Annual Fund

Giving back is a key value of The York School community
Since our founding in 1965, York’s community has worked together and given back for the sole purpose of enriching the student experience.
These enhancements are only made possible with the philanthropic gifts of our community, as York’s tuition costs cover only the school’s basic operating expenses and staff salaries.

Donations elevate the learning experience by supporting unique classroom enhancements, specialized equipment purchases and capital investments, important wellbeing initiatives, and bursaries for promising students whose families require tuition flexibility.

Detailed descriptions of Annual Fund designations are listed below. For more information you can also contact advancement@yorkschool.com.
Head's Initiative

The Head’s Initiative enables Struan Robertson to act on immediate priorities and longer term strategic goals to enhance the student experience across all divisions of the school. Contributions keep York nimble, responsive, and competitive as the premier co-ed IB World School in Toronto.
 
Recently supported projects, made possible with the generosity of York's donors can be found here.


Financial Assistance Bursaries - 
Opening Doors to Great Possibility
 
A strong school community is comprised of students from many backgrounds, including from different economic backgrounds.   What all York students have in common, though, is a passion for learning and a willingness to bring their genuine selves to our community. That's why we're committed to building York’s Financial Assistance (FA) program - so that we can welcome talented students by providing tuition flexibility. We do this in two ways:  
 
  • Immediately Expendable Financial Assistance (FA)
    Gifts made to the Financial Assistance Annual Fund designation support families with demonstrated financial need. Funds from this designation are typically disbursed at the beginning of each academic enrolment and re-enrolment cycle, after the school receives families’ FA application materials from Apple Financial, our third-party assessor.

    Occasionally, when unexpected circumstances impact a family’s ability to continue covering school expenses, funds can be disbursed mid-year. 
 
  • Growing York’s Bursary Endowment
    York’s Bursary Endowment was started in 2022 to provide the school with the ability to plan years ahead at a time to support students and families requiring tuition flexibility.  
Since launching the bursary endowment campaign in 2022, we've raised 40% of our $5M goal. Once achieved, York will be able to sustainably disburse $200,000 each year, with a promise to families that, if we provide FA in one year, we will continue providing FA until their child graduates, so long as their family remains in good standing with the school.   

Learn more about the campaigns benefitting York’s Bursary Endowment through the Class of 2026 Bursary Endowment Campaign and the Alumni Pay It Forward Pledge.


Junior, Middle, and Senior School Priorities
 
This designation supports the priority needs in your child’s school division, as determined by division Principals and the Associates Heads of School, as well as Head of School, Struan Robertson.