STRATEGIC VISION
Update
THE WHITE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL IN 2021
our vision for the future
a bold VISION DEAR FRIENDS, It is with both pleasure and gratitude that we share this Strategic Vision Update with the White Mountain community. We are proud of the progress we have made toward our vision, and we are thankful to all who have contributed time, talent and treasure to this good work. Two years ago we engaged in a deeply reflective school-wide self-study process. Building on this work, faculty and staff, students, parents, and current and former trustees all participated in the development of our Strategic Vision—a vision that is driven by our mission and sets our course for the next few years.
White Mountain has great momentum and is moving forward with strength, confidence and purpose. Our students engage fully in the classroom, in the community, on the trails and playing fields. Our graduates go out into the world with profound curiosity, the courage to act, and the compassion to use their curiosity and courage in service of the greater good. They will be thoughtful leaders, responsible stewards and bold change-makers. We are poised to fully realize this vision because of the strength of our current position, the confidence we have in our programs and our deep sense of purpose. We are truly excited about the work we have done. We are also energized by the work ahead. We are well on our way to realizing our vision for the future: to be the best small boarding school in the country. After 24 months of work on our Strategic Vision, it is time to assess progress and plan our next steps. Our vision focuses on three areas: Intellectual Excellence, Vibrant Community Life and a Sustainable Operating Budget. We have made a great deal of progress; what follows is a list of successful initiatives and achievements in each of the three areas, as well as information about our plans moving forward. Again, thank you. This progress would not happen without everyone in the White Mountain community pulling together. Many hands make light work. Faculty, staff, students and administrators are working together to achieve the vision. Alumnae/i, parents and friends are supporting us along the way. And trustees are steering the course. Together we move forward with strength, confidence and purpose toward 2021! With Gratitude,
Tim Breen, Ph.D., P’17 Head of School
Deborah Lowham P’18, ’20 Chair of the Board of Trustees
OUR MISSION:
We are a school of inquiry and engagement. Grounded in our Episcopal heritage, we prepare and inspire students to lead lives of curiosity, courage and compassion. WHAT WE’VE DONE SINCE 2016
INTELLECTUAL EXCELLENCE Our Vision: to be recognized as a leader in education—serving students as they develop into truly independent learners Program: Strengthening the student experience through student-driven inquiry
Created Science Research Seminar and LASR Symposium Hired Co-Directors of Student-Driven Inquiry and Research
All science, history and English classes include mini-LASR projects
Teachers and administrators are presenting at national conferences and writing about White Mountain’s academic program for national publications
People: Recruiting and supporting the finest boarding school faculty
Increased the professional development budget
Named a Director of Professional Growth
Secured competitive faculty compensation
Built two new faculty housing units and continue to improve existing faculty housing
Place: Architecture matters—creating inspiring academic spaces
Renovated classrooms and created shared offices to promote collaboration and integration
Created the McGoldrick Library and Research Center, a vibrant learning space promoting research, independent study and small group discussion
VIBRANT COMMUNITY LIFE Our Vision: to nurture courage and compassion throughout our community, preparing and inspiring students to serve the greater good Program: Inspiring students to live lives of courage and compassion
Named a Director of Residential Life and a Director of Community Life to implement mission-supportive programs
Implemented biweekly advisor meetings
People: Cultivating a diverse and engaged community
Maintained our remarkable student diversity
Hired a Director of Diversity and Inclusion
Continued to foster student leadership through participation on all eight steering committees (Academic, Co-Curricular, Student Life, Diversity and Inclusion, Technology, Facilities and Dining, Communications and Hiring)
Place: Providing vibrant spaces that support our academic program and community life
Created Lovejoy Chapel, an open and bright space for reflection, daily morning meetings and community events
The McGoldrick Library and Research Center is centrally located and promotes community
Created a new conference room, a technologyrich meeting space for students and faculty
Established an initial nucleus fund for a new dormitory with over $700,000 raised to date
SUSTAINABLE OPERATING BUDGET Our Vision: to secure our future by increasing revenue for a missionsustaining operating budget Support of program, people and place relies on both immediate and long-term funding. Thank You to our many donors for generous Annual Fund, Capital and Endowment Gifts.
Raised over $1.5 million for the endowment
Raised over $2.2 million for capital projects
Grew the Annual Fund by more than 20%
Increased admission demand and tuition revenue
NEXT STEPS
MOVING FORWARD WITH PURPOSE
Together, the community has made great progress in the execution of White Mountain's Strategic Vision. Important and exciting work remains and we are confident in the School's ability to achieve the goals outlined here.
Continue academic renovations focused on supporting student-driven inquiry
Support student growth in their development of the Essential Skills and Habits for Success in College
Continue to recruit and support a diverse group of teachers who are committed to professional growth and the White Mountain mission
Continue to strengthen our athletics program, afternoon activities and student leadership
Raise additional funds toward the construction of the new dormitory
Continue to grow the endowment, bringing it to a level that will help sustain our School into the future
Continue to grow the Annual Fund by at least 5% every year
THE WHITE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL 371 West Farm Road Bethlehem, NH 03574
Our Vision for the Future: to be the best small boarding school in the country
To be recognized as a leader in education— serving students as they develop into truly independent learners To nurture courage and compassion throughout our community, preparing and inspiring students to serve the greater good To secure our future by increasing revenue for a mission-sustaining operating budget
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