Breaking New Ground Capital Campaign FAQ’s

Q. Why is Tesseract building an expanded new
campus?
A. Phoenix is home to 325 public schools in 30 school districts along with more than 400 charter and private schools. In the fifth largest city in the nation, there is currently only one non-parochial, non-profit, independent
school providing an early childhood through grade 12 education. As part of the ongoing strategic planning efforts by the Tesseract School Board of Trustees, Tesseract recognizes that our community demands additional choices for parents and students. The board has authorized the building of a second campus on the school’s property at 40th Street and Shea Boulevard in Phoenix, AZ, which will allow Tesseract to expand its exceptional programs to include high school. Offering a Tesseract education from early childhood through high school graduation will play a significant role in the quality of educational opportunities for Tesseract students and our community.

Q. When will the new campus open? How much will it cost? What will its key features be?
A. T he 40th Street and Shea Boulevard property is scheduled to open in fall 2008 with its inaugural ninth-grade class. All grades—ninth through twelfth—will be offered by the fall of 2011. In February 2007, the board announced the $9 million campaign goal for the construction of the new campus and the renovation the current campus on Doubletree Ranch Road, which will be used solely for early childhood through fourth grade. Key features of the new campus include classroom space, visual and performing arts classrooms, science labs, a multi-purpose center, a media and resource center and a regulation-size soccer field. Although not included in the Breaking New Ground campaign, the master plan for this campus includes the future addition of a performing arts theater, additional classrooms and other amenities. Doubletree Ranch campus renovations include the complete redesign of all classrooms, restrooms and the IMC as
well as a new lunch area and kitchen.

Q. What are the benefits to the students?
A. E xpanding capacity is just one component of Tesseract’s strategic vision. Even more important is to be recognized long into the future for creating well-rounded, thoughtful students— students with a strong social conscience and sense of responsibility to self and community. An expanded campus enrolling students
from early childhood through upper school will play a significant role in the quality of education for Tesseract students at all grade levels. Tesseract students will have the skills and values necessary to thrive in the 21st century, including teamwork, communication, global thinking, innovation and ethical decision-making, and will be well prepared to accept the challenges of college and beyond. Q. Why are you undertaking a fundraising campaign?

A. The capital campaign seeks an investment in the future of campaign is seeking philanthropic support paid in gifts over three to five years. Tuition, annual giving and special event fundraisers sustain and enhance the present-day needs of Tesseract and are usually expended within the fiscal year they are received.

Q. How can I support the Breaking New Ground Capital
Campaign?
A. Capital campaigns are launched for special projects involving new construction or major renovations. The Breaking New Ground campaign gives individuals, families, foundations and businesses an opportunity to make a multi-year pledge to a specific naming opportunity or in general support of the project.

Q. How may gifts and pledges be paid?
A. T esseract encourages commitments, confirmed with a letter of intent, which can be paid over three to five years. Gifts may be made in the form of cash or appreciated assets such as securities, real estate, etc. In certain circumstances, gifts of tangible property and certain types of planned gifts may be considered.

Q. Are contributions to the Breaking New Ground Capital Campaign tax deductible?
A. Yes, Tesseract School is a non-profit organization as provided under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal tax laws.

Q. What is The Arizona Scholarship Fund tax credit? Can part of my contribution to it be used toward the
capital campaign?
A. T he Arizona Scholarship Fund (ASF ) allows taxpayers to direct a portion of their personal state income tax liability into education. Taxpayers may specify which school they would like to have receive their funds. A married couple filing a joint return may designate up to $1,000 to a specific school per year; a single
individual or a head of household may designate up to $500 per year. These funds are used solely for need-based tuition-assistance scholarships and may not be designated for any other purpose.

Q. Is a capital campaign gift above and beyond my other gifts?
A. T his is a unique moment in time in Tesseract’s history— a time that has been decades in the making. The construction of a new school campus and the renovations of the current campus will benefit our children, our community and maybe someday, our children’s children. Support of the annual fund and/or the ASF tax credit is needed to maintain the wonderful programs and projects for today’s needs, but an extra investment in the Breaking New Ground campaign, paid over several years, is like putting money in
the bank. It will pay dividends for years to come.

Who do I contact for more information?
NIGEL TAPLIN, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Tesseract School
4800 East Doubletree Road
Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253
480.991.1770
ntaplin@tesseractschool.org

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