The City of Fairhope is located in southern Alabama along Mobile Bay and has approximately 14,200 residents. There are six public schools serving 3,800 students located in the City of Fairhope:

• Fairhope K-1 Center (Grades K-1)
• Fairhope Elementary School (Grades 2-3)
• Fairhope Intermediate School (Grades 4-5)
• Fairhope Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• J. Larry Newton School (Grades K-8)
• Fairhope High School (Grades 9-12)

These schools are part of the Baldwin County Public Schools system, which serves approximately 15,000 students.

Currently, there are 26 members on the Board of Directors comprised of business leaders, community members, former educators and two staff members. In addition, ex-officio members include the Baldwin County Public Schools superintendent, the mayor of Fairhope, the School Board representative, a City Council representative, principals, and teacher representatives from each school. The board members believe that a strong school system reflects a strong community.

Impact

FEEF has made a significant difference in the community and the schools. Our greatest impact is the difference FEEF has made in the classroom with students. All of the  Classroom Grants awarded by FEEF have gone directly to the teachers for use with their students. FEEF has given money to the school libraries and to the high school for band instruments.

FEEF provides enrichment by helping teachers through professional development opportunities and a vertical teaming initiative which reduces the overlaps and omits gaps in the curriculum of each discipline.  FEEF has pledged $250,000 to the new theater and arts complex at Fairhope High School. FEEF has initiated the Alabama Star Award for 4th graders and Young Patriot Award for 5th graders to encourage and challenge students to dig deeper into history and civics.  Most recently, FEEF has added an after-school enrichment program and a Spanish language curriculum at the elementary school level.  By working closely with the Baldwin County Board of Education, FEEF is able to help with positive outcomes such as obtaining flat-top desks for all the schools to aid in their science experiments through the AMSTI initiative and supporting Fairhope High School’s effort to bring the International Baccalaureate program to Fairhope.

FEEF has also initiated a successful tutoring program that supports almost 250 students in our schools.  The program runs through the school year, and recently, FEEF added a summer tutoring program.

Many community members have also shown their support of FEEF by displaying large FEEF magnets on their cars and by placing “Sold on FEEF” signs in their yards during FEEF Week. Contributors to FEEF include grandparents, retirees, parents, businesses, educators, students, civic organizations, etc. The Kiwanis Club, Point Clear and Fairhope Rotary Clubs and local Masonic Lodge have partnered with FEEF to support goals and objectives. A foundation like FEEF can be established in any community! The benefits are unlimited!