As Lakeside celebrates 65 years of nurturing children and building community, the Lakeside Annual Fund remains our one fundraiser of the year. It is an important way for families, alumni, and friends to come together and support the special experiences, community traditions, and campus improvements that make Lakeside such a meaningful place for our children.

Tuition supports Lakeside’s core educational program, but it does not fully cover the many additional opportunities and improvements we provide throughout the year. Gifts to the Annual Fund help support:

Cultural performances and hands-on learning experiences

Throughout the year, Lakeside welcomes performers and presenters who introduce our children to different cultures, traditions, art forms, and ideas. Past programs have included Carnaval with dancers from Sambaxe, Filipino dancers from Parangal, a traditional German dance performance from BHTV Golden Gate, Joe Salinas from Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, a Diwali celebration with Duniya Dance and Drum, Lunar New Year lion dance from West Coast Lion Dance Troupe, an Earth Day presentation from EarthCapades, and Hawaiian hula performers from Hui Hula.

These visits are more than performances. Presenters engage the children through music, movement, storytelling, art, and other age-appropriate activities, giving them the opportunity to participate, ask questions, and learn through experience.

Family events and Lakeside traditions

The Annual Fund also helps make possible the events that bring our school community together, including beginning-of-the-year classroom playdates, the Ice Cream Social, the Pumpkin Patch field trip, the Santa visit, the San Francisco Zoo field trip, and the graduation reception.

These shared experiences give children, families, teachers, and staff opportunities to build relationships, celebrate milestones, and create lasting Lakeside memories.

Campus repairs and improvements

Annual Fund donations help us care for the spaces where our children learn and play. Contributions have supported needs such as window upgrades, classroom lighting, playground maintenance, bathroom repairs, landscaping, and other campus improvements that help keep Lakeside safe, welcoming, and well maintained.

Because the Annual Fund is Lakeside’s only fundraiser of the year, every contribution has a meaningful impact. These programs, events, and improvements would not be possible through tuition alone.

For 65 years, Lakeside has been shaped by a commitment to nurturing the whole child and by the generosity of families who believe in our mission. We are especially proud to see former students return as parents and even as staff, a reflection of the lasting relationships and sense of belonging created here.

Many employers also offer matching gift programs through Benevity, which may double the impact of your donation.

Every gift, no matter the amount, helps sustain and strengthen the Lakeside experience for all of our children. Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us continue this legacy for the next generation.