Friends of Peirce

On behalf of the Friends of Peirce Board, I'm proud to share our 2024–2025 Annual Report and reflect on a year that demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together with purpose. Friends of Peirce exists to ensure that every student at Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies has access to the rich, well-rounded experiences that nurture the whole child — academically, artistically, socially, and culturally.

As a public school, Peirce relies on federal, state, and local funding, which can fluctuate from year to year. Thanks to your generosity, we helped extend beyond what the district budget covered and ensured programming remained consistent. Every dollar raised translated into meaningful experiences for children across every grade level.

This work is only possible through partnership. We want to acknowledge former Principal Zaimi, the school administration, and the LSC Equity Committee for their collaboration and leadership in shaping a shared decision-making process around fundraising initiatives and allocation of dollars raised.

We are also encouraged by the progress made this year on aligning across parent leadership groups through the Peirce Parent Organizations Coordinating Committee. This spirit of cooperation reflects what makes Peirce extraordinary.

In this spirit, Friends of Peirce sponsored a community building session led by ONE Northside focused on how racial and economic injustice shows up in public education—especially here in Chicago.

Thank you for helping us ensure that our children continue to learn, explore, and grow in a school community that reflects the IB learner profile and values the development of the whole child.

With gratitude and optimism,