Saint George's School Receives $2 Million Gift

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Saint George's School today announced receipt of a $2 million grant from the William H. Gates Foundation. The grant will be disbursed in two equal payments this spring and next for the private, non-sectarian school's capital campaign.

The school's five-year, $10 million capital campaign, including $1 million for endowment, has received $8 million in leadership and major gifts. Construction will begin this summer on a new Upper School and a 350-seat theater. A current building will be converted to the Middle School for grades six, seven and eight. These projects will enhance the educational facilities dramatically, allowing for an expanded enrollment to 400 students and keeping tuition affordable.

"Leadership gifts for the campaign are crucial to success, so we are thrilled to receive this gift from the William H. Gates Foundation," said Jonathan E. Slater, Headmaster of Saint George's. "A successful capital campaign will keep Saint George's nearly 50-year-old tradition strong into the next century."

"We are delighted to make this gift to Saint George's school," said Bill Gates, trustee of the William H. Gates Foundation. "We have special affection for Saint George's because of my sister's family's involvement with the school. Saint George's diverse and demanding academic program and warm, caring environment make it a living demonstration of what a great school can be. We wish them much continued success."

Founded in 1955, Saint George's is the only independent, co-educational, kindergarten through twelfth grade day school in Eastern Washington. It currently enrolls 300 students. The school is dedicated to high academic standards and individual attention in a caring college preparatory environment.