Mission Possible
Al Adams, Independent School Advisor
Zaq Roberts, Head of School - Gateway
Alona Scott, Head of School - Keys
Mission, Vision - Aren’t they the same?
MISSION
Describes why the school exists: what the school believes, whom it serves,
what it does…succinct, serves as a guide…captures the essence of a school
and inspires energy and commitment.
VISION
Describes the school’s desired future, an image of an ideal, an expression of
optimism.
~NAIS Trustee Handbook
Hold School “In Trust ”
● Approve and “Hold” the Mission
● Strategic Thinking and Planning
● Fiscal Stewardship
Trustee Roles
● Hire, Support, Evaluate Head
● Commit Personal Time, Talent,
Treasure
● Advance The School Ambassadors –
Tell the story; Cultivate; Solicit
● Provide “extra hand(s)” to
administration when invited
● Institutional Identity
● Market needs/appetite
● Quality & Perception of Program
Positioning in the
Marketplace
● Public Perception of Student Peer
Group
● Distinctive/Differentiating
Features
● Financial Sustainability & “Choice
Points” - Strategic Priorities
Why Revise?
- Reaccreditation
- Strategic planning
- Institutional positioning
- Change in Headship
- Shift in thinking in the best / most salient qualities of the
mission
Not all mission statements are created equal
Define your criteria before you
begin.
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Easy to remember
- Succinct
- Specific
Essential
- Targeted
- Tangible
- Timeless
Memorable
- Language that stands out
- No jargon
Every process is different: take the time
to define your own criteria!
Resist the urge to throw in the
kitchen sink.
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Academics
“Whole child” development
Arts and Athletics
College preparation
Character development
Diversity
Global citizenship
Leadership
Creativity and curiosity
Lifelong learning
Select Language Carefully
Seek Authenticity
- select language that is both accurate and aspirational
Aim to Stand Out
- select words others are not yet using
What Do You Notice?
Nashoba Brooks School educates children for a life of continuous learning, accomplishment, and leadership in a
diverse and changing world. The school nurtures students’ growth and character, while fostering the
development of each child’s personal excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.
The Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a
community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their
passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.
Dana Hall School is committed to fostering excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics within a vibrant, caring
community. With emphasis on integrity, leadership, diversity, and service as well as on respect for self and
others, Dana Hall provides its students with a unique opportunity to prepare themselves for the challenges and
choices they will face as women and citizens of the world.
With a commitment to academic excellence and personal integrity, The Spence School prepares a diverse
community of girls and young women for the lifelong transformation of self and the world with purpose, passion
and perspective.
BB&N’s mission is to promote scholarship, integrity, and kindness in diverse, curious, and motivated students.
The School prepares students for lives of principled engagement in their communities and the world.
Which Statement
Do You Find Most
Compelling?
Why?
Our Stories
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&ust=1450987442850833
A
Keys School is an independent K–8 school that offers a broad hands-on
curriculum. It fosters high academic achievement and emphasizes balanced
growth—intellectual, physical, emotional, and social—for every student.
Within a diverse and supportive community, Keys provides a caring and
creative environment that encourages children to love learning, to take
intellectual risks, to act as global citizens, and to treat others with respect and
empathy.
Keys School challenges students to develop a keen intellect and a
generous spirit, to advocate for themselves and others, and to honor
curiosity and reflection in an increasingly hurried world.
Keys School challenges students to develop a keen intellect and a generous
spirit, to advocate for themselves and others, and to honor curiosity and
reflection in an increasingly hurried world.
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Know themselves and treasure relationships
Pursue intellectual challenges
Reason, communicate, and persuade with conviction
Play, perform, and create with enthusiasm
Utilize technology to advance innovation, design, and collaboration
Explore the natural world and its complex systems
Seek and embrace the diverse perspectives and experiences of our global
community
Thrive in high school and in life
It’s All About People
Who is Involved?
Who Decides?
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Trustees
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Steering Committee
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Staff
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Mechanisms for gathering input
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Faculty
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Families
- Focus groups
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Students
- Retreat
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Alumni
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Writing group: needs a decision rule
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Alumni Families
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How many input/feedback opportunities?
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Final approval must come from the Board
Oh and maybe a consultant or facilitator!
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Surveys
GATEWAY SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:
•To challenge students with a rich and
engaging academic program
•To prepare students for future success – in school
and beyond
•To encourage students to give their personal best
•To develop character and a commitment to
personal, social and environmental responsibility
•To inspire the passion for lifelong learning
Our Mission: to inspire children to lead lives
of purpose and compassion through
scholarship and citizenship.
Our Vision: a dynamic and intellectually challenging
educational experience rooted in Progressive philosophy
and reflective of evolving research.
Our Goal: for students to discover their individual and
collective potential to make positive change in the
world.
The five point
scale
5 - It’s incredible and accurately
captures our key beliefs
4 - It’s fabulous; I have a question
about one or two words or concepts
3 - It’s very good; I think some key
ideas are missing
2 - It’s generally right, but I have
several concerns
1 - This does not reflect my
understanding of our school
Does the Mission Stand Alone?
Mission
Mottos
A private school with public purpose,
Lick-Wilmerding High School develops
the head, heart and hands of highly
motivated students from all walks of
life, inspiring them to become life-long
learners who contribute to the world
with confidence and compassion.
Head, Heart, Hands
Private School With Public Purpose
Students from All Walks of Life
Defining Principles
A description of each of the three
mottos (that are also contained in the
mission statement).
Celebrate and Roll It Out!
Design a Messaging Sequence
Make It Visible
Consider when, where, how, and who
Directory, handbooks, etc
Meeting agendas and documents
Lobby and classroom signage
Email signatures
Website and social media
Keep Marketing!
“Find Your Story” activities
Memorization challenges
Videos and photos
Ongoing via blogs, HOS letters, events
External: Mottos, print/radio ads
Begin Program Implementation
The real work has just begun! It’s time to begin
developing an action plan for what to do more of, less
of, start and stop.
Questions?
Thank you!