Close the Gap. Shape the Future.
Every Westlake Academy student benefits from gifts to the Blacksmith Annual Fund. Your donation helps fill the budget shortfall and ensures every student continues to receive the world-class International Baccalaureate education that defines Westlake Academy.
Our Goal: $1.5 Million…and how amazing if we raise what the school needs by September 17, 2026!?! What an incredible testament to WA’s incredible teachers that would make!
This is what your gift supports!
A World-Class Education Requires Community Investment
For more than 20 years, Westlake Academy has delivered an exceptional International Baccalaureate education as Texas' only municipally chartered IB World School. Yet many people are surprised to learn that Westlake Academy is a free, public charter school—not a private, tuition-driven school.
Unlike traditional school districts, Westlake Academy does not receive local property tax revenue to support daily operations. State funding and support from the Town of Westlake provide significant capital, but these funds don't fully cover the cost of the educational experience WA students receive.
The resulting funding gap is approximately $3,700 per student.
The Blacksmith Annual Fund exists to close this gap.
Looking Ahead
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we will work to raise $1.5 Million to help close the Academy’s operational funding gap so that students and teachers have everything they need for this outstanding IB education. Together, we’ll ensure that the teaching and learning at Westlake Academy remains exceptional.
All are invited! Donate anytime now – September 17 for Blacksmith Giving Day or pledge your commitment now and give at a later date. Whenever you donate, trust that your investment will directly support every student, every teacher, every classroom, every single day.
Make Your Impact
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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!
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
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.
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.
Each year, 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:
a. 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 instructional 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 budgeted Blacksmith Fund contribution.
b. Like independent school districts (ISDs), WA receives State funds based on the student average daily
attendance. UNLIKE local ISDs, the Academy DOES NOT RECEIVE funds from a dedicated school
property tax. Blacksmith donations are vital to closing the annual budget funding gap.