Our plan outlines our commitment to fostering a unique learning environment where students are recognized and valued for who they are, where they can discover and pursue their passions, where their talents and contributions can be seen, and where young adults are empowered to lead and thrive.”
Dear Gould Community,
We are excited to share Gould Academy’s new strategic direction with you. This plan provides a clear roadmap and specific initiatives that will allow us to fulfill Gould’s mission into the future. Our strategy outlines our commitment to fostering a unique learning environment where students are recognized and valued for who they are, where they can discover and pursue their passions, where their talents and contributions can be seen, and where young adults are empowered to lead and thrive.
Our strategic initiatives emphasize core areas such as impactful education, engaged and active lifestyles, authentic community, talent development, and sustainability. Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a community where every student is equipped with the skills and mindset to navigate and excel.
Accompanying this plan is our newly crafted Portrait Of A Gould Graduate, highlighting the attributes we strive to instill in our students. This vision underscores our dedication to holistic, healthy adolescent development, ensuring that our graduates emerge as whole persons; people who are critical thinkers, innovative leaders, and compassionate individuals.
With this new strategic plan Gould has a map to differentiate us and a compass to guide our school confidently into the future. Our school will develop and implement the tactical steps necessary to achieve our vision. Implementing our strategic plan will ensure that Gould students are well-prepared to fulfill our mission and live lives of fulfillment and purpose.
We are grateful for the input from administrators, board members, alumni, community members, parents, faculty, staff, and students who collectively have made significant contributions to this document through their experiences, knowledge, and institutional history. We invite you to review the detailed strategic plan and portrait of a graduate included in this document. Your engagement with Gould as we embark on this new period of growth for the school is essential. Together, we will build on Gould’s strong legacy of education and innovation.
Join us on this journey.
Warm regards,
Sam Adams ’77, P’18
Tao Smith ’90, P’23,’28 President, Board of Trustees Head of School
Driven by Mission
Gould Academy guides students to be creative, courageous, and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.
Gould’s CORE VALUES
CURIOSITY
We celebrate and encourage curiosity as the inspiration for learning, the source of great questions and ideas, and a driver of a vibrant and engaged community.
KINDNESS
We practice caring for each other, acting with empathy in pursuit of a respectful and inclusive community where we can thrive as individuals and grow to our greatest collective potential.
CREATIVITY
We stimulate and support creativity and innovative thinking to solve novel challenges, foster joy, and fulfill the spirit.
COURAGE
We nurture courage, building the confidence to take risks, to persevere, to live authentically, and to act with purpose, honor, and integrity.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
Gould Academy emphasizes holistic adolescent development through experiential learning, connected community, wellness, and a modern, technology-fluent academic experience.
Gould Graduates:
THINK CRITICALLY INNOVATE CREATIVELY LISTEN AUTHENTICALLY NEGOTIATE COMPLEX SYSTEMS AND RELATIONSHIPS LEAD COLLABORATIVELY AND CONFIDENTLY PERSEVERE AND ADAPT LIVE WITH PURPOSE
VISION
A Gould education is transformative. Students build meaningful relationships in our community and learn through a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum. Our extraordinary mountain setting and innovative educators provide the environment, time, and mentorship for young people to discover and fulfill their potential.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE ONE
Education for Impact
Empower students with the knowledge and competencies to thrive in a modern world through a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Equip students with versatile skills to adapt, innovate, and lead in their future endeavors.
CURRICULAR INTEGRATION
Craft an engaging curriculum that amplifies core competencies and champions experiential learning.
SIGNATURE IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS
Embed the Four Point program into the curriculum and build a portfolio of domestic and international experiences that promote adolescent development at every grade level.
STUDENT AGENCY
Enhance a culture that empowers students to develop their voice and agency.
SYSTEMS, SUSTAINABILITY, AND STEWARDSHIP
Develop a forward-thinking climate education program that engages students and arms them with the skills and knowledge to support sustainable development.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Change-Makers
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE TWO
Engaged & Active Lifestyles
Grow student confidence, resilience, and agency through engagement with our extraordinary mountain setting.
COMPETITIVE SNOW SPORTS
Support excellence in student-athlete development, leveraging Gould’s historic strengths and unique access to elite mountain spaces.
EXPERIENTIAL SNOW SPORTS
Elevate recreational, service, and skills-based programs to build confident and resilient individuals.
ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
Cultivate wellness, balance, and healthy development through access to exploration and exceptional athletic experiences.
Mind-Body Balance
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE THREE
Authentic Community
Support meaningful relationships within a connected community that promote healthy adolescent development and a deep sense of self and purpose.
WELCOMING AND BELONGING
Cultivate an inclusive community that engages, recognizes, and supports diversity in all its forms and demonstrates mutual respect and responsibility for one another.
EQUITABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACCESS
Build a diverse student body, drawing from the US and abroad, and establish funds to ensure that all students have equitable access to the full Gould experience.
RESIDENTIAL LIVING AND CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
Strengthen the residential and campus life experiences to function as essential components of a Gould education.
Bold Belonging
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE FOUR
Talent Development & Retention
Foster a community of professional, innovative educators dedicated to adolescent development and a holistic approach to learning.
RECRUITMENT AND INTEGRATION
Attract talented employees who are value-aligned with the Gould community and harness their expertise to propel Gould’s mission forward.
RETENTION AND SECURITY
Demonstrate commitment to employee well-being through an equitable and competitive compensation program, including salary, benefits, and housing solutions.
FULFILLMENT AND GROWTH
Invest in personal and professional growth through holistic career development.
Building Careers that Transform Student Lives
STRATEGIC INITIATIVE FIVE
Stability and Stewardship
Build a culture of philanthropy, ensure financial stability, and improve physical assets, ensuring a future where all students can discover and fulfill their potential.
PHILANTHROPY
Nurture a robust giving culture rooted in Gould’s interconnections and community spirit.
INVESTMENT
Strengthen financial health and ensure the sustained resources required to deliver on Gould’s mission and vision.
PHYSICAL ASSETS
Optimize the campus plan to enhance the student experience, improve built environments, and reduce carbon emissions.
