The major objective of the Foundation shall be to encourage and improve secondary education as provided by independent schools in the United States.
The area in which the Foundation has the legal power to operate is extremely broad. Its charter declares, in the language of the Internal Revenue Code, that it is established, and shall be operated, exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes." The mission statement, approved by the Board, more accurately reflects historic practice.
Graduates of independent schools on the whole have been and continue to be well trained, highly motivated citizens of this country who contribute in many ways to the betterment of society and the nation.
The heritage of pluralism in the United States points clearly to the fact that parents want options in education.
Support for independent schools, as contrasted to support for private colleges, must come from a narrow base, which includes parents, friends, and graduates rather than corporations, foundations and the government.
While the target area selected by the Foundation is relatively small in light of the general purpose, the Board feels that, to make a significant and important impact with the funds available, it is best to limit its effort to one particular area of education.
