Pine School Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Pine School's mission is to promote academic, artistic, and athletic excellence.
- Income
- $25.5 million
- Spending
- $16.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 81%
- Reserves
- -2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 67%
- Employees
- 150
- Volunteers
- 111
- Highest pay
- $325,703, head of school
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 41% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 39% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 36% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 48% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1581% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 16 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 50% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2520 of 20 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $13.2 million spent. The Pine School is a premier nonsectarian college preparatory day school dedicated to providing a superior educational experience for children from kindergarten through 12th grade. With an enrollment of nearly 500 students, the School fosters an environment of excellence in instruction and comprehensive student engagement. The academic program is distinguished by its personalized approach to student success. Staffed by expert learning specialists, the School develops unique learning profiles for each child that highlight their strengths and natural interests. The student support team designs and implements educational plans that align with every student's specific academic ability, developmental level, and intellectual potential to ensure optimal growth. (Continued on Schedule O)The School demonstrates its commitment to recognizing talent and service through two key financial aid initiatives. The Pine School Scholarship Program is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic strength. Additionally, the Patriot Scholarship Program honors the families of active or veteran United States military personnel by awarding scholarships to qualifying Upper School students.Passionate about arts education, The Pine School believes that every student should have the opportunity to cultivate their artistic talents. The curriculum encourages creativity and collaboration, offering students numerous avenues to contribute to the school and community through artistic expression. This commitment is showcased through multiple musical and theatrical performances throughout the year, alongside a variety of visual arts exhibits.The athletic program emphasizes the value of physical activity, good sportsmanship, and the joy of competition. The School is the proud home of the 2024-2025 FHSAA Varsity Boys Soccer State Champions and the Varsity Girls Soccer State Runners Up. Offering a diverse range of options including cross country, flag football, golf, sailing, swimming, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, and track and field, the program promotes fitness for life.Finally, the School cultivates a vibrant community through various events including parent receptions and donor stewardship gatherings designed to support annual giving and campaign plans. Signature events include an annual Auction that raises significant funds for financial assistance and faculty professional growth, as well as a popular Car Show that attracts over 2,000 visitors to campus to raise money for the Patriot Scholarship Fund. An annual golf tournament generates vital resources to further support the athletic programs.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since August 1970.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.