INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY STRATEGIC PLAN 2016-2021
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTA It is my privilege to present the Incarnate Word Academy Strategic Plan 2016-2021 in the pages that follow. I would first like to thank the dedicated members of the Strategic Planning Committee. The Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, administrators, board members, faculty, staff, and parent representatives are to be commended for their commitment over the past year in bringing this plan to fruition and for working in the best interests of our school. Their vision and leadership have been inspiring. The other group I wish to address is the IWA Students. I want you to enjoy all that this school has to offer you, but I never want you to take it for granted. People inside and outside the IWA community have contributed to make your education possible and we embarked on this strategic plan with you in mind. We believe in all that you can accomplish and we believe in the mission of the Academy which stands proudly on the pillars of Academics, Values and Spirituality. In the following pages we celebrate our strengths, acknowledge our challenges, and respond in faith through the strategic direction and initiatives developed to guide the future. I believe that this is an ambitious strategic plan that allows us to grow in new and exciting ways and to continue to inspire the Houston community. As we look to the future, we are rooted in our vision and mission:
MISSION STATEMENT Incarnate Word Academy provides young women with a Catholic college preparatory education, helping them to grow in their relationship with Jesus, the Incarnate Word and live according to his values. Our cornerstones: Academics, Values and Spirituality. VISION Incarnate Word Academy builds a foundation of academic acumen while recognizing a more comprehensive goal: empowering young leaders to be faithful, curious and empathetic Women of the Word who live a spirituality based on Jesus, the Incarnate Word and desire to live according to His values. The strategic plan that follows is faculty and staff driven with Board of Advisors oversight. It is the road map for achieving our shared vision by 2021. This strategic plan will translate into a five-year implementation plan that will require that all stakeholders make bold promises to reach our daring destination. As the plan unfolds, it’s goals and strategies will be periodically evaluated to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. And so, now is it time that we all express our gratitude to God and his Son, Jesus, the Incarnate Word to whom this school is dedicated. Praised be the Incarnate Word,
Sister Lauren Beck, C.V.I.
INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY IS: CATHOLIC IN MISSION •
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We are committed to quality Catholic education for young women in the spirit of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word to ensure that each student grows in faith, expands her mind, thinks critically, exercises leadership and acts compassionately. We believe that an excellent IWA education exists in the context of spiritual growth and a commitment to serve others. We are committed to serving and celebrating a student body that is culturally and economically diverse and represents the greater Houston Community.
CATHOLIC IN ACTION • •
We believe that faith is a lived experience; therefore, we provide opportunities to participate in sacraments, develop a prayer life, and serve others. We are committed to teaching Catholic social teachings and providing a strong Catholic culture that welcomes all.
INDIVIDUALLY FOCUSED •
We believe in the importance of focusing on the individual to ensure that each student has the opportunity to participate fully in academic pursuits, co-curricular activities and to be valued and supported by peers and staff.
ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS & EXCELLENT • •
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We are committed to challenging each student to excel academically to the best of her ability. We are committed to assisting each student to meet the clear expectations of what a graduate will know and be able to do in a 21st century society and provide the resources necessary, including current technology and skilled teaching and learning processes. We are committed to motivating and assisting each student to develop personal leadership skills and pursue a successful college career and life-long learning experiences.
COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP •
We are committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified faculty and staff through competitive compensation and comprehensive professional development opportunities.
SUSTAINING THE FUTURE • •
We are committed to developing and building strong relationships with our constituencies, both to ensure the future of Incarnate Word Academy and to invite their rightful investment in it. We are committed to utilizing effective strategic planning, financial planning, and advancement strategies to ensure Incarnate Word Academy’s viability and maintain accessibility to those who desire an Incarnate Word Academy education.
INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY GOALS & STRATEGIES FOR 2021 I. MISSION AND CATHOLIC IDENTITY •
An appreciation and understanding of Incarnational Spirituality will be integrated throughout the school culture as a core belief and value.
II. ACADEMIC & CO-CURRICULAR EXCELLENCE
• The professional development program will enrich and strength academics. • Technology will be further integrated into the classroom experience. • The character and leadership principles of the Young Leaders Program will be integrated into the overall culture of the school and all curricular and co-curricular aspects of school life. • The Incarnate Word Academy co-curricular program (student activities and athletics), will support and complement the Academy’s educational mission and goals.
III. GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP •
A succession plan for the position of President and other key administrative positions will be developed.
IV. OPERATIONAL VITALITY •
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Maintain the enrollment management plan, with specific strategies for recruitment, admissions and retention with the goal of consistently enrolling a freshman class of 95-100 students with additional students on a waiting list. The Parent Ambassador Program will be expanded. A comprehensive, multi-year facility master plan will be developed. A parking garage will be built jointly for the use of Incarnate Word Academy and Annunciation Catholic Church. A multiple-year comprehensive advancement plan will be developed, implemented, and updated annually. A comprehensive marketing plan and brand will be developed and implemented to further strengthen the Academy’s position in the marketplace. Evaluate the current process for awarding tuition assistance so financial aid and scholarships will be awarded strategically to maintain the desired student profile. Review staffing in all areas of the school to maintain a quality program and achieve appropriate efficiency.
INCARNATE WORD ACADEMY