In Fall 2022 PHS began our strategic planning process. During the 2022-23 school year, a task force of parents, guardians, faculty, administrators, and board members worked with 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 past 100+ years as we plan the future growth of our school together.
Mission & Mission & Values 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
The Purpose of a Strategic Plan
Lisa Jeli Head of School Presidio Hill School
Dear Presidio Hill School Community,
I am thrilled to share with you our Strategic Plan for 2024-2029, 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 forwardthinking 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 endless possibilities that lie ahead. This plan addresses the need to enhance our educational offerings, deepen our community engagement, and promote sustainability, all while fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we begin another school year, I am excited to unveil our comprehensive strategic plan and update you on our progress. This plan is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community.
The major goals outlined in the plan are as follows:
1. Position PHS as a Leader in Progressive Education
2. Build and Strengthen Community–Belonging, Values, and Shared Purpose
3. Support a School Where Faculty & Staff Thrive
4. Maximize our Historic Campus, The Presidio, and the Unique City of San Francisco
5. Steward Our Programs for Another Generation of Learners
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the development of our strategic plan. This truly is a full community effort, and I feel the excitement and engagement from all of you as we move forward.
Ultimately, our strategic plan will guide us in realizing our vision and tracking our progress over the coming months and years. As Presidio Hill continues to deliver exceptional educational opportunities for our learners, it is vital that we thoughtfully build on our past 100+ years as we plan the future growth of our school together.
Our strategic goals focus on several key areas:
• Academic Excellence: Enhancing our curriculum to provide personalized and impactful learning experiences.
• Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with families, local organizations, and alumni.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Promoting a culture where every member of our community feels valued and respected.
• Innovation in Education: Integrating cutting-edge technology and teaching methods.
• Sustainable Growth: 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.
1. Position PHS as a Leader in Progressive Education
2. Build and Strengthen Community–Belonging, Values, and Shared Purpose
3. Support a School Where Faculty & Staff Thrive 4. Maximize our Historic Campus, The Presidio, and the Unique City of San Francisco
5. Steward Our Programs for Another Generation of Learners
Position PHS as a Leader in Progressive Education 1
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
2
Build and Strengthen Community–Belonging, Values, and Shared Purpose
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
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
Maximize our Historic Campus, The Presidio, and The Unique City of San Francisco
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
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
2023
Initiated faculty collaboration for curricular alignment; start DEIJB professional development.
2nd grade teacher, Leah, presented at PEN National Conference; first progress review.
2024
Spring:
Developed curricular review process; started data pipeline development.
Hosted family workshops on progressive education; began social studies review.
Fall:
Utilize strategic planning dashboard for decisions; strengthen community partnerships.
Continue faculty collaboration; update community on progress.
2025
Spring:
Form task force for the Center for Progressive Education; review and adjust plan.
Deliver conferences and workshops; enhance faculty collaboration.
Fall:
Continue professional development; allocate resources for goals. Present updated strategic plan to community; conduct comprehensive review.
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 all 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, increasing visibility and engagement.
Sustainability Focus: Begin planning and implementing sustainable practices across campus, aiming for a greener, more resource-efficient learning environment.
2026-2027: Expansion and Innovation
Scale Educational Leadership: Broaden the reach of the Center for Progressive Education through partnerships with other institutions, expanded professional development offerings, and public engagement.
Program Growth and Cross-Curricular Innovation: Strengthen student engagement through expanded cross-curricular projects, encouraging 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.
Strategic Partnerships: Develop new relationships with mission-aligned organizations to support our academic and community initiatives, while exploring new service-learning opportunities for students.
2028-2029: Long-Term Vision and Sustainability
Plan Evaluation: Conduct a comprehensive end-point 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.
Deepen Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts: Prioritize DEI initiatives by expanding programming that supports student well-being, equity, and a sense of belonging for all members of the community.
Sustainable Growth and Financial Stewardship: Strengthen the school’s financial sustainability through philanthropy, non-tuition revenue streams, and sound financial planning to support long-term goals.
2026
Spring/Fall:
Revitalize the Center for Progressive Education
Expand faculty and student engagement initiatives; increase cross-curricular projects.
Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions; increase visibility in the educational community.
2027
Spring/Fall:
Continue progress updates and adjustments Focus on long-term sustainability projects. Conduct mid-term review of strategic plan; adjust goals and strategies as needed.
2028
Spring/Fall:
Evaluate impact of implemented strategies; gather feedback from faculty, students, and parents. Integrate feedback for continuous improvement; adjust curricular and extracurricular programs accordingly.
Strengthen DEIJB initiatives; enhance student support services
2029
Spring/Fall:
Conduct final comprehensive review of the strategic plan; assess overall impact and outcomes.
Plan next strategic phase based on achieved outcomes; set new goals for the future.
