Reinforcing Dawson’s foundation as a center of academic excellence means continuing to inspire a culture of philanthropy across campus. The traditions we are establishing around giving are a testament to our indelible impact, and the dedication of this community is collectively responsible for the profound influence we all have on the lives of our amazing students. The generous support of our community members during the 2022-2023 school year allowed us all to show just how much We Believe in Dawson, making unimaginable strides in support of access and affordability, athletics, innovative and creative campus spaces, and faculty professional development. Some of our many successes from the gifts received went to improve and enhance the School in the following ways, and the alignment of these resources with our Mission will ensure Dawson’s long-term sustainability as we embrace the future. Monies raised during our 2022-2023 Annual Fund campaign totaled $332,816.

We Believe in Access & Affordability: $10,028
Dawson seeks a learning environment that is reflective of the evolving Las Vegas community, its surrounding areas, and our global society. When students see themselves reflected in their school, they are better able to achieve their individual potential. 

We Believe in Athletics: $5,344
We strive to teach our student-athletes to develop an inclusive and healthy mindset toward competitive activities. They are important representatives of the School’s Mission and Core Values, both on campus and throughout the larger Las Vegas community, and they represent our school with pride. 

We Believe in Innovative & Creative Campus Spaces: $12,605
Our campus is 33 acres of desert beauty, offering extraordinary indoor and outdoor areas that are safe and spark our students’ curiosity, need to explore, and personalized learning experiences. We seek to preserve our unique buildings and grounds for both the current and future generations of Dawson students.  

We Believe in Faculty Professional Development: $4,740
With our focus on modern learning for real-world connections and Project-Based Learning initiatives, Dawson provides a transformative education for its students through the opportunities our teachers are given to continue to engage in creative and collaborative thinking and learning.  

We Believe in Dawson: $300,099
Unrestricted gifts help support everything your family loves and appreciates about Dawson. This spans all school-related needs, from the everyday items our students use to big-ticket items like nationally recognized speakers who consult with our community.

Additionally, as an independent, not-for-profit school, Dawson does not receive state or federal funding. The School, therefore, relies entirely on the tuition dollars paid by our families, the Alexander Dawson Foundation’s bond payment, and charitable donations from our community members. The cost of an education for every single Dawson student is subsidized; meaning, many families paying the full tuition price are still paying less than the School is spending to educate each student, leaving Dawson to rely on alternative sources of funding – including and especially the Annual Fund. This includes:
Debt service

This is why recurring giving matters – we must work each year to close the gap in tuition between the cost of a Dawson education and our tuition price. This allows us to provide the equitable academic experience we promise our students today and for those who will enter our doors well into the future. 

At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, the Alexander Dawson Foundation gifted the School $571,000 to implement and upgrade our safety and security resources. Safety and security are a top priority of the School and one of the main reasons our families choose Dawson. Our Security team continually partners with faculty, staff, and our larger community to maintain and enhance policies, procedures, and best practices. We are grateful for the generosity of the Alexander Dawson Foundation, as their gift allows us to ensure we continue to meet the physical, emotional, and virtual needs of our students in an ever-changing world: