NYA Strategic Vision 2019-2024

North Yarmouth Academy

STRATEGIC VISION Adopted in 2019

INTRODUCTION

Since 1814, North Yarmouth Academy has enjoyed a tradition of bringing out the best in each of its students. The cornerstones of an NYA education include a challenging academic program, meaningful teacher relationships, purposeful character development, and a wealth of opportunities in the arts and athletics. The Academy has earned a reputation for graduating sophisticated writers, creative thinkers, and leaders. NYA graduates thrive in college and beyond.

As NYA enters a new chapter in its history, it recognizes the shifting educational realities. NYA, like all independent schools, must continue to develop innovative pedagogical approaches that keep pace with changes in society and to adapt to the increasingly competitive market for students; programs that challenge students and allow them to pursue and discover their interests and passions. NYA’s blueprint for the future will build off the Academy’s tradition of excellence. This new direction will focus on providing the very best educational experience for our students, while ensuring long-term success for the institution.

To guide this effort, the Academy developed a strategic plan that incorporates five guiding principles aligned with the school’s mission:

1. To develop distinctive programs and student experiences that inspire and support each student in developing forward-looking skills and abilities to ensure future success;

2. To attract, retain, and develop the very best faculty and staff – an enduring hallmark of NYA;

3. To build enrollment to levels that support the mission and the operational needs;

4. To pursue a master facility plan to ensure our teachers have the very best facilities and resources to carry out NYA’s mission;

5. To undergo prudent financial planning to ensure the Academy’s longterm financial strength.

The following strategic plan is based on proven best practices in leading independent schools, local market realities, parent surveys, focus groups, the work of a strategic planning steering committee, and thoughtful recommendations by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation team. This strategic plan honors the NYA mission, core values, and long tradition of successfully serving students while introducing innovative programs to ensure our students are poised for a successful future in today’s changing world.

Recent Success

Over the course of the last three years, NYA has made great progress towards its strategic initiatives:

• Enrollment has grown by 28% since 2016.

• Innovation with the curriculum has included the Diploma with Distinction Program, wilderness education, technology integration, STEM programs, hands-on Lower School sciences, eleven new elective courses, and the addition of a literacy specialist.

• The Academy significantly increased fundraising for capital projects and the Academy Fund.

• The Academy completed three major capital projects that include a state of the art learning commons, new tennis courts, and a new turf field and scoreboard.

These successes provide a launching point for the key strategic priorities over the next five years.

Student Experience

NYA prepares students for a competitive and fast changing workplace and educational landscape. As the Academy moves forward, we are implementing programs that blend the very best of what we have always stood for with new insights and innovations in curriculum, technology, and methodology. Combined, these efforts will ensure that NYA delivers an educational experience that is valued by current families and increasingly attractive to prospective students and families. Program initiatives are as follows:

• NYA will continue to deliver an exceptional core academic program that prepares our students for college and the world around them.

• NYA will continue to offer a diverse range of opportunities in the arts and athletics.

• NYA will offer increased integration of technology in the curriculum and the introduction of STEM initiatives.

• NYA will develop programs that keep pace with changes in society and tap into student interests and passions.

• NYA will expand project-based learning that focuses on solutions for realworld problems and promotes collaboration.

• NYA will demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability through community awareness and integration in the curriculum.

• With a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, NYA is committed to developing a program that embraces diverse perspectives and backgrounds and equips our students with the skills to contribute and excel in a culturally diverse society.

• NYA will provide opportunities to promote greater global awareness, commitment to service, and understanding of the world around us.

• NYA will expand character education and wellness initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to the development of the mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being of our students.

Attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty and staff

The key to a successful independent school is a dynamic and well supported faculty and staff. The Academy recognizes the critical role the faculty and staff play in delivering on the school’s mission.

• NYA is committed to establishing increasingly competitive salary and benefit packages.

• NYA will support the growth and development of faculty and staff through professional development.

• NYA will create an environment where faculty are supported and encouraged to innovate in the curriculum.

Enrollment Management

NYA will develop an enrollment management plan that will provide for a student body size to support the mission and operations of the Academy.

• The Academy will maximize exposure in the communities it currently serves and expand its geographic footprint to new and under-served communities.

• NYA will utilize market research to remain current with market and demographic trends, refine messaging, and guide its marketing plan.

• NYA will continue to promote access and affordability through need-based financial aid.

• NYA will expand its international program with a goal of 25 international students annually.

• NYA will market and develop its Post Graduate Program.

• NYA will continue to assess new transportation routes to increase market penetration in target areas.

• NYA will investigate the introduction of a residential program that will greatly expand the school’s geographic reach.

• The Academy will continue long-term growth based marketing strategies, while employing short-term outreach efforts to maximize enrollment.

Master Campus Planning

NYA will capitalize on the strengths of the current campus facilities and make improvements as necessary to deliver on NYA’s mission. The Academy has developed a blueprint for campus improvements that will address the following key areas:

• Renovations to the Curtis Building that will position the facility as the cultural and academic centerpiece of the Academy.

• Installation of a new learning commons to support individual research and collaborative group work.

• Performing arts and gallery space.

• Renovation of our dining facility.

• Athletic enhancements that include renovated workout and additional wellness facilities.

• Potential for expansion of the Lower School.

• Renovation of Academy Hall for administrative and academic uses.

• Potential for residential space to house our growing international and domestic homestay population.

Development and Long-Term Financial Strength

With the goal of long-term financial sustainability and maintaining affordable tuition levels, the Academy will follow a prudent and long-term financial plan to include:

• NYA will develop long-term financial models with a commitment to affordable tuition models.

• NYA will determine optimum enrollment levels in each division to balance mission and budgetary needs.

• The Academy will continue to pursue development for long-term campus improvements.

• The Academy will seek to grow the endowment to support need based financial aid and long-term financial strength.

• The Academy will focus on competitive compensation and benefits packages to ensure recruiting and retaining the very best faculty and staff.

COMMUNITY VALUES

The NYA community values the following character traits:

Respect

• Expressing tolerance toward others with words and actions.

• Interacting politely and appropriately with others.

• Caring for one’s surroundings.

• Valuing self and others.

Honesty

• Seeking to tell the truth.

• Accepting ownership and responsibility for actions and work.

• Establishing and maintaining trust in all relationships.

Perseverance

• Persisting in the face of challenges.

• Continuing to do the right thing when it is difficult.

• Making consistent ethical choices.

Compassion

• Being sensitive to the feelings, perspectives, and needs of others.

• Reaching out to and helping those in need.

• Showing empathy by being sensitive to the perspectives, needs, and feelings of others.

• Standing up for others.

Responsibility

• Demonstrating accountability for personal behavior.

• Taking the initiative to do the things that are expected.

• Following through with commitments and obligations.

MISSION

North Yarmouth Academy is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational school. The Academy offers a structured program that establishes clear standards and high expectations in an environment that emphasizes values of mutual respect, trust, and community. North Yarmouth Academy is dedicated to fostering integrity, character, and intellect in its students.

The North Yarmouth Academy program encourages students to develop:

• Problem-solving skills based on sound analytical and creative thought;

• Sophistication in writing, speaking, and artistic expression;

• Appreciation for the importance of athletic activity, teamwork, and cooperation;

• Self-confidence and self-respect through a breadth of experiences that extend beyond the classroom;

• Concern for the larger community and an appreciation for the natural environment;

• Desire to continue the process of lifelong learning.

VISION

North Yarmouth Academy will be at the forefront of toddler through post graduate education.

• NYA will inspire its students to strive for excellence in academics, arts, and athletics in pursuit of a full and balanced life.

• NYA will nurture each student’s confidence, compassion, and integrity through meaningful connections with faculty, staff, coaches, alumni, and peers.

• NYA will support students as they embrace risks, develop a passion for learning, and assume responsibility for their education.

• NYA will prepare students to contribute in enriching ways to their local and global communities.

• NYA will value and nourish vibrant and respectful relationships among all members of the school community.

STRATEGIC PLANNING STEERING COMMITTEE

Rick Abbondanza P ’04

Nick Alberding

P ’18, P ’21

Eric Austin

P ’15, P ’17

Head of the Upper School

Allen Bornheimer ’60, GP ’30

Board President

Garrett Bowne

P ’09, P ’11

Chief Financial Officer

James Cabot ’98, P ’30, P ’32, P ’36

Board Vice President

Ben Jackson

P ’21, P ’22, P ’26

Head of School

Steve Malcom

P ’15, P ’17

Board Vice President

Linda Manchester

P ’15, P ’20

Board Secretary

Marissa Markonish

P ’19, P ’23

Head of the Lower & Middle Schools

Linc Merrill ’75, P ’04, P ’06

Julie Moss

P ’04, P ’05, P ’09, GP ’34

Jennifer Richard P ’29, P ’31 P ’33

Director of Development

Betsy Tod P ’20, P ’25

THANK YOU

The Strategic Plan was approved by the NYA Board of Trustees in October 2019. Thank you to the many members of the community who participated in the strategic planning process.

NYA BOARD OF TRUSTEES - OCTOBER 2019

OFFICERS

Allen Bornheimer ’60, GP ’30, President

James Cabot ’98, P ‘30, P ’32, P ’36, Vice President

Stephen Malcom P ’15, P ’17, Vice President

Linda Manchester P ’15, P ’20, Secretary

Diana Garcia P ’07, P ’14, Treasurer

Stephan Bachelder P ’02, P ’04, Past President

Ben Jackson P ’21, P ’22, P ’26, Head of School

Garrett Bowne P ’09, P ’11, Chief Financial Officer

TRUSTEES

Rick Abbondanza P ’04

Nick Alberding P ’18, P ’21

Laura Argitis P ’20

James Garrett ’98

Bob Hilscher P ’16, P ’18, P ‘20

Nathan Isaacson ’06

Christopher Lorenz P ’28, P ’30

Barbara Marr P ’17

Linc Merrill ’75, P ’04, P ’06

Warren Miskell P ’15, P ’18

Julie Moss P ’04, P ’05, P ’09, GP ’34

Drew Oestreicher ’89

Eric Schaeffer P ’19, P ’22

Sig Schutz P ’23, P ’24

Ted Sharp ’60

Betsy Tod P ’20, P ’25

Caty Werner ’05

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Mary Anderson P ’91

Stephen Anderson P ’91

Mark Fasold P ’96, P ’99, P ’03

Christopher Flower P ’94

Margot Milliken P ’03

Chris Pierce P ’01, P ’05

Michael Savage P ’88, P ’90

Curtis Scribner P ’88