A Banner with several pictures of students as well as WAF initiatives
Students doing a Chemistry Experiment
Students Holding Letters they wrote
Students holding Giving Day signs
Kindergarten and Grade 12 students interacting
Teachers with Foundation Gift Cards
Students holding %22thank you, donors%22 signs
students putting project together
Students working on experiment
Foundation Board members with giving day signs
staff members with large foundation check
Staff members with large foundation check
Mayor and Head of School Holding Foundation Check
PYP Librarian holding a grant check with students
Teachers Receiving Foundation Gift cards
Students in front of a white board that says thank you

Blacksmith Giving Day Is Almost Here—Big Goal, Bigger Impact! Let’s Do This Together.

Westlake Academy is a special place—a public charter school delivering a world-class, college-prep IB education. Families often mistake it for a private school because of the exceptional experience we provide. But unlike private schools, we don’t have tuition to fund that excellence. We rely on family donations to keep it strong.

Parents know the world is more competitive, connected, and complex than ever. That’s why so many of us make big moves for our children to attend Westlake Academy—some move here, some change commutes, and others even join the WA staff—because this community is worth it.

This year, the school has asked us to raise $1.75 million to fill the budget gap. That means a suggested minimum donation of $3,700 per student. We’re deeply grateful for families who can give more, and we understand those who may need to give less. But we’re asking every family to give their biggest, best gift yet.

Westlake Academy has come so far in just 20 years. With your support, the next 20 will be even more extraordinary.

Donate

 

  • $1,551,279
  • $1,750,000
Graphic with QR explaining how to donate to the foundation

 

Cow with sunglasses on blue background

 

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! 

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!  

 

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.