In Fall 2022, PHS began our strategic planning process. During the 2022-2023 school year, a task force of parents, guardians, faculty, administrators, and board members worked with the strategic planning firm Mission & Data to draft a strategic plan, which was approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2023.
Ultimately, the strategic plan guides us in implementing that vision and tracking our progress through the next months and years. As we continue to deliver exceptional educational opportunities for our learners, it is key for us to build thoughtfully on our 100+ years as we plan the future growth of our school together.
Mission & Values
Dedicated to progressive education since 1918, Presidio Hill School challenges young people to imagine, inquire, and create. Our students engage San Francisco and The Presidio as an extended classroom and become empowered learners who are responsible, committed to justice, and optimistic about the future.
Presidio Hill School ABC'S All are Welcome Be Curious and Engaged Care for Self and Others
Dear Presidio Hill School Community,
The Purpose of a Strategic Plan
Lisa Jeli Head of School
Presidio Hill School
I am thrilled to share with you Presidio Hill School’s Strategic Plan, a vision that reflects our commitment to shaping a brighter future for our students, faculty, and broader community. This plan is the result of extensive collaboration, thoughtful reflection, and a shared dedication to the values that make Presidio Hill School a unique and inspiring place of learning.
Purpose and Importance of the Strategic Plan
In today's rapidly evolving world, the need for a clear and forward-thinking strategy is more crucial than ever. Our strategic plan serves as a roadmap, guiding us toward our collective goals and ensuring that we remain responsive and adaptive to the changing needs of our students and community.
Why Now?
The impetus behind this plan is grounded in both reflection and aspiration. As we look back on our rich history, we recognize the strengths that have brought us to where we are today. Simultaneously, we are inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. This plan reflects our commitment to enhancing our educational offerings, deepening community engagement, and promoting sustainability, all while fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. At its core, the plan is centered on improving the experience for all of our students so each child can thrive in a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment.
The major goals outlined in the plan are as follows:
1. Position PHS as a Leader in Progressive Education By continuing to innovate and stay true to our student-centered approach, our school will remain at the forefront of progressive education.
2. Build and Strengthen Community – Belonging, Values, and Shared Purpose
We will deepen community connections, ensuring that our shared values and purpose guide us forward.
3. Support a School Where Faculty & Staff Thrive
A thriving faculty and staff are essential to the success of our students, and we are committed to providing the support all staff members need to continue to excel.
4. Maximize our Historic Campus, The Presidio, and the Unique City of San Francisco
Our location offers unique learning opportunities, and we plan to make the most of these invaluable resources.
5. Steward Our Programs for Another Generation of Learners
We are focused on sustaining our programs so they remain strong for future generations of students. . . .
Within these pages, you will find further details on each goal and its sub goals, along with the process timeline for implementation. During All School Meetings, we will also continue to share specific examples of how the strategic plan is being implemented at both an institutional and curricular level.
Altogether, our strategic goals encompass several key areas. We are committed to enhancing academic excellence by refining our curriculum to provide engaging and impactful learning experiences within a welcoming and supportive environment. Strengthening community engagement is another priority, as we aim to deepen partnerships with families, local organizations, and alumni. We are focused on continuing to foster a culture where every member of our community feels valued and respected by deepening our engagement with diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging initiatives and priorities. We are dedicated to thoughtfully integrating technology and developing innovative teaching methods that help students cultivate a balanced approach to its use, preparing them for future success. And finally, we are committed to creating a sustainable program by implementing practices that ensure a greener, more efficient campus.
This plan is a pledge to our students, faculty, and community members. It is a living commitment to provide the best possible education, nurture a supportive and inclusive environment, and prepare our students to thrive in a dynamic world.
I invite you all to join us on this journey. Together, we will build on our past achievements and forge a path toward an even more promising future for Presidio Hill School. Thank you for your continued support. 6
trategic Goals
Position PHS as a ader in Progressive ucation
Build and Strengthen mmunity–Belonging, lues, and Shared rpose
Support a School here Faculty & Staff rive
Maximize our Historic mpus, The Presidio, d the Unique City of n Francisco
Steward Our ograms for Another neration of Learners
Primary Goal
Position PHS as a Leader in Progressive Education 1
Sub goals
Educate current and prospective families on the history, purpose, and impact of our progressive curriculum and programs
Enhance student engagement and learning across grades and through PHS generations by supporting faculty and staff collaboration and scholarship in the interest of curricular alignment, continuity, and crosscurricular projects
Elevate Presidio Hill School as a local, regional, and national leader in progressive education by reimagining the purpose, potential, and resources needed for a thriving Center for Progressive Education
Share our expertise with the educational community through the delivery of local, state, and national conferences and workshops
Build and Strengthen Community –Belonging, Values, and Shared Purpose 2
Sub goals
Continue to intentionally cultivate and provide access to a community of inclusivity and belonging for all PHS stakeholders
Expand our visibility as an asset to the community by increasing communication and outreach in the Presidio Hill neighborhood and the city of San Francisco
Create meaningful public purpose by increasing service to the greater Bay Area and by developing partnerships with mission-aligned organizations
Deepen and strengthen the relationship between alumni and PHS by building a strong alumni engagement program
Support a School Where Faculty & Staff Thrive
3
Sub goals
Attract, retain, and support a mission-aligned, professional-growth-oriented, and diverse faculty and staff
Promote a culture that prioritizes wellness, belonging, and work-life harmony for all faculty and staff
Invest in professional development and leadership opportunities for all faculty and staff to support all learners, innovative programming and instruction, and consistent and robust professional growth
4
Primary Goal
Maximize our Historic Campus, The Presidio, and The Unique City of San Francisco
Sub goals
Strengthen ties and program design related to the Presidio to maximize learning experiences, service opportunities, and the use of shared spaces within the Presidio
Reimagine our campus to develop athletics, technology, arts, and community spaces and programs to reflect the developmental needs of our community and make sustainability and inclusivity visible
Conduct space utilization study, including exploring off campus facilities and resources to enhance Presidio Hill’s curriculum
Steward Our Programs for Another Generation of Learners
5
Sub goals
Develop a long-term financial plan to ensure the continued fiscal health of the school
Grow philanthropy by defining and expanding our culture of generosity, educating our community on the benefits and impact of a progressive education, and increasing meaningful giving opportunities.
Develop non-tuition revenue streams, including summer programming, and considering possible future revenue streams through the Center for Progressive Education
Timeline
2022-2023: Strategic Planning and Vision Development
from the PHS community through surveys and focus groups to shape strategic priorities.
Drafting and Approval of Strategic Plan: Developed key strategic goals based on community input, which were approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2023.
Accountability and Action Planning: Defined responsibilities, timelines, and resources for each strategic priority, setting the stage for implementation in the following years.
2024-2025: Laying the Foundation for Strategic Growth
Relaunch the Center for Progressive Education: Establish PHS as a leader in progressive education, with a focus on cross-curricular initiatives and thought leadership. This includes forming task forces and beginning to share our expertise through workshops and conferences.
Enhance Faculty and Staff Collaboration: Invest in professional development and foster faculty collaboration to enhance curriculum alignment and ensure innovative teaching practices across grades.
Strengthen Community and Alumni Engagement: Build deeper connections with local partners, alumni, and the broader PHS community. Initiatives will focus on expanding outreach in the Presidio neighborhood and San Francisco to increase visibility and engagement.
Sustainability Focus: Begin planning and implementing sustainable practices across campus and plan first steps foor a greener, more resource-efficient learning environment.
engagement through expanded cross-curricular projects to encourage deeper learning experiences that reflect PHS’s progressive values.
Campus Reimagining: Reimagine and optimize campus facilities, with a focus on developing spaces that reflect the evolving needs of our students. This includes enhancing arts, technology, and athletics facilities to promote holistic development and support enrollment.
Strategic Partnerships: Develop relationships with mission-aligned organizations to support our academic and community initiatives, while exploring service-learning opportunities for students.
2028-2029: Long-Term Vision and Sustainability
Plan Evaluation: Conduct a comprehensive review to assess the progress of each strategic goal. Make adjustments as necessary to ensure we stay on course toward our long-term vision.
Sustain Excellence and Innovation: Continue scaling initiatives, ensuring that PHS remains at the forefront of progressive education. Leverage lessons learned to drive continuous innovation in curriculum development, technology integration, and community engagement.
Sustainable Growth and Financial Stewardship: Continue to strengthen the school’s financial sustainability through philanthropy, non-tuition revenue streams, and sound financial planning to support long-term goals and to plan ahead for future years of implementing our goals.
Note: timelines are fluid and subject to refinement
