California charter schools are funded by the Local Control Funding Formula. This formula provides a uniform base grant determined by the grade span of pupils (i.e. kindergarten through grade 3, grades 4-6, grades 7-8, grades 9-12) multiplied by units of average daily attendance (ADA). Additional funding is provided for English language learners, children whose families meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price lunches, and children in the foster care system. San Carlos has very few students who meet this criteria, and therefore we receive close to the minimum state funding.

In an average year, state and federal funds cover approximately 70% of the cost of educating our learners. The additional 30% is generated through local funding, such as parcel taxes, fee-for-service programs, and direct fundraising efforts.

All funds are used toward programs and enrichments for our learners that would not be possible without community support. Our K-8 Spanish program and our K-4 Physical Education program are entirely funded through our grant from SCEF. SCEF funds also help support our library services, our Seminars program, and our field trips and Milestones.

The first $100,000 donated to SCEF from SCC families goes directly to SCC. All additional funds will go to SCEF. At the end of the year, SCEF will allocate funding based on our percentage of total enrollment for the SCSD and SCC. As an example: if SCEF’s goal is $3.7 million, and our enrollment is 10% of the total enrollment, SCC would receive $370,000.

So while your gift supports other schools, please remember that donors at other schools are also contributing to our school.

Giving to SCEF is giving to SCC. We receive at least as much as our families donate back in the form of our SCEF grant. Our partnership with SCEF allows us to share in larger grants and donations (outside of parent giving) that SCEF as a fundraising organization pursues and receives and would typically be outside the reach of a single-site school like ours. It also saves us administrative resources and allows us to focus on our mission.

We are a school that values community, and we are part of the greater San Carlos community. We believe that all children should have strong schools.

Donate. Our ask is $1,850 per student, but any gift is appreciated. Participation matters.

Match. Many employers offer matching donations.

Leadership Circle. Join SCEF’s Leadership Circle by donating $4,000 or more.

Attend. Buy tickets to the Evening at TOWN, Revel @ Devil’s, and Salute to Educators Virtual Auction.

Participate. Support student literacy by participating in SCEF’s annual Read-A-Thon. Bid on outings with teachers, summer camps, and curated auction items online.

Volunteer. Learn how you can get involved. Volunteering for SCEF counts as volunteering for SCC.