Endowment

List of 4 items.

• Faculty Chairs

  The Holmes Family Faculty Chair
  Established in 2008 by Max Holmes P ’10, P ’11, and P ’13, this Chair recognizes exemplary teaching and Country School’s commitment to professional growth and expertise. The Holmes Family Faculty Chair was presented in 2022 to Lindsay Frey, Middle School Science Teacher and coach.
  
  

  The Laverack Family Faculty Chair
  Established in 2008 by Cory and Bill Laverack, former President of the Board of Trustees, P ’03, P ’07, P ’08, P ’11, this Chair recognizes exemplary teaching and Country School’s commitment to professional growth and expertise. The Laverack Family Faculty Chair was presented in 2022 to Barbara van der Kieft Latimer ’85, Upper School Math Teacher, advisor, coach, and Chair of the math department.
  
  

  The Williams Family Faculty Chair
  Established in 2008 by Joanna and Robert Williams P ’14, this Chair recognizes exemplary teaching and Country School’s commitment to professional growth and expertise. The Williams Family Faculty Chair was presented in 2022 to Cindy Thom, Lower School Learning Resource Teacher and program coordinator for Grades K-2 .

• Faculty and Academic Development Funds

  The Bazemore Leadership Fund
  Established in 2010 by current and former trustees and senior administrators, this Fund honored Tim Bazemore’s 10th year of leadership as Head of Country School. The income from this Fund supports leadership programs and initiatives for students and faculty. Additionally, it supports 21st century skills inclusive of professional development and educational programs.
  
  

  The Buchanan Family Fund
  Established in 2008 to provide resources to educate students with different learning styles to achieve their full potential.
  
  

  Calderini Family Math Fund
  Established in 2010 by Carina and Pablo Calderini, this Fund supports the New Canaan Country School math program through faculty professional development and related activities.
  
  

  The Country School Music Fund
  Established in 2018 by an anonymous donor, income from the Fund supports the school’s music program or performing arts department by enhancing teaching staff or otherwise improving the quality of the program for students at all grade levels.
  
  

  Faculty Diversity Fund
  Led by the efforts of Bob and Beth Mancini P '01, P '03, P '07, GP '30 and Meaghan Mancini '03, P '30, the Mancini family established this fund in 2020 to provide funding for the recruitment, hiring, retention, and development of faculty of color at New Canaan Country School. 
  
  

  ​​The Greig Family Math Fund
  Established in 2025, this Fund shall be used to advance and sustain a leading math program for New Canaan Country School through curricular enhancements and investment in faculty development.
  
  

  The Hulce and Smith Family Coding Fund
  Established in 2023 by Maggie Hulce and Bob Smith P '24, '26, '28, '30, this fund supports coding at New Canaan Country School and provides funding for hardware acquisitions, software subscriptions, training, and other initiatives.
  
  

  Iscol Family Enrichment Fund
  Established in 1990 by Jill and Ken Iscol, past trustees of Country School and Horizons, and their children Zachary ’94 and Kiva ’96. This Fund provides student learning beyond the classroom such as ninth grade expanded studies, the seventh and eighth grade trips, leadership conferences and occasional Lower School supplemental programs.
  
  

  Lenesa Leana Parent/Faculty Education Committee Fund
  Established in 1999 by ninth grade parents to honor departing Assistant Head Lenesa Leana and her work with parents and faculty to raise healthy, happy children. The income of this Fund is used to help support an annual community lecture concerned with child advocacy.
  
  

  Ninth Grade Endowment Fund
  Established in 1996 by ninth grade parents to honor and give thanks to all Country School faculty for the guidance, support and friendship given to their children during their experience at the school. Kathy, former President of the Board of Trustees, and Peter Sachs ’54 and P ’97, P ’99, P ’03, were instrumental in establishing this annual endowed fund. The income from this Fund is used to support faculty enrichment programs that vary from year to year, such as the sabbatical program, teacher conferences and workshops, graduate course work and the computer loan program, all of which contribute to teaching excellence.
  
  

  The Mitchell Family Fund
  Established in 2019 by Heidi and Keith Mitchell, income from the Fund supports the maintenance and care of classroom animals, and working with faculty to develop curriculum to enhance outdoor programs, including use of the woods, farming and gardening activities for students at all grade levels.
  
  

  Christen O’Donnell Memorial Fund
  Established in 2004 in memory of Christen O’Donnell, who tragically died following her sixth grade year at Country School. This Fund honors the joy and caring Christen shared with others. The income is used to support social development for students in grades 5 and 6 such as programs, staff, workshops or trips that contribute to respect, responsibility and caring among early adolescents.
  
  

  Salvatore Family Fund
  Established in 2009 by Claire and Randy Salvatore to support academic programs that equip students for the 21st century. Income from this Fund provides equipment and training to teach students a range of modern communication skills, seeds innovative curricula to develop multicultural literacy and global awareness, and provides funds for cutting-edge equipment and technology in science labs. It also supports teaching and scientific learning opportunities.
  
  

  Special Professional Development Fund
  Established in 1991 by a school family, this Fund supports significant opportunities for NCCS teachers’ professional growth. It is the specific intention of this Fund to encourage teachers and administrators to “dream” a little and pursue a variety of professional on- or off-campus activities that may otherwise fall beyond the scope of “normal” professional development experiences.
  
  

  Speers-Stoddard Apprentice Teachers Fund
  Established in 2022 by the Speers and Stoddard families, this fund supports the Apprentice Teacher Program at New Canaan Country School and is in honor of longtime and beloved NCCS teachers, Sue Speers and Pat Stoddard.
  
  

  The STEM Futures Fund
  Established in 2021 by Susan and Roy Mackenzie P'25, this fund supports STEM-based initiatives at Country School, such as new equipment for classrooms and laboratories, professional development for teachers, and new experiential learning opportunities for students. The Fund aims to support the broader student learning experience, particularly the intersections of science, technology, engineering, and math at Country School.

• Financial Aid Funds

  The Arth Family Goldman Sachs Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2025, the Fund shall be used for the purpose of providing financial support to students with high financial need and academic promise. The students will be selected by the Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid at his or her discretion and in accordance with the School’s financial aid policy.
  
  

  The Bazemore Fund
  Established in 2014 to honor departing Head of School Tim Bazemore for his 14 years of service. Tim and his wife, Lisa, former associate executive director of Horizons, have been ardent champions of the Country School  and Horizons partnership. The income from this Fund is used for tuition assistance to enable deserving Horizons students to attend New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  The Financial Aid Fund for Academic Excellence
  Established in 2007 by Alfred Drewes P ’15. The income from this Fund is used for financial aid endowment purposes. The recipient of this Fund shall be of the highest caliber of academic promise and ability, and favor a student entering the Middle or Upper School.
  
  

  Bean Fund
  Established in 1972 in honor of Upper School teacher and coach Art Bean’s retirement, this Fund is used for financial aid for deserving students.
  
  

  Peg Brown Fund
  Initiated in 1989 in honor of departing Lower School Head Peg Brown, this Fund is used for financial aid for deserving students in the Lower School.
  
  

  Caulfield Fund
  Established in 1993 in honor of Jane Caulfield, longtime faculty member, this Fund is used to ensure that all deserving students receive the full educational experience at Country School. This financial aid fund helps to cover extras outside the area of tuition such as field trips, counseling and sports equipment.
  
  

  Chien and Taina Chao Scholarship Fund

  Established in 2021 by Cathy and Brett Jefferson P '24, P '27, P '29, in honor of Cathy's parents Chien and Taina Chao. The income from the Fund provides scholarships to outstanding minority students who do not have the economic means to attend New Canaan Country School. Recipients of the fund will be referred to as "Chao Scholars."
  
  

  Class of 2023 Endowment for Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2023 by the Class of 2023 and their families in support of Country School's financial aid goals, income from this Fund will provide increased accessibility to a wide range of qualified incoming students, provide partial scholarship support for middle-income families, and support current families and students.
  
  

  Class of 2024 Endowment for Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2024 by ninth-grade parents in honor of the Class of 2024 and in support of financial aid, income from this Fund will provide increased accessibility to a wide range of qualified incoming students, provide partial scholarship support for middle-income families, and help support current families and students.
  
  

  Class of 2025 Endowment for Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2025 by ninth-grade parents in honor of the Class of 2025 and in support of financial aid, income from this Fund will provide increased accessibility to a wide range of qualified incoming students, provide partial scholarship support for middle-income families, and help support our current families and students.
  
  

  Davenport Fund
  Established in 1988 in honor of faculty member Chris Davenport’s retirement, this Fund is used for financial aid for deserving students.
  
  

  Robert Gamble and Paul Johansen Fund
  Established in memory of Robert Gamble ’82 and Paul Johansen ’80 in the mid-1980s, this Fund is mainly used for financial aid. It also supports a gift to the recipients of the Gamble and Johansen awards, given each year to two students in the ninth grade class who demonstrate exceptional leadership, citizenship and service to others.
  
  

  Godina Family Fund
  Established in 2025, the income from this Fund shall be used to provide partial financial aid to student(s) from Stamford, Connecticut, providing the opportunity of a life-changing educational experience at NCCS. Depending on the year, financial assistance may be awarded to one or several students. In the event that no qualified student is identified from Stamford, the funds can be used to support students from other area towns.
  
  

  Horizons Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 1996 by Sally and Tony Grassi, P ’87, P ’90. Sally served on the Country School Horizons Board for 20 years and Tony is a former President of the Board of Trustees of New Canaan Country School. Sally and Tony were instrumental in the expansion of the original Horizons program, which began at New Canaan Country School, to school campuses across the country, and in the formation of Horizons National in 1995. Income from the Horizons Financial Aid Fund will provide tuition assistance for a child of a Horizons family beginning in the Lower School; if no suitable student is available, the proceeds will be applied to a Horizons student entering or continuing in grades 5–9.
  
  

  Harris Family Fund
  Established in 2000 by Susan and Chuck Harris, P ’01, P ’01, and former Trustee, this financial aid fund provides tuition relief for deserving students in the Lower School. This Fund reflects the Harris family’s deep belief in service to others, both within and beyond the school community, and their commitment to provide an excellent independent school education to deserving students as well as providing Country School the benefit of these children’s experience.
  
  

  Katz Family Financial Aid Fund
  The Katz Family Financial Aid Fund was established by Jessie and Jordan Katz in 2022. The income from this fund is intended to provide tuition assistance for students who would otherwise be unable to attend New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  Kleeman Family Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2007 by Anne-Lie and Merrick Kleeman, the income from this Fund is used for financial aid endowment purposes, with special consideration given to a deserving student of Waterside School, Stamford, Conn. This Fund is established in loving memory of Dr. James A. Kleeman and Joan S. Kleeman, who together sought to help the underprivileged and valued education above all as a means to advance society.
  
  

  Taryn Jones Laeben '95 Scholarship Fund
  Established in 2021 by Taryn Jones Laeben '95, P '28, the income from the Fund provides financial aid for students of color to support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts at New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  Oppenheim and Schultz Family Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2007, this Fund is used for financial aid endowment purposes and favors allocation to a deserving Horizons student. If for some reason a Horizons student is not identified, the income from this Fund will help support a child or children with a similar profile of need.
  
  

  Albert Perry Scholarship Fund
  The Albert Perry Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by long-time NCCS teacher Albert Perry. Income from the Fund is intended to provide financial aid for deserving students and families who would not otherwise be able to afford an NCCS education. Mr. Perry’s dedication to making learning fun is at the heart of the NCCS mission - and his impact will continue to be felt by future generations of Country School students.
  
  

  J. Craig Overlander Scholarship Fund
  Established in 2006 to provide financial aid to students who would otherwise be unable to attend New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  Ponus Ridge Fund
  Established in 1997 by the Littlejohn family to provide partial financial aid for eligible middle-income families.
  
  

  James and Henrietta Rogers Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 1999 in memory of James and Henrietta Rogers to provide financial aid for a child from a low-income family. The Fund was made possible through the generosity of the Rogers’ children and friends of the family in recognition of their devotion and service to New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  Crosby T. and Vernon S. Smith Fund
  Established in 2001 by the five Smith brothers (Country School graduates from the years of 1950 to 1967), in honor of their parents, for the purpose of financial aid.
  
  

  Sutton Fund
  Established in the early 1970s to honor the memory of faculty member Hoover Sutton’s daughter for the purpose of financial aid.
  
  

  Teles Family Goldman Sachs Scholars Fund
  Established in 2018 by Sharon Gibbons Teles ’88 and Thomas Teles, P ’21, P ’23, P ’26, income from the Fund will provide financial support to students with high financial need and academic promise. The students will be selected by the Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid at his or her discretion and in accordance with the School’s financial aid policy.
  
  

  Tsocanos Fund
  Established in 1987 by NCCS parent Tony Tsocanos in memory of his wife, Mary, for the purposes of financial aid.
  
  

  Emma Thurton Fund
  Established in 1999, this financial aid fund honors the memory of longtime Country School staff member Emma Thurton.
  
  

  Walker Family Scholarship Fund
  Established in 2007, the income from this Fund provides financial aid to students who would otherwise be unable to attend New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  David Watson ’75 Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2023 by Christine and David Watson ’75 to provide tuition assistance to students who would otherwise be unable to attend New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  Sidney Weisner Fund
  Established in 2000 by Jessica and William Fieber P ’05, and inspired by their deep belief in service to others, both within and beyond our school community. The Fund is intended to provide financial aid for low-income families.
  
  

  Whitlock Fund
  Established in 1996 in honor of retiring faculty member Jerry Whitlock, the income from this Fund provides sports programs extras such as sports equipment for deserving financial aid students.
  
  

  Whitton Family Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2009 by Linda, former Trustee, and John Whitton P ’98, P ’01, P ’06, P ’09. The income from this Fund is used for financial aid endowment purposes for deserving students.
  
  

  Williams Family Financial Aid Fund
  Established in 2008 by Jane Stoddard Williams ’72, former President of the Board of Trustees, and Brian Williams P ’03, P ’06. The income from this Fund is used for financial aid endowment purposes, favoring allocation to a deserving student of the Country School faculty or staff.

  Williamson Family Financial Aid Fund
Established in 2021 by Maureen and Paul Williamson P '23, P '26, income from the Fund will be used to provide tuition assistance for lower income families to enable deserving students to attend New Canaan Country School.
  
  

  The Ziac Family Fund
  Established in 2013 by friends and colleagues to honor John Ziac, Director of Finance and Operations, for his 42 years of extraordinary service to others and his fervent commitment to protecting the Country School educational experience for those in need. John and his wife, Nancy, retired Lower School Music Teacher beloved for her dedication to our younger learners, have determined that the income from this Fund will support financial aid.

• Additional Funds and Awards

  The Shirley and Jonathan O’Herron Faculty Award
  Established in 2013 by a bequest from the estate of Jonathan O’Herron P ’80, GP ’02, ’03, ’03, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’13, ’15, ’15, and at the direction of the children of Jonathan and Shirley O’Herron: Jonathan O’Herron Jr., Anne O’Herron Burleigh and Sarah O’Herron Casey ’80, this award recognizes an outstanding faculty or staff member who has taught or worked at Country School for at least 10 years and who has shown extraordinary dedication to the school and to the students.