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Report on Philanthropy

2024-2025 Report on Philanthropy

Students practicing in the dance studio
2025 4th grade operetta
students coding robots
girls soccer player dribbling the ball
Students holding signs at the harvest festival
students looking at film in the photography studio
Lower school students at a french market
students working in the middle school STEAM classroom

Message of Gratitude

Picture of Jon Cormier and Kelley Nicholson-Flynn

What a year it has been at Princeton Day School!

Thanks to your extraordinary support, the PDS Fund reached a record-breaking $2.2 million — the highest total in our history. Your generosity touched every corner of school life, from financial aid and faculty initiatives to capital priorities and beyond.

This achievement tells only part of the story. What moves us most is hearing from so many of you about why you give: because you believe in who our students are becoming. You see what we see every day — students who are genuinely known and cared for, faculty and staff who give generously of themselves, and a community that continues to show up for one another.

This year, as we worked together to clarify our mission and values, one truth emerged again and again: PDS cultivates both intellectual vitality and strength of character within a community of compassion, shared responsibility, and play. It’s not just what happens in our classrooms, on our stages, or on our fields — it’s how it happens that defines who we are.

Your partnership makes this possible. As we move into the next phase of strategic planning and fundraising for key priorities to take the school forward, we do so with confidence, grounded in our shared values and inspired by what lies ahead. Your continued support helps bring our highest aspirations to life.

Thank you for your trust, your generosity, and your unwavering belief in what PDS can be.

With sincere appreciation,

Dr. Kelley Nicholson-Flynn P’26
Head of School

Jon Cormier's signature

Jonathan Cormier P’29 ’31 ’34
Director of Advancement

Infographic for 2024-2025 annual report financials

Donor Participation

Group photo of the Class of 1980

Donor Reflections

Photo of Jill Cacciola Blackwell '13
Jill Cacciola Blackwell '13

Countless teachers and mentors at PDS helped me along my path from an upper school student to a career in education. Now, serving on the Alumni Council Executive Board, I get to see the tangible ways alumni contributions of all forms help support new generations of students exploring their own passions.

Photo of Zaneta Chambers
Zaneta Chambers '95, Middle and Upper School Learning Specialist

I have given to the PDS Fund as an alum for 30 years.  Now, as a faculty member, I feel a greater sense of responsibility to contribute financially to the school.  I know that my annual fund gifts make it possible for the school to offer innovative programs, upgrade technology, and provide resources that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These initiatives help students explore their passions and develop the creativity needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. My gifts contribute towards financial aid, the arts and athletics, and help attract and retain top-tier educators by supporting professional development, research, and competitive salaries.  I am investing in a community that I care deeply about, and that brings me joy!

Photo of Zankhna and Selene Parekh P’29
Zankhna and Selene Parekh P'29

For us, supporting PDS is about investing in a school that not only prioritizes academic excellence, but also instills compassion, creativity, and a sense of purpose in its students. Our support of PDS is inspired by the opportunity to nurture the next generation of leaders right here in our local community. We are grateful for the role PDS plays in shaping students’ lives, and proud to contribute to that mission.

Photo of Howie Powers
Howie Powers '80 P'11 '12 '12

As an alum, former teacher, coach and parent of three PDS lifers, I have seen how our faculty can reach out and strongly influence the direction of our students.  The faculty's ability to connect with their charges across the grade levels allows PDS to make a difference.

Su Jin and Jinping Yao P'27 '31

 The reason we choose to give is simple: we love PDS. As parents, we see every day how our children are nurtured and challenged by incredible teachers who care deeply and inspire curiosity, confidence, and kindness. As a trustee, I believe strongly in the school’s mission, its future, and the leadership guiding it forward. Achieving these goals requires resources, and philanthropy ensures that PDS will continue to flourish—not only for our children today, but for generations to come.

Photo of Chris Devlin
Chris Devlin, PDS Facilities

I give to PDS because of everything it has given to me — it’s not just a school or a job; it’s my home away from home.

"I support PDS because I am grateful for my PDS experience and am excited about Kelley’s leadership of, and vision for the school."

John P. Hall '79

Partners in Philanthropy

THANK YOU! Our parents, alumni, employees and friends who support the school reflect a shared commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for our students. The giving categories celebrate all gifts received by Princeton Day School from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

Thank You!

Continue your support and sustain the excellence of the PDS experience. 

Ways to Give  Make a Gift

Please know that every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of donor lists. However, if an error has occurred, we sincerely apologize. Should there be a discrepancy, please contact advancement@pds.org.