FAQ
Why has the campaign goal been $4M, $5.75M, $4M?
There is always a tension to balance the need to address all areas of the facility to enhance the school experience with the costs associated with that. Originally, we estimated that the project could be completed around $4M. With more recent and accurate estimates, we were advised to try a higher number ($5.75M) so we could achieve more than originally planned. It was their conclusion that 4M is a good conservative estimate of what we are able to fundraise and we decided to stay with the original goal. We feel more confident in our ability to be successful with this campaign goal and the construction costs.
Where will the financial support come from?
This is clearly a major undertaking, and the E2F Committee has been meeting with other schools to learn how they planned and funded their building renovations. The Board and E2F Committee will continue to pray for God’s discernment and guidance as we raise funds for this campaign.
Most of the support will come from local business leaders, community leaders, and individuals who recognize the value of Christian education at the elementary level. We will also approach those close to Willowdale Christian School including staff members, parents, society members, and relatives. We will reach as far and wide as we can to encourage donors to support us as we “Equip all students to flourish spiritually, academically, emotionally, and socially to live a life of service for Christ”.
Unfortunately, as a non-profit, Christian school, there are few opportunities from external supports. If there is a way to leverage government grants or public funds in our construction, we will pursue those opportunities. If there are opportunities to apply to foundations that support Christian education, we will also pursue those options.
Is enrolment growing?
Yes, enrolment is and has been growing for the last eight years. Our building that once served 130 students is now hosting 170 students. We foresee that the desire for strong Christian educations will continue to grow, that enrolment will continue to increase and therefore we are proactively preparing to serve more students.
Is the focus of the project for student population growth or upgrading the facility?
The answer is both. As mentioned above, Willowdale Christian School is growing, and our desire is to continue to serve Christian families and their desire for Christian education. Our efforts now will support the growth we hope to witness in the coming years.
At the same time, education has changed over the last few decades but, other than important maintenance updates, the functionality of the building has remained the same. Our school was designed for education at the time of its construction, but today’s teachers and students teach and learn much differently. Therefore, learning spaces should also look different and our project addresses the upgrades required to enable our learning spaces to meet the needs for effective education today.
How many students will the school hold after renovations/expansion?
The school will easily accommodate approximately 200 students (10 classrooms with an average of 20 students per room).
Is there any thought to adding a daycare wing?
The idea of a daycare has been discussed, but it would introduce several complications that are likely impractical. The Board has decided to focus on enriching the school experience for JK to Grade 8.
Have we investigated shared facilities with Willowdale CRC?
The WCS Board recognizes the opportunity for some relationship of shared facilities with Willowdale CRC and we have been discussing the possibilities with them. At the moment there is no clear path for our school to make use of Willowdale CRC building and the church cannot offer any additional space for continual all year round rental.
Will construction increase tuition fees?
Capital campaign projects are designed to stand separate from operational budgets. Our goal for the fundraising initiative is the target of construction costs. As a result, we do not expect tuition fees to increase due to construction. If there is an impact, it may be from short term financing, increased utilities, custodial costs, or increased operational costs due to a larger facility and/or more students.
Will the expansion have a significant effect on outdoor space?
The fundraising campaign is scheduled to start in the Fall of 2025 and is expected to run over approximately two years.
Capital projects such as E2F are donor driven projects. The construction project is designed with different phases which can be initiated independently of each other. To be financially responsible, the WCS Board approved that construction may begin on each phase when 80% of the goal for each phase is pledged. For example, Phase 1 and the professional fees have a project goal of $2.5M. Once 80% of that goal is pledged ($2M), then the construction for Phase 1 can begin.
Our prayer is that we can begin construction on Phase 1 in June 2026. The end date of the entire project will depend on the progress of the fundraising.
When can we expect work to be started and completed?
Capital projects such as E2F are donor driven projects. The entire project is designed with different phases. These phases can be initiated independently of each other. To be financially responsible, the WCS Board approved that construction may begin on each phase when 80% of the goal for each phase is pledged.
For example, Phase 1 and the professional fees have a project goal of $2.5M. Once 80% of that goal is pledged ($2M), then the construction for that phase can begin. Phase 2 can begin when the next $1.3M is raised ($500,000 to fully fund Phase 1 and 80% of the Phase 2
goal). Similarly for Phase 3.
Our prayer is that we can begin construction on Phase 1 in June 2026.
How will we ensure student safety through the construction time period?
School construction is not new. We will work with the contractor to ensure that students and school safety is a primary concern and that policies and safety precautions are in place throughout the entire construction project.