INTRODUCTION

PLANNING WITH PURPOSE INTRODUCING THE 2020+ ST. AGNES ACADEMY STRATEGIC PLAN

As Lewis Carroll famously wrote, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” Fortunately, at St. Agnes Academy, we know where we’re going. The intention of the 2020+ Strategic Plan is to guide us along the way by affirming our direction, setting priorities, and creating accountability for tracking our progress. It is, in essence, our roadmap for how we will continue to successfully deliver on our vision of inspiring generations of bold leaders.

“In this day and age, it’s gratifying to find an independent all-girl high school that is as well-positioned as St.

Agnes. Enrollment is healthy, the financial condition is strong, and the school is courageous about tackling the issues of the day while staying true to its Houston Dominican traditions. St. Agnes has a long track record of success in providing a great education to young women, but what is remarkable is that the school doesn’t take success for granted. The entire community works hard to ensure their success can be sustained for years to come.”

– Kathy Hanson Senior Consultant and Principal; Marts & Lundy

The 2020+ strategic planning process began as the 2014-2020 Strategic Plan (“Voicing our Vision”) was officially about to lapse. The 2014-2020 Plan successfully guided St. Agnes Academy through a dynamic period for Catholic and independent schools and education broadly. During the 2014-2020 plan period, St. Agnes Academy achieved significant success in growing our 4 | INTRODUCTION Strategic Plan 2020+

reputation as a premier high school for young women. The accomplishments over that period were vast: new facilities, expanded classroom and extracurricular offerings, and a focus on wellness programs and diversity, equity & inclusion. Every step of the way, these achievements were coupled with strong academic preparation, sound fiscal stewardship of resources and a steadfast commitment to Dominican charism. Thus, the 2020+ strategic planning process began from a position of strength with a time-tested foundation and exciting momentum. Then COVID-19 struck. Yet, what could have been a significant planning process setback turned into an opportunity to revisit the plan assumptions, ask new questions, and recommit to fiscal discipline. The new 2020+ Strategic Plan reflects the lessons from a time of great tumult and reflects an optimistic and purposeful outlook. Its design is to ensure St. Agnes Academy remains sustainable and relevant. No matter what comes our way, we are ready. Veritas.