“Donor support strengthens programs and facilities, expands financial aid and accessibility, and ensures the long-term sustainability of our mission. It empowers us to elevate student learning—offering immersive experiences, nurturing leadership, and fostering meaningful community engagement. Together, we are shaping a future where every student is prepared to make a lasting impact.”Aubryn Bednar, Director of Development
At The Colorado Springs School, every act of generosity helps shape the future. Community support empowers curious minds, fuels creativity, and gives our students the courage to lead with purpose.
Since 1962, CSS has been shaping curious, creative, and courageous students—but tuition alone doesn’t cover the full cost of the experiential education that is at the heart of our school. It’s the generosity of families, alumni, foundations, community businesses, and friends that brings our programs to life, inspires our faculty and staff, and empowers students to grow, explore, and thrive.
“Donor support strengthens programs and facilities, expands financial aid and accessibility, and ensures the long-term sustainability of our mission,” Director of Development Aubryn Bednar said. “It empowers us to elevate student learning—offering immersive experiences, nurturing leadership, and fostering meaningful community engagement. Together, we are shaping a future where every student is prepared to make a lasting impact.”
It’s the dedication of supporters like Danny and Becky Mientka P’27, P’29, who truly make this possible. For more than two decades, they have contributed as neighbors, partners, and parents, witnessing firsthand the impact of CSS. They are grateful for the talented teachers who take a genuine interest in their children’s lives and for being part of a school that is a strong, vibrant community asset.
“We believe giving to The Colorado Springs School is important for several reasons. We feel compelled to help preserve the institutional assets of our city, which, when woven together, create a rich, historically significant fabric within Colorado Springs," Mrs. Mientka said (pictured above during Raise Your Paddle at the Kodiak Derby & Auction).
"CSS is not only a valuable asset to students but also to the city of Colorado Springs, as it provides a diverse educational resource for parents to choose from. School choice is a critical tool that keeps our schools competitive and improves students' experiences and outcomes. The unique social and experience-based platform that CSS provides is one that can have a profound lasting impact on its student body, as well as the faculty and staff who support and deliver these life lessons.”
This year, CSS is inviting our supporters to be part of something extraordinary. The Kodiak Pride Fund aims to raise $1.25 million to spark innovation in STEM, expand the arts, and create collaborative spaces where imagination and discovery thrive.
Even better, your gift can go twice as far. In a generous show of support, members of our CSS community — including parents, past parents, and the Board of Trustees — have pledged a $120,000 matching challenge through December 31, 2025.
“We are deeply grateful to the inspired donors who have stepped forward to provide this year’s Kodiak Pride Fund match,” Mrs. Bednar said. “Their generosity amplifies the impact of every gift dollar for dollar—encouraging our community to come together in support of our students and our mission.”
Every gift counts. Whether you give $25 or $25,000, your support matters—and donors contributing $1,962 or more join the Claremont Society, honoring the year CSS was founded. Gifts made by November 12, 2025, also include an invitation to the Claremont Reception on November 13, where we celebrate the generosity that sustains our mission.
In addition, many gifts may provide extra benefits: contributions to qualifying childcare facilities could qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit of up to 50%, in addition to state and federal charitable giving deductions. View our Honor Roll of Donors here.
The Kodiak Pride Fund’s three pillars—Community Strength, Future-Forward Mindset, and Educational Excellence—ensure students are prepared to lead, create, and innovate.
Funding priorities for the 2025-2026 school year include:
STEM and Innovation: Empower students to explore, experiment, and engineer with 3D printers, robotics kits, and coding tools.
Creative Arts Expansion: Fuel student expression and creativity through expanded opportunities in visual arts, music, and performance.
Interactive Learning Spaces: Transform classrooms and outdoor areas into flexible, collaborative environments equipped with mobile furniture, smart boards, maker spaces, and gardens designed for hands-on learning.
Unrestricted gifts to the Kodiak Pride Fund directly support CSS’s general operations, giving the school the flexibility to address its most pressing needs. Restricted gifts can be dedicated to specific projects and initiatives that enhance the student and faculty experience.
In the 2024–2025 school year, a combined total of $2.7 million was raised through unrestricted donations, restricted gifts, and the annual gala. This year, the Kodiak Pride Fund continues that momentum with a goal of raising $1.25 million to spark innovation in STEM programming, expand the creative arts, and create collaborative spaces for immersive learning.
Beyond the immediate impact of each gift, participation itself plays a critical role. “When we apply for grants, many foundations and organizations ask about parent and staff participation,” Mrs. Bednar said. “The higher the percentage, the stronger our case. When it’s clear our community is all in, outside funders are much more likely to invest in CSS.”
Our community’s generosity fuels every aspect of life at The Colorado Springs School. Financial contributions sustain academic excellence, while in-kind gifts—such as classroom equipment, professional services, and gala auction items—enrich the vibrancy of our campus.
One shining example of this generosity is the Launch Pad (pictured above). With significant support from members of the Scripps family, this exciting vision is becoming a reality. Thoughtfully designed, the Launch Pad building will serve as a cornerstone of the Launch Pad program, supporting 4th and 5th graders through their transition to Middle School, while also providing an engaging, interactive space where students of all ages can explore, discover, and grow.
Generosity at CSS goes beyond individual projects. At last year’s Kodiak Derby & Auction, Board of Trustees member Kevin Patterson P’21 generously lent his time as auctioneer, while David and Jennifer McAdams P’27, P’35, contributed stunning floral arrangements from their family business, Sue’s Floral. The annual gala, CSS’s largest fundraising event, raised $191,000 in 2025 to support programs and initiatives that enrich our school community.
Technology support is another meaningful way the CSS community contributes. The public relations company Next PR, led by CEO and CSS parent Heather Kelly P’27, P’30, provides an annual in-kind donation of about 15 refurbished laptops with accessories, supporting the technology needs of both students and teachers.
Mrs. Kelly and her husband, Dr. Leon Kelly, chair of the Board of Trustees, support CSS because they deeply believe in the school’s role in shaping not only successful students but also generous and kind individuals. “From the earliest years through graduation, the school helps young people develop curiosity, confidence, and compassion, qualities that serve them well beyond the classroom,” she said.
This spirit of support is shared by families across our community, including Drs. Suneel and Grace Kumar P’25, P’26 (pictured above with their sons). When they moved to Colorado Springs in 2019, they were determined to find a smaller, private school for their sons. They were drawn to CSS for its smaller class sizes, the inclusive nature of the staff and families, and the school’s experiential approach to education. One of their sons graduated in 2025, and the other will graduate in 2026.
"As parents of two boys who have grown and thrived at CSS, we’ve seen firsthand how much this school invests in its students—not just academically, but as individuals. The teachers know our boys, challenge them, and care deeply about who they want to become. We choose to support CSS because it’s more than a school—it's a community that has shaped our boys with curiosity, confidence, wisdom, and kindness," Dr. Grace Kumar said.
"Giving back feels natural when you see how much heart and dedication go into helping every student grow and succeed. Supporting CSS is our way of saying thank you and helping ensure that other families can experience the same sense of community, purpose, inclusion, and possibility that ours has."
Join Us
When you give to CSS, you’re not just supporting a school—you’re investing in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. Together, we are creating a future-forward community rooted in creativity, courage, and curiosity.
To make your gift and learn more about how you can help spark possibilities at CSS, please visit www.css.org/giving, call (719) 434-3501, or email giving@css.org.
Thank you for your continued support, passion, and generosity.
The Lifetime Giving Society recognizes donors who have made cumulative gifts of $50,000 or more to CSS.
Ways to Maximize Your Impact
Your support is essential to our mission, and there are several ways to make the most of your contribution:
Matching Gifts: Many companies offer programs that match donations made by employees, doubling the impact of your gift.
Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit: Eligible contributions to qualifying childcare facilities may be eligible for a state income tax credit of up to 50%, in addition to state and federal charitable giving deductions.
Planned Giving: Leave a lasting legacy through a planned gift, such as a bequest, stock donation, or estate contribution.
Please contact your tax or financial advisor for specific guidance on these options.
If you’re inspired to support a national or local giving initiative in 2025, donations to the Kodiak Pride Fund can be made through GivingTuesday on December 2 or Colorado Gives Day on December 9.
