Our Story

The Avondale Elementary School Foundation (AESF), founded in 2016, connects AES families, community members, and local businesses together so everyone can work to facilitate growth and educational opportunities for the bright and curious students who proudly attend AES. The Foundation achieves this by raising funds through various fundraisers, events, and grants and working directly with AES administration, teachers, and staff to ensure we support their needs so that every student receives the necessary resources to thrive.

Sitting in the heart of Avondale Estates, Georgia, AES attracts students from a large, diverse attendance zone that extends beyond the city and includes many thriving businesses and community organizations, as well as residential neighborhoods and apartment communities. AES provides students with a global education through its International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) and Cognia-certified STEM program.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission
To develop resources that remove barriers and create opportunities for student achievement.

Our Vision
To ensure that every child at Avondale Elementary School has the resources to thrive.

Current Projects

Invest in student success by donating to these school priorities:

  • AES Teachers and Staff Needs Initiative: This program provides funding for supplies teachers and staff members need beyond what the school district provides. In 2022-2023, the Foundation funded over $15,000 in supplies as requested by teachers and staff members, including magazine subscriptions, books, STEM equipment, and cleaning supplies.
  • AES Teachers and Staff Supply Reimbursement: This program gives every AES employee $100 reimbursement for money they spend out of their own pocket to make sure AES students have what they need.
  • Field Trip Initiative: AES is lucky to have a generous community member sponsor the cost of many field trips for our students. The Foundation is stepping up this year to fill the gap and ensure all of our AES roadrunners have access to engaging out-of-school experiences.
  • Academic Priorities: The Foundation supports critical literacy, numeracy, and STEM-related professional development and materials for teachers.
  • General: Donate to help with general projects deemed necessary by the Foundation and principal.
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Completed Projects

Thanks to the generous support of our AES families and the community, we have been able   to complete several important projects, including but not limited to:

  • Library Makeover $50,000 Our library’s much-needed update includes new furniture and books through a generous grant from the SNAVE Foundation, new carpet from Delta Credit Union as part of the School Crashers Program, and a fresh coat of paint compliments of our friends in the film industry.
  • Covid-19 Safety Initiative $5,000 When DeKalb County schools re-opened to in-person learning in spring of 2021, Avondale Elementary School was ready. Funds were used to buy protective shields for desks and cafeteria tables, child-size masks, and other items to make the school as safe as possible.
  • Outdoor Classroom $18,000  Beautiful outdoor learning space near the school’s back entrance gives teachers and students the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, physical activity, and an appreciation for the natural world.
  • Mural $5,000 As AES worked toward STEM certification, the Foundation hired an artist to paint a STEM-themed mural on the outside of the school facing Covington Highway. AES is one of the oldest schools in DeKalb County, and the mural gives the school a modern look while maintaining its original charm.
  • New Playground $100,000+ In partnership with Kaboom!, General Motors, and the Avondale Estates community, we built a brand new playground, replacing outdated and unsafe play structures with modern play structures, shaded seating, and a brick path.
  • Office Makeover $10,000 An updating of the school’s office included a custom-built counter, granite countertop, and new carpet. Our front-office staff deserves the best!
  • STEAM equipment $1,000  This was our first project when the Foundation launched in 2016. We purchased a 3-D printer and equipment for the robotics program. Our students went on to place in the county robotics competition, and we were beaming with Roadrunner pride!

Get Involved:  Our Foundation needs you! We accept nominations for the board on a rolling basis and are currently recruiting volunteers for our various committees as well. If you are interested in learning more about the foundation or getting involved, please reach out to AESF Chair at chair@aesef.org.

To access meeting minutes and agendas, please click here.

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