PTA & SEF: Supporting Every Student

At Saratoga Elementary School, two parent-supported organizations help create the full experience our students benefit from:

  • Saratoga Elementary PTA
  • Saratoga Education Foundation (SEF)

Together with district funding, PTA and SEF help provide many of the programs, resources, and experiences that enrich student life at SES.

Built on a Strong District Foundation

Saratoga Union School District provides the core educational foundation for our schools through local tax dollars and state and federal funding.

PTA and SEF help build on that foundation by funding additional programs, enrichment opportunities, classroom support, and community experiences that help make Saratoga schools special.

Together, district funding, SEF, and PTA support a more complete and enriching experience for students.

District overview of how public funding, PTA, SEF, and community organizations support student experiences across SUSD.

PTA & SEF: What’s the Difference?

Saratoga Elementary PTA

PTA focuses on the Saratoga Elementary school community — supporting student enrichment, family engagement, classroom support, and school experiences at SES.

PTA helps support:

  • School events and community traditions
  • Assemblies, author visits, and enrichment programs
  • Classroom and teacher support
  • Volunteer programs and family engagement
  • Campus and student experience enhancements

Examples at SES include:
Pumpkin Walk, Family Picnic, International Night, Movie Night, assemblies, classroom support, and more.

PTA is funded through:

  • Membership
  • Family donations
  • School-based fundraising

Saratoga Education Foundation

SEF focuses on funding educational enrichment opportunities that benefit students across all four Saratoga Union School District schools — Argonaut, Foothill, Saratoga Elementary, and Redwood Middle School.

SEF helps fund programs and opportunities such as:

  • Elementary Science Lab aides
  • Elementary Makerspace aides
  • Grade-level field trips and transportation for TK–8 students
  • 5th Grade Science Camp
  • Redwood Middle School student seminars and enrichment opportunities
  • Parent and guardian workshops

Through these programs, SEF helps provide hands-on learning, enrichment, and educational opportunities beyond the district's core funding.

SEF is funded through:

  • Family and community donations
  • Business sponsorships and corporate matching
  • Grants
  • District-wide fundraising campaigns

How They Work Together

  • SUSD provides the core educational foundation
  • SEF supports district-wide enrichment programs
  • PTA supports school community experiences and campus-level programs
  • Together, they help create a strong and enriching student experience

Your Support Matters

Community support helps make many of the experiences students enjoy at SES possible — from enrichment programs and classroom support to school events and family connection opportunities.

Every contribution, volunteer hour, and membership helps strengthen the school experience for all students.

Take Action

We encourage families to support both organizations in whatever way works for them.

Join the PTA Donate to SEF

SES HIGHLIGHTS

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