Blacksmith Giving Day is Thursday, September 19!

Save the date to donate!

The WA Foundation is proud to cultivate, raise and steward charitable donations and provide financial resources that support all aspects of WA's unique IB experience. Thanks to our generous donors, we’ve been supporting every student, every teacher, every day since 2003!

If the WA Foundation could do only do ONE THING, it would be the Blacksmith Annual Fund (BAF). Blacksmith contributions cover daily operational costs like teacher salaries and benefits, technology upgrades, materials for the Arts, science lab supplies...all the important must-haves to run Westlake Academy. These shared resources are critical to providing the quality IB education that each and every WA student receives.  

In short, the BAF bridges the financial gap between state funding and the true cost of an IB education. The BAF goal for 2024-2025 is $1.25 million. Each month, the Foundation transfers 100% of BAF donations received to the Academy finance department to pay expenses in the annual WA budget. The fiscal year ends on June 30th, plenty of time to donate your family’s Individual Best gift.

What has remained constant over our 20-year history is the incredible level of support and commitment our families and friends show the school. Every year, the WA community steps up and delivers BIG for Westlake Academy! To all of our donors, a heartfelt THANK YOU!

Donate

 

  • $1,220,950
  • $1,250,000

Make Your Impact

WA's Foundation of Success

Welcome to the Westlake Academy Foundation, affectionately known as WAF or just "the Foundation!" A 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to supporting Westlake Academy by raising funds essential for delivering the IB curriculum at its best. From operational needs to teacher training, state-of-the-art equipment, tehchnology upgrades, classroom materials, and beyond, we ensure that WA students receive a top-tier IB education.  

 

Our community of individuals and organizations have shown unwavering generosity, and their contributions have ensured the continued development of our exceptional faculty, enhanced classroom capabilities, and growth of our beautiful campus facilities.  Your gift impacts the school in meaningful ways and leaves a lasting impact on our community.  Explore ALL the ways YOU can give! 

Photos of students and staff holding thank you signs

Westlake Academy Foundation (WAF) and You!

Thank you Donors!

Thank you to our Donors!

Nothing is more powerful than the words of our WA students. We have received several "thank you notes" from students expressing gratitude for our donors and the impact that giving has on their education and Academy experience.

The Westlake Academy Foundation deeply values, supports and appreciates every donor! Because of YOUR amazing generosity, the Academy Advantage remains strong, teachers are able to DREAM BIG and students benefit daily from all of the shared campus resources! We give thanks to all of YOU! 

There's plenty of room on our Blacksmith Honor Roll of Donors! Donate today! We are just $30,000 from reaching our $1.25 goal. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I give to other organizations benefiting the school; do I have to give to Blacksmith, too?

Giving to any organization that benefits Academy students and teachers is a wonderful show of support. The Blacksmith Fund is an actual line item in the Academy’s annual operating budget; quite simply, this money needs to be raised to balance the budget. Blacksmith donations ensure that Westlake Academy continues to provide a high-quality learning environment, additional faculty professional development, and excellent learning opportunities that help all students achieve their Individual Best. Every family has a vested interest in maintaining our school, so we would expect that every family would support the BAF campaign.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Yes! The Westlake Academy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and all Blacksmith campaign contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You may also want to consider a gift of appreciated stock; we will gladly provide additional details.

What is the Blacksmith Annual Fund and why is it important?

The Westlake Academy Foundation directs the Blacksmith Annual Fund (BAF) campaign, a donation drive that provides financial support for the current school year’s operations. Parents, grandparents, school leadership, faculty/staff, alumni, corporations, and foundations are all invited to contribute annually. Blacksmith donations are important for two key reasons:

  • Westlake Academy maintains a high level of instruction and academic curriculum as evidenced by its top national and state rankings. Parents choose to send their children to Westlake Academy because of this high-caliber education. Annual donations are essential to maintaining current instruction levels as well as continuing to improve and expand educational opportunities. The Academy’s ability to grow, improve, and excel is dependent upon receiving the needed Blacksmith contribution.  
  • Like independent school districts (ISDs), we receive State funds based on the student average daily attendance. Unlike ISDs, the Academy DOES NOT RECEIVE funds from a dedicated school property tax.  

For the 2022-23 school year, the budgeted cost for educating a Westlake Academy student is $15,000  which includes costs for facilities.  Of that $15,000  per-student amount, the State of Texas will provide an estimated $8,880  with the Town of Westlake providing  an additional $3,620 per student. Blacksmith donations are vital to closing the remaining $2,500 per student funding gap.