School receives $1 million gift

Donation is part of $2.6 million raised

Stonington — Pine Point School has announced that an anonymous couple donated $1 million to the school, the first of that size in its 68-year history.

The school announced that the gift was part of $2.6 million in annual donations, which sets a record for giving to the independent day school.

Head of School Diana Owen said the $1 million gift was made by parents who have had a relationship with the school dating back to 1977.

“They love our mission and the impact we have on kids. They feel so committed to the school,” said Owen, who added she was “totally overwhelmed” when the couple told her about the gift.

She said the couple wants to remain anonymous because “they don’t want this to be about them. They want it to be about the school and the children.”

The couple also issued The Pine Point Challenge, in which they pledged to give an additional $250,000 if members of the school community could raise $500,000.

Owen said 645 donors then contributed $925,000 that included unrestricted gifts as well as contributions to the school’s endowment.

She said the $2.6 million in donations is “truly a historic accomplishment” as the school’s previous record was $1.95 million in 2007, when it was raising money to build a new early childhood center. In 2014 the school raised $720,000.

“The overwhelming support of the Pine Point community reflects the emotional attachment parents and alumni have with the school,” Owen said. “They have been a part of an educational environment that fosters curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in children from preschool through adolescence.”

The school said the donated funds will support items that range from additions to the curriculum and faculty professional development to the school’s financial aid program.

The school awarded $600,000 in scholarships and financial aid to Pine Point families during the current school year.

The Barnes Road school serves 220 preschool, elementary and middle school students from 33 cities and towns in the region.