Over seven years, Larchmont Charter School has evolved into an extraordinary place of joy and learning. One of the top performing public schools in Los Angeles, LCS has become a beacon for a wave of constructivist education reform in our city. Our middle school is thriving, while we continue to expand the Larchmont community by opening our high school next year. Our API score of 931, an amazing 23-point jump from last year, once again places LCS in the very top tier of schools in California.

We are committed to having TA support for every classroom, great teachers, and a rich curriculum that includes music, PE, art and the Edible School Yard program. However, along with the challenge of receiving $2,800 less per student than LAUSD schools, LCS has the additional expense of rent for our two school campuses. Our budget gap is more than $900,000 for the 2011-12 school year. To ensure the strength of our program, our goal is to raise $1,800 per student.

Our students' success rests upon our effort to meet that budget challenge. Every year we must fundraise, and our Pledge Drive, the biggest fundraiser of the year, starts now. Last year, LCS families pledged a record $500,000! While this was a first in our school history, our goal is to raise $500,000 again this year. It's ambitious, but since the inception of LCS, the parent community has always risen to the occasion. LCS fundraising accomplishments are the envy of schools public and private, attributable to every member of our community.

We hope every single one of our families will give a gift that is meaningful to them. For some this may be $10, for some $1,800, and for some this may be $10,000 per child enrolled. Please know that your family and friends can give in your child's name to fulfill our 100% participation goal and, as always, contributions are entirely voluntary. To spread out your gift, we can set up automatic monthly payments, just like you do for your gym membership or cell phone. And you can increase your gift by checking if your employer has a matching gift program.

Larchmont Charter School is that rare place where parents, teachers and staff have joined together to create a better world for our children. Please give generously to help fulfill that vision.

Sincerely,