Embedded Files
Report of Giving
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Our community’s generosity is laying a strong foundation for the future of Ransom Everglades
Our community’s generosity is laying a strong foundation for the future of Ransom Everglades
It has been an extraordinary year of learning and achievement at Ransom Everglades. I could not be prouder of our students – or the caring community members who supported them and prioritized a positive, meaningful student experience.
Throughout the year, our students embraced opportunities that reflect the best of The RE Way. The Challenge Success surveys reaffirmed that our students experience joy, community and care at RE – values they carry with them as they learn and lead during their years on our campuses. By the time they begin their college counseling journeys, supported by a REimagined team that sets the standard for high school counseling, they are ready to take the next steps with confidence.
At the heart of these successes are our extraordinary faculty. Their commitment to students in the classroom, on the stage, in the lab and on the playing fields makes the RE experience distinctive. Strong retention and ongoing professional development ensure that RE remains a destination for exceptional educators. Programs such as the RE Summer Institute for Teachers, which welcomed 49 educators from a variety of schools, keep our faculty at the forefront of innovative and inspiring teaching.
We also saw our community’s values in action. Every member of our professional community contributed to The Fund for RE. The Class of 2025 launched the first-ever, student-led class gift effort, reaching 80-percent participation. Hundreds of volunteers devoted their time and talent to our school, ensuring that our students could thrive at RE and beyond.
These accomplishments are only made possible because of you, our caring community, and your belief in the next generation of leaders. Donors contributed more than $5.6 million to The Fund for RE, our top fundraising priority for the school, and supported key initiatives such as the Patrick and Kristen McMahon Faculty Endowment Fund, which provides cost-of-living expenses for our full-time faculty.
Our community’s generosity is laying a strong foundation for the future of Ransom Everglades. On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, thank you for all you do to support our mission and The RE Way.
With gratitude,
Rachel Rodriguez
Head of School
Core Values with Director of Advancement Vicki Carbonell Williamson ’88
Core Values with Director of Advancement Vicki Carbonell Williamson ’88
The RE Way leads all that we do at Ransom Everglades
The RE Way leads all that we do at Ransom Everglades
As an alumna, parent of alumni, student advisor and Director of Advancement, I have the privilege of seeing the value of a Ransom Everglades education up close and through various lenses. I am proud of the school's commitment to its core values, The RE Way, and I am delighted to share a glimpse into our values in action here. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the RE Community and to see and experience these core values daily.
Joy & Wellbeing
Joy & Wellbeing
How is RE approaching student wellness?
Student wellbeing is a school-wide priority. RE’s Health and Wellness program promotes balance, resilience and belonging through advisory groups, access to counselors, grade-level programming and wellness workshops that are integrated into the student experience. I also see it reflected in our Dining Hall menu daily with many healthy options offered.
How does RE support faculty beyond salaries?
We invest in our faculty through professional development and philanthropic initiatives, such as the McMahon Faculty Endowment, which provides a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for full-time faculty.
“Our faculty are the most important part of our school as they take care of our children – day by day, hour by hour, class by class, on the stage, on the field, on local field trips, throughout the state, on national trips, and often throughout the world.”
– Head of School Rachel Rodriguez
Service & Outreach
Service & Outreach
What opportunities do students have to engage with the broader community?
Ransom Everglades encourages students to connect their learning with real-world impact to put more into the world than they get out of it. Through service projects, partnerships with local organizations, student-led initiatives and traditions such as St. Alban’s Day and Thanksgiving Drives, students learn the importance of giving back and become active contributors to their communities. We are proud that after they leave RE, many continue community service as alumni in their respective communities. It is something that becomes a part of us wherever we go.
How does RE foster a culture of purpose-driven leadership?
From advisory programs to student clubs and signature programs, RE offers students opportunities to lead with intention. Students are challenged to think beyond themselves and make a difference in the world around them through service, sustainability and civic engagement. Everything we do at RE is student-centered, which makes student voices heard and their actions respected.
“Most importantly, we were a class that believed in giving back to our community. Every club – whether academic or special interest – had a public service component. And we leaned on each other to support one another’s events, from bake sales to fundraiser performances to item collection drives.”
– Sirja Jõeveer ’25
Support & Community
Support & Community
What role do volunteers play in the RE community?
Parents, alumni and friends of the school contribute time and talent in countless ways — from helping plan events to serving on committees or supporting student activities. Their involvement helps build the strong, connected community that defines the RE experience. Our REconnect program in particular is a perfect example of bringing community members together to support our current students and young alums with networking opportunities that can lead to mentorships, internships and employment.
How does RE cultivate a sense of belonging for students and families?
RE emphasizes relationships — between students and faculty, between classmates and across generations of alumni. Programs like advisory groups, family events and community gatherings help create a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and valued.
“Whether it was leading a research team, presenting at a conference, or just having lunch with friends after a long day of building a microscope, I felt like I belonged to a community that pushed me to be my best self.”
– Jaral Arroyo-Jefferson ’25
Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion
How does RE support students from different backgrounds?
RE is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The school implements programs, offers workshops and multicultural festivals and crafts learning opportunities that reflect our core beliefs. Many clubs include diversity as part of their mission.
How is inclusion reflected in daily life at RE?
Inclusion is woven into classroom discussions, advisory programming and student life. Faculty and staff foster a culture where students can explore identity, listen to others' perspectives and engage thoughtfully with difference — skills essential to be productive global citizens.
“It really feels inclusive to see my culture and identity celebrated. I feel like I am being recognized and seen at the school.”
– Chloe Dubose ’26
Honor & Excellence
Honor & Excellence
What is the Pathways Scholars signature program, and how does it reflect RE’s tradition of Honor & Excellence?
The Pathways Scholars signature program offers students guided exploration in fields such as entrepreneurship, biomedical sciences and sustainability. Supported by faculty mentors, these multi-year pathways foster real-world experience, which includes an approved externship, and help students align their interests with purpose.
What is the latest on the Humanities Center, and why is it a priority?
RE is planning the new Sundheim Humanities Center to provide a dedicated, collaborative space for English, history and interdisciplinary learning. The project reflects RE’s deep belief in the importance of critical thinking, storytelling and ethical inquiry across disciplines.
“This community doesn’t just talk about its core values — it lives them. Joy and wellbeing, service and outreach, support and community, diversity and inclusion, honor and excellence — these principles have shaped my experience at Ransom Everglades and will continue to guide me as I move forward.”
– Hannah Zuckerman ’25
The Fund for Ransom Everglades Overview
The Fund for Ransom Everglades Overview
The Fund for Ransom Everglades is the most important fundraising priority for the school. The Fund supports every corner of our two campuses — from arts and athletics to diversity, equity and inclusion, from financial aid to faculty development and more. This year, donors contributed more than $5.6 million to The Fund for RE.
100% of the Professional Community participated with a gift to The Fund for RE.
Parents from the Class of ’26 earned the top spot for participation (90%).
65 young alumni contributed to RE as members of the Young Benefactor Circle. Among them, 56 supported financial aid, raising $116,420 to support two current-use scholars.
80% of the Class of 2025 participated in the first-ever student-led senior class gift.
Donors delivered another record-breaking year for Raider Day of Giving, surpassing last year’s participation and raising a total of $388,679.
On Give Miami Day and the designated early giving days, Ransom Everglades received $353,711 from 201 donors – an increase in giving of 33% over last year.
Donor Highlights
Donor Highlights
$3,066
average gift size
1,845
members of the RE community supported The Fund for RE
312
donors have given 10+ years consecutively
28
most consecutive years of giving by a donor
Investments in Ransom Everglades
Investments in Ransom Everglades
Ransom Everglades continues to invest in the people, programs and facilities that make RE special. From the professional growth of our faculty and staff to the instructional programs that distinguish the school to the beautiful campuses in Coconut Grove, RE is committed to delivering an exceptional educational experience for all students.
Financial Highlights
Financial Highlights
$15.7 million
invested in instructional programs
$350,000
invested in professional growth
$2.3 million
invested in technology, both operating and capital
$2.3 million
invested in facilities, including renovations
Moments of Impact
Moments of Impact
Behind every opportunity are supporters
who believe in our students
Behind every opportunity are supporters
who believe in our students
Arts
Arts
“Since I'm majoring in acting in college, I feel well prepared in tech and being on stage. I am most proud of breaking barriers, trying different things and being challenged.” – Jaerla “JJ” Sajous ’25
Athletics
Athletics
“Team sports at Ransom Everglades are really important because they help people find communities, make friends and learn to support each other.” – Zubin Kamlani ’25
Sustainability
Sustainability
“I'm really grateful for the opportunities that the Environmental Sustainability Council has provided me to give back to Ransom Everglades and to the South Florida community, doing mangrove clean-ups and also getting involved in environmental advocacy work.” – Ethan Sullivan ’25
Faculty Support and More!
Faculty Support and More!
“Being able to further my own education, through graduate studies in independent school leadership and professional development workshops and conferences, has allowed me to contribute more to the learning community we have here at RE.” – Karina Buhler, English Teacher & Dean of Community Engagement and Multicultural Affairs
Honor Roll of Donors
Honor Roll of Donors
For a complete honor roll of donors, click below. In the interest of protecting donors’ privacy, the online Honor Roll of Donors is password-protected, and the hint to access the document is:
Who is the namesake of RE's loyalty giving society? He was a 1938 graduate of the Adirondack Florida School, a longtime trustee of Ransom Everglades School and a believer in giving back to RE.* "Harry________"
* The password is case-sensitive and begins with Harry. Trouble accessing the report? Email us at advancement@ransomeverglades.org.
Thank you to our volunteers!
Thank you to our volunteers!
We are very grateful to our
31 Trustees
20 Advancement Committee Members
29 The Fund for RE parent, alumni and faculty & staff lead volunteers
28 REPA executive committee members
29 Alumni Board members
60 Reunion Committee members
for their tireless dedication to RE.
“There are so many people who have made our time here so wonderful – and to all of you, we are sincerely grateful.”
Andrew Gedde ’25
Valedictorian
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