Giving Societies

Steeped in school history and focused on the future.

The Derby Academy Mind and Heart Society giving circles honor the people, places, traditions, and defining moments that have shaped Derby’s history and spirit. These recognition levels celebrate donors whose generosity helps ensure Derby continues to thrive for today’s students and for generations to come.

Each giving circle reflects a deep commitment to Derby’s mission to Improve Both Mind and Heart, and to the school’s enduring values of curiosity, character, and community. While every gift to Derby makes a meaningful impact, bigger gifts open up greater opportunities—from sustaining exceptional programs and faculty to investing boldly in the innovation and progress that have always defined Derby.

We are deeply grateful to the families and friends whose philanthropy strengthens Derby and expands what is possible for our students.

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Ready to Learn More?

Connect with our team to discuss how a transformative gift can make a lasting difference at Derby.

Christina Kenny
Director of the Derby Fund
ckenny@derbyacademy.org
781-749-0746 x105

Leadership Giving

The Sarah Derby Circle

$50,000 +

Like our founder and benefactor, members of The Sarah Derby Circle make a legacy-building investment in educational excellence on the South Shore. And like Sarah Derby, these donors allow Derby to enact visionary solutions that will sustain our holistic academics, tuition assistance program, and historic campus for many generations to come.

A blurred bouquet of red roses and yellow flowers is in the foreground, with a framed portrait of a woman in historical attire in the background.

The John Hancock Circle

$25,000-$49,999

John Hancock signed the Derby Academy charter as boldly as he signed the Declaration of Independence. The donors within this circle show the same enthusiastic commitment in their generous support of faculty excellence, signature academic programs, and our most treasured community traditions.

A close-up of an aged, handwritten document with faded ink on parchment fills the foreground, while the background is a blurred continuation of the same historical text.

The 1784 Circle

$15,000-$24,999

Derby Academy set a new standard from the start—open to girls as well as boys and offering a depth of curriculum never before seen in New England. In this same founder’s spirit, members of The 1784 Circle make their gifts to encourage innovation and opportunity at Derby.

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The Burditt Circle

The Broad Cove Circle

Philanthropic Recognition

Derby Founders Circle

$100,000+ Lifetime Giving

Donors whose contributions to Derby Academy over time total $100,000 or more demonstrate a true founder’s spirit: the vision to act today in order to transform tomorrow. The extraordinary generosity of Derby Founders does so much more than strengthen our school. It sustains our tradition of philanthropy. These legacy-making gifts allow us to implement new levels of educational excellence—and inspire our greatest gratitude.

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The Derby Charter Society

Legacy Giving

Sarah Derby willed her estate to the education of the children of Hingham in the Derby Academy Charter. Derby Academy was founded by a planned legacy gift that has transformed the lives of more children than Sarah could ever have imagined. The members of The Derby Charter Society generously dedicate a portion of their wealth to improving the hearts and minds of the children of the future.

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Derby Loyal

Consecutive Giving

Donors stepping up for Derby Academy over five consecutive years (or more!) do more than improve minds and hearts—they inspire them. Just as our extraordinary educational program allows students to reach their fullest potential, consistent contributions create greater stability and opportunity for our school. All Derby Loyal donors, no matter the size of their contribution, are core to our culture of philanthropy. We see the impact of their dedication on students every day as we celebrate their giving milestones over time.

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