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THE HANDWRITING ON THE WALL

The Strand School, located in a mid-size city, has had a reasonably steady enrollment for the past 15 years. The diversity of its student body has never been greater than 10%. The launching of several excellent charter schools has attracted a great deal of attention from middle-class families with a resulting decrease in the number of families completing the admissions process. The Board of Directors has also decided that the percentage of students of color enrolled does not reflect the broader community and that the school would be enriched by more families from diverse backgrounds. The School’s last strategic plan was completed 8 years ago.

What did eduINNOVATIONS do for the Strand School?

eduINNOVATIONS met with the Board of Directors and the Head of School to discuss the scope of the strategic planning and to determine the most appropriate approach and timetable. There was general agreement that the mission statement needed to be re-visited to assure that it articulated the school’s core values. The other issues identified for consideration included enrollment management, financial aid, and a multicultural curriculum. We then helped determine the background data needed, a timetable, and the planning logistics. We facilitated a two-day retreat that led to a revision of the school’s mission statement, consensus regarding the school’s core values, setting a half dozen strategic goals, and providing guidance for formulating an implementation plan. Our experience and expertise in the areas of enrollment management and diversity helped guide Strand in establishing realistic goals in terms of projected enrollment, increased levels of financial aid, and developing a more multicultural curriculum.

New Directions

An analysis of area demographics suggested new directions for the Admissions Office to pursue, and specific strategies were identified to increase the number of families of color applying to the school. The school’s financial aid process was also studied, and recommendations were outlined to make awards more equitable. The Board committed to increasing the percentage of the tuition budget allotted for financial aid to 15% over five years. The Academic Dean and department chairs were charged with the task of reviewing and revising the curriculum to reflect the school’s mission statement. Strand gained visibility and credibility in the city for its diversity initiatives, resulting in a two-fold increase in applications from families of diverse backgrounds. The slow but steady increase in the amount of financial aid available supported socio-economic diversity and staunched the attrition of middle class families. The newly expanded multicultural curriculum injected energy and enthusiasm into the classrooms and led to a number of innovative programs, including an exchange program with a school in China.


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