The Foundation

About Our Funding

Live Oak families, alumni and supporters keep the wind in our school's sails through community giving, writing grants, and launching capital campaigns.
Live Oak is a public TK-8th Waldorf informed charter school, funded in part by state, federal, and local funds. While grateful for the resources provided by public agencies, the truth is - $6,300 per student funds fall short of the cost to sustain a whole-child, interdisciplinary liberal arts program.

FACTS

To sustain an educational model that integrates the arts (music, performance, handwork) plus movement and spatial dynamics, while also embedding social-emotional learning into all core academic instruction takes time, dedicated attention and money. We are also committed to using high-quality, natural art materials and musical instruments because we believe that how things feel, look, sound, smell and move matter in the education of humans. It also should be noted, that we are the only school in Petaluma to have enough stringed instruments for an orchestra.
Live Oak’s current expenses are more than $7,500 per student. We make up that $1,200 per student gap through the generosity and commitment of the Live Oak community; in particular through our Pledge Program and the community fundraising efforts conducted by The Foundation. ​

Our Goal

The goal is 100% participation, with all families voluntarily contributing to their own ability. 
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott

Together We Make the Difference

Your voluntary pledge, at any amount, makes a difference. Grant foundations and other outside funding resources use the "percentage of families who pledge" as a reflection of a community's commitment to the school's culture and educational programs. By collectively sharing the responsibility for sustaining Live Oak Charter, we create a gift that is more powerful than dollars alone. This spirit raises our gratitude for each other, and honors our children by creating a community built on cooperation and commitment to our collective vision.
Our school’s success requires the participation of all families. By pooling our resources and efforts, we are able to fulfill the promise of providing the best childhood, the richest education, and healthiest community possible. Whether you can give $50 or $5000, your gift supports the School.

Meet the People