Mapping Our Journey A STRATEGIC VISION FOR TABOR
“It is my will and desire that … the character of the school itself shall also be gradually elevated and its scope enlarged, till ... it shall afford facilities for the acquisition of a liberal education to the youth of all portions of the country.”
Dear Tabor Community, I’m excited to share our new strategic plan, Mapping Our Journey. Taking direction from our founder, Elizabeth Taber, we built this plan with her charge of improving our School by the Sea, ensuring that it is “gradually elevated and its scope enlarged.” Our dedicated committee—made up of trustees, faculty, staff, parents, students, and alumni—worked diligently to create this plan that captures the spirit and goals of our community. Mapping Our Journey is a well-crafted plan that aims for a bright future, much like a captain meticulously plotting the course of a voyage. The Board of Trustees approved it unanimously in May 2023, as it seamlessly blends our history with our vision for tomorrow, like the merging of sea and sky on a clear horizon. As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re committed to preparing Tabor for success in the years ahead. This plan focuses on four important priorities that will shape our school’s future. The Board of Trustees is dedicated to supporting these priorities, and we’ll provide the resources needed to carry out these initiatives with excellence. With teamwork and unity, we’re determined to make progress and bring our aspirations to life. In partnership with the Tabor community, we can achieve great things. As we embark on this journey, we’re eager to see the impact of our efforts. The entire Board is excited about Mapping Our Journey and the progress it will bring to our school. Together, we’ll broaden Tabor’s horizons. With enthusiasm and optimism,
Regina Shakin P’15, ’17, ’19 Chair, Board of Trustees
Dear Tabor Community, I’m thrilled to share our strategic vision, Mapping Our Journey, which updates our mission, vision, and core values and identifies four main priorities for Tabor as we look ahead to our 150th anniversary. As we embark on this exciting journey, our school leadership team is committed to honoring Tabor’s past while shaping an inspiring future. Entering my third year as Head of School, I’ve grown to deeply appreciate Tabor’s legacy and understand what makes us an exceptional educational institution. We’re preparing our students to thrive in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, and I’m confident they will be well prepared for the complexities of modern life ahead. We’re also embracing the core values set forth by the innovative leaders who came before us. From the founding vision of Elizabeth Taber to the transformational leadership of Walter Lillard, we continue to hold tight to the values that have always shaped this institution while also forging ahead to ensure a bright and successful future for Tabor. This strategic vision is a collective effort, led by a dedicated committee. We’ve also sought input from the wider community; while not every idea could be included, the plan outlines key priorities to keep Tabor at the forefront of secondary education for years to come. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the Strategic Design Committee and community members who dedicated their time and insights to shape this visionary plan. A comprehensive roadmap, this vision will lead us to even greater academic excellence, character development, innovation, and inclusivity. This work will strengthen connections, build community, and help us evolve as an institution to best serve our students. Tabor remains committed to providing an educational experience that empowers students to discover their passions, achieve their fullest potential, and make meaningful contributions to the world. Together we’re propelling Tabor towards an exciting future, building on our legacy while embracing new opportunities. Join us on this collective journey as we confidently step into the next phase of Tabor’s legacy. All-A-Taut-O!
Anthony T.T. Jaccaci Head of School
MISSION Tabor Academy educates and empowers students to connect, serve, and lead.
VALUES Care
Courage
Collaboration
Curiosity
Care—for ourselves, one another, our communities, and the environment— advances a life of purpose and principle.
Collaboration cultivates an inclusive community and enhances belonging, involving every voice to explore possibilities and improve outcomes.
Courage enables us to take risks, to develop resilience and resolve, and to act with integrity.
Curiosity sparks learning as an active and ongoing pursuit of understanding, inspiring genuine engagement, deep inquiry, and creative thinking.
VISION As the School by the Sea, Tabor Academy is both homeport and launching point for a globally connected education where students and educators build knowledge; identify opportunities; and explore innovative, ethical solutions to complex local and global challenges.
Mapping O
At the heart of every thriving institution lies a well-crafted roadmap—a strategic plan that serves as a compass guiding each step toward a brighter future. Mapping Our Journey is thoughtfully designed, crafted from the collective efforts of our dedicated community, and stands as a testament to our commitment to honor our past while forging ahead into uncharted waters. Our strategic priorities are the anchors and sails that drive us toward Tabor’s goals, especially in uncertain times. As we set out on this transformative path, we’ll focus on our top four priorities, each guiding us to a future where Tabor’s mission stands out and our vision comes to life.
ur Journey
PRIORITY 1
Empower Students for Impact
The Tabor Way of Learning The Tabor Way of Learning (TWL) is our blueprint for shaping an engaging learning environment to equip students with leadership and service skills, both at Tabor and beyond. Our goal is to make education more enriching and relevant by merging cutting-edge technology, creative programs, diverse learning paths, and proven teaching strategies. In doing so, we combine cherished traditions with innovative approaches. TWL is all about nurturing visionary leaders and preparing students to be proactive contributors and positive changemakers, living purposeful lives in their communities and the wider world.
Chart a Course to Success Create a detailed framework, known as the Portrait of a Graduate, that not only defines what it means to be a Tabor graduate but also provides a blueprint for students to follow, ensuring they acquire the essential skills and knowledge for a bright and successful future.
Develop Seaside Synergy Embrace our school’s coastal location as a source of inspiration, offering ocean-based learning experiences and collaborative partnerships that uniquely engage and prepare our graduates for a competitive and ever-changing world.
Empower through Leadership Empower our students with the skills required to drive genuine change in their world by creating a dedicated Student Leadership Institute. This institute will double as a research hub, enabling students to explore their interests and pursue personal growth.
PRIORITY 2 A World for Learning
Cultivate a Globally Minded Community Tabor’s vision is to broaden students’ understanding of the world and their place in it. By nurturing connections with diverse cultures, we inspire our graduates to see boundless possibilities and learn from the beautiful tapestry of human differences. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging (DEB) is essential to our progress and enriches the educational journey for all.
Craft a Culture of Belonging Shape distinct DEB principles designed specifically for Tabor, fostering a community where everyone feels a profound sense of belonging. These principles will guide us in providing inclusive educational experiences and equitable practices for learning and living. Additionally, we’re dedicated to hiring faculty and staff, and enrolling students who embody the diversity we aspire to embrace.
Collaborate Globally Create a worldwide network of educational partnerships to inspire research, the exchange of resources, curriculum, and expertise in intercultural competence. Identify other institutions “by the sea” that share our vision and values, engaging an international community of students, parents, and alumni, and exploring the potential of satellite campuses to broaden our global impact and understanding.
Enrich Minds, Enable Dreams Increase the level of support for financial aid to craft a robust community of learners and ensure that a Tabor education is broadly accessible to qualified students.
PRIORITY 3 Wellbeing
Nurture Minds Through Wellbeing At Tabor, we understand that the foundation of effective learning lies in the physical and emotional wellbeing of both teachers and students. As a residential learning environment dedicated to nurturing the mind, body, and character, Tabor is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a climate and culture that champions balance and places the utmost emphasis on holistic physical and emotional wellbeing health and wellness.
Reimagine Time Reevaluate how students, faculty, and staff allocate their time within all program elements and review the commitments expected from students and the distribution of responsibilities among adults. Similarly, we will construct and deliver a wellbeing curriculum that resonates with the ethos of the Tabor Way of Learning (TWL).
Thrive Together as Teams Ensure that athletics and co-curricular programs remain central to the Tabor experience. Our focus is on developing programs that prioritize skill development, teamwork, competition, and achievement. Moreover, we will tailor requirements to facilitate full participation across all facets of the Tabor program.
Design Thoughtful Spaces Create facilities that prioritize physical and emotional wellbeing, fostering a sense of community where every individual can thrive.
PRIORITY 4 All-A-Taut-O
Secure Tabor’s Success At Tabor, we are committed to strengthening our financial stability and organizational resilience, allowing us to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of our students and the external forces we face. We acknowledge that financial resources, modern facilities, robust fundraising support, ongoing enrollment strength, and a dedicated faculty and staff are essential for delivering the best possible educational experience for years to come.
Create a Comprehensive Campus Plan Develop a campus master plan that adapts to the changing needs of our students while proactively addressing the impact of rising sea levels. Create a climate-ready campus and fortify it against future challenges, implement cost-effective renewable energy sources, and embrace campus-wide sustainability initiatives, while meeting the needs of our students, faculty, and staff.
Amplify Tabor’s Appeal Leverage marketing strategies to illuminate Tabor’s unique market position and integrate strategic storytelling initiatives to reach target audiences. Remain responsive to changes in market demand, evolving student demographics, educational requisites, and the dynamic job market in order to expand and deepen an understanding of and appreciation for the Tabor experience.
Empower Excellence Honor the commitment of our faculty and staff by establishing a forward-looking compensation plan and enrichment process. Develop a dynamic process to assess, cultivate, and retain exceptional talent as part of our dedication to their professional growth.
Later upon life’s voyage, Our skills we’ll try, Hail, Tabor; All-A-Taut-O is our cry!
www.taboracademy.org/strategicvision