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.