Development

There are many ways to help Explorer build a more secure future.  Since its founding in 2000, the school has had to raise funds each year to keep its doors open.  Since it is a public charter school, the state of California funds Explorer at a rate of about $6,700 per year for each student, yet, it costs the school approximately $7,600 per year to educate each child.  To make up the difference, each year the school seeks grants from foundations and corporations and makes an annual appeal to families.

Click here to see this year’s annual appeal.

The Parent Council also organizes many fundraising events throughout the years. 

Click here to see a list of fundraising activities.

In 2005 Explorer launched Building the Future of Explorer Elementary, the schools first-ever capital campaign to raise $1.2 million needed to renovate its permanent home at 2230 Truxtun Road. While the capital campaign has officially concluded, there are ongoing capital needs and many giving opportunities.

Click here to see updated giving opportunities.

In addition to its generous community of families, Explorer relies upon the support of local foundations and corporations to support its library, science, art, music, and parent education programs, all of which cost more than the public funding formula covers.

 Recent Foundation Grants to Explorer include:

• The Vons Foundation – support for Explorer’s Library
  
  
• Starbucks/Union tribune Literacy Fund – support for the Library
  
  
• San Diego Women’s Foundation
  – support for Explorer’s Garden and Science Program
  
  
• San Diego Teachers Fund
  – grants to classrooms for study of photography and California Indian Tribes
  
  
• Key Foundation
  
  

Explorer has also benefited from grants from the following corporations that have matched their employees’ donations:

Goodrich

Nokia

Qualcomm

Northrup Grumman

Raytheon

Scwab

Sempra

Sony

Gifts to Explorer can be made in cash, securities, or real property and are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law. The school can also accept gifts made with a credit card.

Contact Jean Kluver, Director of Development for more information: jkluver@explorerelementary.org.