The Tradition of Excellence Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to promote and support programs of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence. Founded in 1988, the Foundation provides a tax-deductible vehicle for citizens, businesses, and foundations to contribute to Cheyenne Mountain School District 12. The Tradition of Excellence Foundation operates independently from, but in cooperation with, the District 12 Board of Education and district administration officials and staff to identify specific needs that the school district is unable to fund, either by law or by budgetary limitations.