Franklin Road Academy - Strategic Vision

FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY

Strategic Vision 2015-2020

Mission Statement Franklin Road Academy

provides a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community with an unwavering commitment to develop leaders of integrity and purpose.

We will:

inspire in our students a lifelong love of learning through a dynamic academic program which will prepare them for success in life;

encourage students to discover their passions through opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, and servant leadership;

nurture leaders of integrity, guided by Christian principles, compelled to lead lives of compassionate global citizenship.

Make a difference

Challenging Educational Experience

Academics

GOAL: To enhance all programs to ensure that the school is graduating confident, versatile, ethical,

and creative thinkers who are prepared for college and for life. To build on our strong core curriculum to provide distinctive programs that cultivate leaders of integrity and purpose.

Academics Strategic Rationale

Academics Recommendations

FRA seeks to prepare global citizens for world-changing lives. We believe a great education takes place across a wide range of experiences in the classroom, on stage, on playing fields, and beyond the gates of our campus. In particular, we understand the need to equip students to communicate effectively, collaborate across borders, and understand the impact that advances in science, technology, and mathematics will have on future generations. We recognize and take seriously our responsibility to graduate accomplished students who understand the complexity of globalization and are prepared to make a difference in the world with an uncompromising moral compass.

• Develop and retain faculty members who embody the mission and goals of FRA • Prioritize and fund professional development opportunities that will support outstanding teaching at FRA • Improve PK-12 alignment • Continue to develop and evaluate ASPIRE • Continue to expand and strengthen curricular offerings in AP and standard level courses Increase experiential, global, and project-based learning opportunities, and increase STEM offerings in curricular and co-curricular programs

“For I know

Develop confident, creative minds

Challenging Educational Experience

Arts

GOAL: To enhance all programs to ensure that the school is graduating confident, versatile, ethical,

and creative thinkers who are prepared for college and for life. To build on our strong core curriculum to provide distinctive programs that cultivate leaders of integrity and purpose.

Arts Strategic Rationale

Arts Recommendations

We believe exposure and training in the Arts develops confident, creative, and versatile minds able to understand the ethical implications of artistic creation. We believe experience in both the visual and performing arts helps students understand the experiences of others, building empathy and growing their ability to communicate and express themselves in a variety of art forms.

• Continue to improve upon existing programs and increase offerings in graphic arts, digital arts, and new media

the plans I have for you,”

• Build stronger connections to the greater arts community in Nashville • Increase involvement in the fine arts program among all divisions

Inspire confidence and leadership

Challenging Educational Experience

Athletics

GOAL: To enhance all programs to ensure that the school is graduating confident, versatile, ethical,

and creative thinkers who are prepared for college and for life. To build on our strong core curriculum to provide distinctive programs that cultivate leaders of integrity and purpose.

Athletics Strategic Rationale

Athletics Recommendations

Athletics provide opportunities for students to understand and experience the value of hard work, discipline, practice, resilience, and selflessness. We believe athletics teach students the value of being a contributor to a larger group and the importance of placing personal desires below those of a team. Through mentoring and exposure to competition, athletics can inspire confidence and leadership. We believe athletic participation develops servant leadership and builds upon lessons learned in the classroom.

• Refine FRA’s athletic department and leadership structure to align with the mission of the school • Increase participation across all divisions • Enhance athletics in FRA’s lower school and middle school and coordinate these programs with upper school athletics • Prioritize hiring teachers who can coach and mentor students

declares the Lord,

Develop spiritually

Inclusive Christian Community Leaders of Integrity and Purpose

GOAL: To continue to define and design programs and experiences that build inclusive Christian community and develop leaders of integrity and purpose.

Strategic Rationale

Recommendations

At FRA, we believe spiritual development is an essential part of a complete educational experience.

We recognize the importance of nurturing leaders who are guided by Christian principles and compelled to lead lives of compassionate global citizenship. FRA strives to provide a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community that does not prescribe to a particular denominational doctrine.

• Integrate spiritual life, student life, and the Center for Philanthropic Studies to better deliver our mission • Align student experiences in spiritual life and service opportunities to create a coordinated, developmentally appropriate PK-12 program that cultivates student leadership and voice • Protect Sundays from school activities as a day for worship, rest, and family time (whenever possible) • Hire faculty members who embody the mission and goals of FRA

“plans to prosper you

• Ensure FRA maintains a warm and welcoming Christian environment where a diverse group of students, parents, and faculty members respect, love, and support one another

Increase engagement and involvement

Stakeholders

Students, Parents, Grandparents, Staff, Faculty, Alumni, Parents of Alumni GOAL: To increase engagement and involvement of students, faculty, alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents, and other stakeholders through intentional programs and communications.

Strategic Rationale

Stakeholder Recommendations

We believe FRA’s mission to develop leaders of integrity and purpose is compelling; when shared effectively, it resonates with stakeholders in our community.

• Build a strong brand through integrated marketing efforts, including our website, social media, and unconventional marketing to internal and external constituencies

The school must effectively state the case for ongoing engagement through highlighting the strength of FRA’s programs, the success of our students and faculty, and the school’s opportunities for growth in partnership with stakeholders. The commitment and generosity of our stakeholders help FRA deliver our mission. Through providing expertise, time, and philanthropic assistance for our programs, FRA stakeholders provide invaluable support to the school.

• Develop strategic initiatives to educate and engage all stakeholders about how they can support FRA and further our mission • Identify and target key groups of stakeholders who are not currently engaged with the school

and not to harm you,

Secure a strong future

Sustainability

Finance, Enrollment, Fundraising GOAL: To maintain a robust future marked by strong enrollment and an exceptional faculty, while continuing to grow our resources to meet FRA’s mission.

Strategic Rationale

Recommendations

Disciplined stewardship and continued analyses of the school’s resources are critical to securing a strong future for FRA. Attracting a strong applicant pool, providing an excellent education for missionappropriate families, cultivating ongoing support, and exercising prudent financial management are essential to achieve this goal.

• Increase annual fund participation and giving levels

plans to give you hope

• Grow FRA’s endowment • Enhance the planned giving program • Grow enrollment and strengthen our applicant pool • Examine the strategic use of financial aid to provide access and opportunity for exceptional applicants

Maintain and improve campus

Campus

Facilities, Technology, Security GOAL: To maintain our current facilities and prioritize our renovation and construction needs. To improve and strengthen the safety and security measures of our school community. To continue to build and expand reliable, robust, and secure information and technology systems.

Strategic Rationale

Recommendations

As stewards of FRA, it is our responsibility to maintain and improve upon our campus for current and future generations of FRA students. With the passage of time, it is essential that we continue to maintain and upgrade our facilities to match the quality of our programs and the aspirations of our faculty and students. We must avoid complacency and continue the ongoing improvements to our campus, including the ever-evolving needs of our security and technology infrastructure.

• Update the facilities master plan • Continue to investigate the need for a student center that would provide student services and a dining facility • Research and identify long-term uses for the South Campus facility • Consider adjacent land acquisition opportunities of strategic importance to the long-term future of the school • Update the safety and security master plan • Develop a technology infrastructure master plan

and a future.”

Preserve for future generations

Governance

Sustainability, Accountability, Strategic Leadership GOAL:

To maintain a diverse and unified governance structure that preserves, protects, promotes, and defends the school and is accountable to its mission. To continue ongoing governance education to ensure the leadership is fully prepared and accountable to lead FRA strategically forward.

Strategic Rationale

Recommendations

The school’s governing body and leadership hold the school in trust and are responsible for preserving and advancing the school to meet the needs of future generations.

• Empower the board to create advisory councils that include former trustees, parents, alumni, and community leaders with specific expertise to serve the board on a need basis • Consider appropriate education on topics of strategic importance for board and committee members • Evaluate structure of board meetings and use of committees’ time • Continue to pursue a board make-up of current parents, alumni, past parents and friends of the school that meets National Association of Independent Schools best practices

-Jeremiah 29:11

Special Thanks to Our Planning Committee Volunteer Leadership

Faculty/Staff

Laura Campbell

Leigh Brown

Hal Cato

Kris Climer

Randy Chase

Shannon Hager

John Coben

Ryan Harris

Diane Crudele

Brenda Huff

Greg Hagood

Jill Johnson

Lawrence Jackson

John Murray

Kim Looney

Prentice Stabler

Heather Maki

Rick West

Ann McKinney

Courtney Williamson

Elizabeth Newman

Jon Wilson

Albert Rodewald Clif Tant