HISTORY/BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1910, the Gordon School is a co-educational, independent elementary school for children in Nursery through eighth grade. The enrollment includes students from forty cities and towns in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, while 27% of students represent minority populations. The school’s mission is: The Gordon School community challenges students to develop their full potential by inspiring their minds and imaginations, nurturing an interest in life-long learning and fostering involvement in the world beyond Gordon.

The principles upon which the school is based are these: teach our boys and girls together, and in the open air. Awaken interest and stimulate investigation. Develop the individuality of the child by encouraging free self-expression. Instill the true spirit of joyous work.

With these words, Founder Dr. Helen West Cooke, described her vision for Rhode Island’s first independent, coeducational elementary school. Through decades of change in society and education, Dr. Cooke’s founding philosophy has endured – appealing to generations of parents seeking a school that respects each child’s individuality while setting high standards for achievement.
Top

FUTURE GOALS:
In 2010, Gordon will celebrate its Centennial Anniversary. This milestone will honor the founding principles, the current programming that inspires today’s students and the exemplary faculty that prepares children for the world beyond Gordon. As we recognize this achievement, the Board of Trustees is shaping the school’s facilities and endowment priorities for a campaign. In anticipation of a broader set of objectives, the Board of Trustees is pursuing a $2.5 million campaign in support of financial aid endowment. This campaign is phase one of a larger Centennial Campaign.
Top

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
As Gordon approaches its 100th birthday in 2010, it continues to confidently pursue its constructivist, child-centered practice. Its focus remains on providing children with the necessary academic and personal foundation from which to pursue their future education actively and thoughtfully.

Gordon’s Board and professional community are proud of the school’s work over the past ten years to provide and educational experience that prepares its students for the world beyond Gordon. This work has focused on the umbrella theme of diversity. It has pursued a vision for a racially diverse school changing the demographic in the student body, the professional staff, and Board of Trustees. In 2004, Gordon was recognized for this work with a Leading Edge Award from the National Association of Independent Schools. Concurrent with this initiative, the Board set strategic goals to advance an institutional commitment to multicultural practice in all areas of its academic work.

Ultimately, a Gordon education aims to inspire children to emerge as adults who choose to engage as socially conscious citizens in their communities and the wider world.

In the summer of 2007, the school established a Middle School Institute. Eighteen teachers from eleven independent schools across the country brought specific curriculum units to the institute to be honed and sharpened. Response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and planning began immediately for the 2008 session.

A highlight of our academic program is the eighth grade Civil Rights Trip. In the culminating year at Gordon this class travels to Georgia and Alabama to conclude their study of the Civil Rights Movement. They visit historical sites, but it is the people they meet that have the biggest impact; students spend time with veterans of the 1950s and 1960s efforts, and meet community activists working for change in the present day.
Top

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES:
A gift to Gordon’s Annual Fund is the first gift asked of all parents, alumni, grandparents, faculty and staff and friends. The Annual Fund provides those closest to the school an opportunity to make a tax deductible gift in support of Gordon’s greatest resources: the students and faculty. The Annual Fund supports 3% of the school’s operating budget along with strategic initiatives allocated by those who contribute.
Top

GIVING OPTIONS:
Cash - Unrestricted gifts of cash are the most popular way to support Gordon. Gifts may be made in a single contribution or pledged and paid in installments and are fully tax-deductible.

Stocks and Securities - Gifts of stocks or securities benefit both the donor and the school. The donor can avoid capital gains tax on the increased value of an appreciated security and receive a deduction for the full, fair market value of the security at the time the gift is made to the school.

Planned Gifts - There are many gift vehicles available that may offer tax savings and advantages to the donor while also providing for Gordon: bequests, life insurance, charitable lead trusts, life income gifts and real estate.
Top