Annual Campaign

Dear Soundview Family, 

Our School Values

Soundview makes a profound and lasting impact on your child by providing an ethical, rigorous, and compassionate education. 

An ethical education asks your student to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. At Soundview, an ethical education means…

  • teaching values that develop international-mindedness. 

  • a library collection, curriculum, and recess expectations aligned by our values.

  • learning a framework for solving problems and skills for healthy relationships. 

  • collaborating and working on group projects and community service at every grade level. 

A rigorous education asks your student to work hard and do their best. At Soundview, a rigorous education means…

  • honoring your child’s natural curiosity as their best learning tool. 

  • culminating projects for which students choose an issue and take action.

  • learning not only how to think critically but to think originally using design-thinking. 

  • sticking to their efforts through continuity of International Baccalaureate standards. 

A compassionate education asks students to care for themselves, each other, and their world. At Soundview, a compassionate education means…

  • ensuring Soundview is as accessible as possible through affordable tuition and financial aid..

  • Curriculum relevant in any part of the world, developing an international worldview. 

  • understanding that others with different perspectives can also be right. 

  • serving a wide range of students by designing individualized learning experiences. 

What We Ask Of You

We ask you to consider making Soundview one of your top three philanthropic priorities, now and in the future. This year, the annual campaign funds financial aid, field trips, classroom supplies, professional development, and so much more that keeps Soundview ethical, rigorous and compassionate. To learn more, see the attached data sheet. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. Please join us in support of Soundview.

With Gratitude, 

Soundview Board of Trustees

Shawn Heidel, Nani Vishwanath, Todd Miller, Amanda Campbell, Doug Suttles, Christine Stansfield, Cindi Jocson, Esther Steinman, Elizabeth Hodgson, Rowell Llanillo, Jason Chu, Whitney Suttell, Shoshana Iliaich, Chris Watson (ex officio)

2024-2025 Soundview Annual Campaign Data Sheet

Why Your Gift Matters

Our annual giving campaign provides 15% of Soundview’s operating budget.  The cost to educate your Soundview student is $21,189, while the average tuition covers $17,777. The difference is made up through annual giving and keeps Soundview’s education ethical, rigorous, and compassionate. This year, for example, here are some of the expenses the annual campaign funds:

  • $16,000 for professional development, including the most up-to-date training in our math, reading, and writing curriculum, in addition to health and safety training, and guidance on managing the upcoming US presidential election.

  • $29,000 to maintain the International Baccalaureate program (the global “gold standard” curriculum), which includes resources and specialized training.

  • $3,800 per class to provide student supplies and fund field trips and hands-on learning experiences for all students.

  • $68,000 to maintain the Soundview forest and public spaces, and fund the annual maintenance of our campus.

  • $35,000 to deliver a unique outdoor school learning experience for our fifth- through eighth- grade students.

  • An average of $8,500 of need-based financial aid per qualifying student to make sure a Soundview education is as accessible as possible. 24% of current students receive some financial assistance.

  • $61,400 annually to maintain access to up-to-date technology for students and teachers.

  • $12,000 to implement a five year plan to keep our library curated and relevant.

Affordability and Access

Soundview is committed to making a top-tier education accessible. It’s important to recognize that our expenses always rise at a rate higher than inflation. Our tuition is over 10% lower than our nearest competitor and 46% below the median tuition of other PK-8 independent schools in the Puget Sound area. Our services for neurodiverse students and their families have expanded over the past two school years and will continue to grow with your financial support. Annual giving is critical to maintaining these programs and services while managing tuition levels.

Supporting Your Students, Staff, and Campus

Our faculty and staff bring a rich diversity of experience and perspective to Soundview. They are highly qualified, and we are committed to their ongoing professional growth. Your students see themselves reflected in their teachers and build trusting, meaningful relationships with them. However, in today’s inflationary environment, faculty salaries and benefits are at risk. Campus maintenance projects have been scaled back, and everyday expenses are rising faster than tuition can keep up. 80% of our operating budget is dedicated to faculty and staff, and your support is vital to sustaining this investment, again, while managing tuition levels.

Reach out to Director of Advancement Ryan Wasserman to learn more.