In front of an enthusiastic audience attending its Fall Soirée on Friday, October 20, Radcliffe Creek School announced the establishment of The Founders’ Fund and its goal of raising $1 million to create an endowed scholarship for students needing financial assistance.
The Founders’ Fund honors the final year of Radcliffe’s Founding Director, Molly Brogan Judge, as well as the other dedicated original advisors and investors of the school. Opening its doors 22 years ago with 13 students in grades one through seven, Radcliffe’s goal has always been to create a learning environment where bright children, who learn differently, could succeed. The school today thrives under Judge’s visionary, dedicated leadership and with the support from a committed group of staff, parents, grandparents, and friends the vision continues. The kindergarten through eighth grade program currently enrolls 82 students, while Little Creek, Radcliffe’s preschool, serves 52 students from infancy through pre-kindergarten.
Radcliffe Creek has truly changed the educational landscape of the Eastern Shore, and beyond, with students traveling from seven different counties in Maryland and Delaware to attend the school. Many students come to Radcliffe unsure of themselves not just as students, but as individuals. Because of the small class sizes, compassionate teachers, and hands-on learning, these students leave Radcliffe Creek with an understanding about what it takes to succeed. And succeed they do. Radcliffe alumni go on to college, the military, graduate school, and beyond. Many alumni point to their Radcliffe Creek School education as the turning point in their academic career.
“This is the most significant fundraising effort ever undertaken by the School,” said Radcliffe’s Board of Trustees President, Susan Newton-Rhodes. “The Board of Trustees knows the goal is high, but believes it is only fitting. This new fund will address the Board’s highest priority – financial aid for worthy students – by creating a lasting fund for those families and children who need Radcliffe the most.”
For the last 22 years, Radcliffe’s Board of Trustees has allocated as many financial resources as possible to families who cannot afford a Radcliffe education without assistance. This year alone, $350,000 has been distributed in financial aid to kindergarten through eighth grade students. As the school continues to grow, so will this need.
“This effort will be a big challenge, but I’m passionate, as well as confident, that we can accomplish this goal to establish a $1 million legacy in honor of the many creative minds that united together to build Radcliffe Creek School,” said Judge. “My hope is that others will learn more about our past, embrace the goal of the fund, and continue to develop this endowment for years to come.”
Radcliffe Creek School is an independent day school with the mission of empowering children in a dynamic environment that celebrates unique learning. For more information about Radcliffe Creek School or Little Creek, the school’s preschool, which includes programs for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten, please call 410-778-8150 or click here.
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