Marco Island Academy Endowment Match

Marco Island Academy (MIA), Marco Island’s Public Charter High School, completed their beautiful new Academic building in 2021 and Sports Complex in 2022, and its stunning campus was completed with the amazing support of donors on the island. In 2022, the MIA Rays Squadron was formed to secure a financial foundation for the school.  From there, an endowment was created to sustain the needs of MIA for the future.  

Every year, MIA requires an additional $1.4–1.5 million a year over what the Districtallocates, due to less per student state funding compared to the CCPS schools. Contrastingly, MIA consistently outperforms the district by all measures, by offering smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. A goal of $30 million for the endowment was set by the MIA Rays Squadron that would allow the fund to generate enough interest and dividends each year to operate the school's academic program. So far, with the generosity of donors, over $15 million has been pledged toward this goal, with $7 million already gifted. 

Excitingly, a group of donors led by Kurt and Lori Lacks, Rene and Tish Champagne, and Mark and Michelle Melvin is looking to accelerate this fundraising effort with an unprecedented matching opportunity of five times up to $4 million. This effort will help secure the future of the Marco Island Academy and the education of the high school students on Marco Island forever, and all gifts will be matched regardless of size. Please note that a gift of $75,000 secures a student’s seat forever. This is a unique opportunity, not only because of the 5X match, but because it helps guarantee that Marco Island will always have a high school on the island, as well as continue to provide a safe and secure institution of learning for our students.