raised
44%
*Major gifts of $25,000 and above will be recognized on the campaign donor wall, on the exterior of the preschool building.
We invite you to learn more about our plans and how you can contribute to the future of Saint Mark’s. Please contact Irene Mason or set up a conversation with a campaign volunteer.
About Campaigns
Independent schools conduct campaigns periodically in order to meet major needs the school cannot pay for with tuition and annual giving. Campaign gifts can be given over a multi-year period, enabling donors to make more significant contributions to help the school realize an ambitious vision. Saint Mark’s will ask families to support our campaign with a stretch gift above and beyond annual giving.
Campaign Contact
Irene Mason
Director of Advancement
- 626-798-8858 ext 234
- [email protected]
Campaign Frequently Asked Questions
Phase 1A of our three-phase campus master plan includes a new preschool facility and renovations to the basketball court.
We anticipate that construction of the preschool and renovations to the basketball court will take approximately one year to complete. We began construction in December 2023.
A majority of the field is available for use for recess and PE. We have also created additional play space in Upper Maiden Lane, where students can participate in gaga ball, basketball, and other games. Developmental Kindergarten and Kindergarten students will have access to the field and the preschool upper play yard, located immediately outside the kinder classrooms.
Students will continue to have access to the field, and we are using other areas on campus and classrooms for afterschool programs, study hall, and play.
We use several parking spaces in our lot for the construction site. In order to mitigate the impact, we are renting the parking lot at the First Church of Christ, Scientist next door for the construction crew, as well as employees and visitors to campus.
We are working with Slater Builders, a construction company with experience building on school campuses. Construction workers do not have access to campus. They work within the fenced construction site and move between the Christian Science parking lot and the construction site only. The superintendent and a handful of other lead managers on the project, who have all been livescanned, come to campus for scheduled meetings with the school’s administration.
The project is being funded by donations through The Campaign for Saint Mark’s, a joint fundraising initiative between the church and school. Tuition dollars will continue to fund school operations, and not be used for construction or other costs associated with building the new facility. Similarly, Annual Fund donations will continue to fund general operating expenses. Campaign donations are restricted to the project.
The investment in our facilities is an extension of our commitment to our teachers, students, and programs. Improved spaces will match the vibrancy of our programs and allow teachers to better deliver a 21st-century education to our students. We are raising funds that will directly impact the day-to-day teaching and learning experience of teachers and students.
Please email [email protected] and continue to check this page for updates throughout the project.
- 626-798-8858
- 1050 East Altadena Drive Altadena, CA 91001