Frequently Asked Questions
What academic opportunities are available at Willow Glen Middle School and High School?
Willow Glen Education Foundation seeks to enhance the academic experience of students at both schools, whether it’s through direct of an academic program or start-up funding for an elective. We seek to provide the materials that take learning at our schools to the “next level.” Over the years, the Foundation has provided support for the following (partial list):
- Hicklebee’s Author Visits. We coordinate with Hicklebee’s to provide select age-appropriate author visits at WGMS, based on the author’s availability and WGMS’s schedule. Teachers have an option to request that the Foundation purchase a classroom set of the author’s book for use in their classrooms and lesson plans.
- Science Specimens at WGMS. To support our WGMS science program, the Foundation annually purchases specimens to be dissected by students during the year.
- WGMS Robotics. In support of STEM, the Foundation provided funding for WGMS’s robotics team to build robots and participate in Vex robotics competitions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Transportation for College Visits. Our WGHS counselors work directly with students who might be interested in college, but may not have visited one. We have provided bus transportation to such campuses as California State University San Jose, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley.
- The Chickens! The chickens and chicken coop was started with funding provided by the Foundation. It is located on Dry Creek Road next to WGHS’s portables. It is a hands-on part of our biology program.
- WGHS Journalism. After many years without a journalism program, the Foundation provided seed funding to start up a class during the 2023-2024 school year. That support included funds for publishing newspapers and purchasing digital cameras.
- Biomes. WGHS’s Advanced Placement Environmental Science class received start-up funding to create five biomes in a classroom. Those biomes represent a unique opportunity for students to observe habitats.
- WG Cares. WG Cares receives annual support from the Foundation to fill gaps in the educational experience of students with the greatest economic need at WGMS and WGHS through targeted, timely, and tangible support. That support may include providing personal care items (e.g., deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, period pads, etc.), school supplies, payment for college application fees, etc.
For information regarding curriculum and courses provided by each campus, access these links:
Courses – Willow Glen Middle (sjusd.org)
Courses – Willow Glen High (sjusd.org)
Why is the Foundation asking people to contribute private funds when taxes are supposed to provide for public schools?
Funding for public schools comes from a combination of public and private sources, including local taxes, state and federal funds, grants from industry and other organizations, and private donations. In some districts (for example, Saratoga and Mountain View/Los Altos) public schools benefit from millions of dollars raised by nonprofit foundations. In San Jose Unified, many individual schools (such as Leland High School, Lincoln High School, and Castillero Middle School) receive significant program funding from private sources.
The Foundation believes that the community benefits significantly by investing resources toward helping our schools – and our students – achieve their maximum potential. The Foundation is dedicated to the philosophy that when students and schools have resources that allow them to thrive, the broader community also thrives. The Foundation acts as a vehicle for private and community investment in our public schools, and asks that each and every Willow Glen resident consider contributing through donations of time, money, skills, or other resources.
Who attends Willow Glen Middle and High Schools?
Willow Glen encompasses a diverse population, creating opportunities for broad cultural awareness and rich friendships and experiences at neighborhood schools. Students attending Willow Glen Middle School (and later, Willow Glen High School) come primarily from Booksin, Schallenberger, Willow Glen Elementary, Hacienda, and Galarza. Close to 40% of students are categorized as socio-economically disadvantaged by the California Department of Education. Almost 65% of WGMS students are people of color while almost 70% of WGHS are people of color as well.
Do all Foundation funds go directly to school programs?
The Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose board members volunteer their time. With the exception of minimal printing, mailing, and administrative costs (e.g., nonprofit tax preparation), all funds raised are allocated to academic and cultural programs.
What other groups does the Foundation support?
The Foundation manages our largest online fundraiser, RamStarter, on behalf of itself, the WG Athletic Boosters, the WG Performing Arts Boosters, and WG Cares, distributing funds as earmarked by donors. It also manages several scholarships on behalf of groups and individuals who provide scholarships to WGHS graduating seniors.
What other groups support the schools?
The following organizations support WGMS and WGHS, and the Foundation coordinates its work to ensure consistency and effectiveness.
- Willow Glen Performing Arts Boosters (PAB)
- Willow Glen Athletics Boosters (WGAB)
- School Site Councils
- School English Language Advisory Committee (SELAC)
- WGHS Associated Student Body (ASB)
Does the Foundation support sports teams and facilities?
Athletics are supported by the WGAB at both WGMS and WGHS (wgab.org).
Does the Foundation benefit public elementary schools in Willow Glen?
While the Foundation was established to support academic achievement and cultural enrichment at WGMS and WGHS, its efforts have indirectly benefited elementary schools in Willow Glen by offering a more attractive educational program for students as they matriculate. In addition, the Foundation’s community outreach activities allow elementary school families to enjoy what the campuses have to offer.
If I don’t have any children in Willow Glen Middle or High School – and I already pay taxes schools – why should I support the Foundation?
The Foundation encourages all families who live in Willow Glen to consider WGMS and WGHS as educational options. Both schools have excellent teachers and academically rigorous programs that have grown significantly in recent years. They will continue to grow with the support of the community and the Foundation.
That said, the most important reason to support the Foundation is that an investment in neighborhood public schools is an investment in our neighborhood. Foundation membership includes not only WGMS and WGHS parents and school officials, but also WG neighbors who believe in this premise. Membership includes, for example, area realtors who know that good schools attract home buyers and help maintain property values.
The Foundation is committed to enhancing, enriching, and supporting neighborhood schools so that all Willow Glen residents are proud of our schools and our students.