The Sylvania Academic Excellence Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to stimulating academic excellence and quality programming in the Sylvania schools. Established in 1985 through a bequest from the estate of Augustus Zimmerman, an employee of the district, the Foundation now works to increase the endowment and allocate funds to enhance education in the Sylvania community.

The Foundation operates independently from the Board of Education. It is governed by its own board of trustees - drawn from the community, district teaching staff, and school administration.

Each year, the Foundation provides financial support for District-wide projects that would not otherwise be covered through the regular Board of Education budget. AEF awarded $7,500 in scholarships to the Class of 2017. Teacher grants and funds for professional development are awarded quarterly.

The foundation hosts the Annual Academic Hall of Fame. This event celebrates accomplished alumni, the Teacher of the Year, the Northview and Southview Babiak Student Volunteer Award Winners, and the Legacy Award winner.