FWC 2020 Strategic Plan

VISION FORWARD

The Strategic Plan for Fort Worth Christian School

2019 - 2024

MISSION: Fort Worth Christian is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school where every student is known, loved, and valued, taught excellence in and out of the classroom, and empowered with a biblical worldview.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

1

VISION: Empowering students for a lifetime of faith, service, and leadership for Christ.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

3

OUR COMMUNITY: At Fort Worth Christian intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual growth and development, as well as physical fitness and well-being, are promoted through the combined efforts of faculty and staff, parents, alumni, board members and, of course, students.

4

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

Students

Parents

embrace the values of FWC and come excited and ready to learn, eager to discover God’s plan and hear His word, welcome new experiences, work in a collaborative manner that is respectful to all, exhibit a commitment to service, and are open to meet the challenges that each day provides.

encourage and offer support to their children, promote the importance of effort and achievement, share the School’s Vision and values, and partner with the School to support the faculty and the students they serve.

Faculty and Staff

Trustees

model the values of the School and further the Mission and Vision of FWC. They come to school excited about teaching and developing relationships with students, are resolute in their faith, work effectively with their colleagues and with parents for the betterment of the students, provide a caring, safe and secure environment, and are committed to personal and professional growth and development.

further the Mission, maintain the integrity of the institution, hold in trust the Vision of our founders in honoring the past and in securing the future direction of the institution, and support these endeavors through their active service and philanthropy.

Alumni as valued and vital members of the school community, serve as ambassadors of the institution and actively support the School.

Fort Worth Christian must always be vigilant in keeping the program Christ-centered, mission-driven, and effective. The quality of academics, athletics and the arts, and other co-curricular programs, must remain healthy and vigorous and – equally important – FWC needs to maintain its Christ-centered, safe and nurturing environment for the social, emotional and spiritual growth of its students.

The world is changing rapidly, and the questions we face in society are becoming increasingly complex. Thoughtful planning must ensure classroom support, enabling best practices and innovation to flourish while never losing sight of FWC’s position as a Christcentered, college preparatory school. Indeed, FWC’s reputation has been built by providing Christ-centered education that balances a rigorous college preparatory academic program with opportunities that include a variety of intellectual, athletic and artistic offerings.

As FWC casts a vision for the future, the School must: • BOLSTER the breadth and depth of the academic program and the vitality and relevance of technological advances as an integral component; • FORMALIZE processes for evaluation and assessment, mentoring and coaching, and ongoing professional growth and development of faculty and staff; • ADDRESS student recruitment and retention and the increasing need for financial aid; • ATTEND to pressing deferred maintenance issues and complete the Campus Master Plan, inclusive of considering a new High School (9-12) building and spaces, and new and renovated athletic building and spaces; additionally, consider retrofitting the current High School and adding new space for reimagined Middle, Lower, and Preschools; • IDENTIFY and enhance opportunities for engaging and partnering with members of our community in fulfilling our Mission; and • BUILD a strong and sustainable financial model that balances institutional advancement with wise stewardship.

6

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

FWC will achieve this through: Goal 1

A DYNAMIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Goal 2

A VIBRANT STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Goal 3

AN ENGAGED AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY, AND

Goal 4

A ROBUST PLAN FOR INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY AND ADVANCEMENT

FWC seeks to achieve its goals within a challenging and supportive Christ-centered environment, characterized by outstanding and committed faculty, staff, and students. Progress towards Vision Forward will require the judicious use of existing human and financial resources, faculty and staff training and development programs, more efficient administrative procedures, careful enrollment management of student body composition, and thoughtful assessment of campus and facilities.

Full achievement of these goals will be possible only with the continued commitment and support of FWC parents, alumni and friends. Working together, we can achieve our goals and ensure our distinct position as a leader in Preschool through 12th Grade education. With your help and His blessings we can Vision Forward.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

7

Goal 1

A DYNAMIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

OBJECTIVE:

To equip our students with the necessary skills and intellectual framework to thrive and succeed in college and beyond by instituting, supporting, and promoting excellence in instruction, curricular development, and student learning.

GOALS: • Ensure vertical (preschool-12) and

• Prioritize experiential learning

horizontal (across the grade) consistency

opportunities that lead to deeper

and excellence in classroom instruction

understanding, critical thinking, and

and curricular development with

practical application.

appropriate resources and accountabilities.

• Leverage instructional resources and technology thoughtfully and intentionally to drive excellence in teaching and learning.

• Equip faculty with the training and tools

• Devise and implement a robust system of evaluation and support of faculty and staff.

• Embark on the process to obtain accreditation by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the

to develop differentiated instructional

Council on Educational Standards &

strategies and curriculum design to

Accountability (CESA).

support the learning styles of all students.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

9

Goal 2

A VIBRANT STUDENT EXPERIENCE

OBJECTIVE:

To engage students in a breadth of opportunities that encourages them to discover and hone their God-given gifts and talents, explore their passions, develop an awareness and understanding of self and others, and engage with adults and peers in a mutually supportive environment that fosters life-long relationships.

GOALS: • Foster a Christ-centered culture that is

• Reinforce FWC’s commitment to a

fully integrated into the FWC experience

lifestyle of service and outreach across

– central to and informing every facet of

all grades.

the student experience.

• Equip students to reflect Christ in their

• Identify, celebrate, and elevate FWC traditions that foster and promote a

circles of influence by authentically

strong and vibrant school spirit and a

teaching and discipling from a Christ-

sense of alma mater.

centered perspective.

• Develop an integrated, school-wide

• Ensure active and ongoing participation of all students across co-curricular

Christian leadership and character

activities in a developmentally

development program that fosters

appropriate fashion.

courage, confidence, respect, empathy, grit, integrity, and humility.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

11

Goal 3

AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVE:

To build and sustain a community comprised of students, faculty, staff, board members, parents and alumni from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared love for Christ and common commitment to FWC’s Mission.

GOALS: • Refine our admissions process, ensuring

• Engage FWC alumni, building a strong

it is intentional, inviting, and selective in

network of graduates who are deeply

order to ensure healthy and sustainable

connected to the school.

enrollment as well as mission alignment.

• Develop proactive practices around

• Establish and articulate the process for the cultivation, nomination, orientation,

recruiting and retaining highly-qualified,

training, and evaluation of board

mission-appropriate faculty and staff

members.

members.

• Foster authentic, engaged, and connected partnerships with parents.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

13

Goal 4 A ROBUST PLAN FOR INSTITUTIONAL

SUSTAINABILITY AND ADVANCEMENT

OBJECTIVE:

To create an environment and associated plan that advances institutional sustainability, engendering philanthropic support.

GOALS: • Complete the vision for a campus master plan.

• Prioritize investments in safe, functional, and flexible facilities to address pressing current needs while affording opportunities to meet emerging needs.

• Articulate and deliver a clear and compelling message that captures the value of FWC and an FWC education.

• Build a strong culture of philanthropy.

• Continue prudent stewardship of God’s blessings and strategic budgeting and financial management.

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

15

VISION FORWARD:

TASK FORCE & RETREAT PARTICIPANTS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE TASK FORCE

Alan Sladek, Parent, Athletic Booster Club

STRATEGIC PLAN RETREAT PARTICIPANTS

Co-Chairs: John Feray, Trustee

President

James Bankes, Former Trustee,

Jordan Elam, Faculty Sheri Fulbright, Faculty Tim Giles, Trustee Darryl Loy, Parent of Alumnus Renee Moses, Parent, Former Trustee Jayce Senter, Staff Kim Sissen, Parent Lesley Strever, Parent

CHRISTIAN LIFE & IDENTITY TASK FORCE Co-Chairs: Denise Herrold, Trustee Nathan Tucker, Parent Sandy Barr, Parent Elizabeth Bell, Faculty Jon Corts, Parent Sarah Hermeling, Parent Kyle Kight, Parent Caleb Mallette, Parent Craig Norton, Parent Trine Owen, Parent Chris Shelby, Parent Kelly White, Faculty

ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMISSIONS TASK FORCE Co-Chairs: Megan Fehribach, Trustee Kristin Nelson, Faculty Michael Felker, Parent Kelly Moore, Parent Tiffany Morgan, Parent Ryan Nicolello, Faculty Wendy Reedy, PTF President

Cyndi Worsham, Staff

FACULTY & STAFF EXCELLENCE TASK FORCE Co-Chairs: Rachel Hale, Trustee Barbara Treat, Faculty Sharon Bryant, Faculty Valerie Egan, Parent Lana Moore, Parent Julie Reed, Parent, Former Trustee Erica Richards, Parent Cheryl Scott, Staff Steve Staid, Parent

PARENT ENGAGEMENT TASK FORCE Co-Chairs: Sarah Kight, Trustee Randi Freeby, Faculty, Parent, and Alumna Kenneth Collins, Parent Price Granger, Parent Adrienne Jennings, Parent Sean McGaughey, Parent Lisa Neal, Parent, Staff, Alumna Paige Parkman, Parent Susan Quinn, Parent Angelic Sikes, Past PTF President, Parent

STUDENT LIFE TASK FORCE Co-Chairs: David Wright, Trustee, Parent of Alumni Janet Carter, Leadership

FACILITIES & PHYSICAL PLANT TASK FORCE

Jennifer Bates, Parent

Co-Chairs: Cal Smallwood, Alumnus, Trustee

Emily Carter, Parent

Stan Stephens, Former Trustee

16

Craig Stone, Parent

Parent of Alumna Billy Bob Brigmon, Trustee Stephanie Brownlow, Staff Emily Carter, Parent Janet Carter, Faculty Elise Chase, Parent of Alumni Ken Cheeseman, Leadership Jordan Elam, Faculty Megan Fehribach, Trustee John Feray, Trustee, Board Chair Randi Freeby, Alumna Sherry Fulbright, Faculty Leanna Garcia, Staff Robin Goodall, Parent of Alumni Elizabeth Green, Leadership Rachel Hale, Trustee Linda Hay, Parent of Alumnus Denise Herrold, Trustee Sarah Kight, Trustee, Parent Darryl Loy, Parent of Alumnus Debbie Loy, Staff Kent Means, Leadership Kelly Moore, Parent Tiffany Morgan, Parent Lisa Neal, Alumna, Parent of Alumni Kristin Nelson, Faculty Susan Quinn, Parent Julie Reed, Former Trustee Joe Don Ridgell, Trustee Jill Shelby, Leadership Angelic Sikes, Past PTF President, Parent Cal Smallwood, Trustee, Alumnus Jen Staid, Parent Barbara Treat, Faculty Nathan Tucker, Parent

Janell Collins, Parent

Sue Ude, Parent

Coyt Dunlap, Parent of Alumni

Paul Dalton, Parent

Aimee Woodward, Parent

Brady Gunn, Faculty

Dawn Sladek, Parent

David Wright, Trustee, Parent of Alumni

F O R T WO R T H C H R I S T I A N : Vision Forward

During our strategic planning process, we reaffirmed FWC’s mission and vision for the school, and identified a future road map that acknowledges the school’s abiding values, recognizes past successes, and creates new opportunities, strengths and sustainability for years to come. As we begin the implementation and achievement of the strategic plan goals, we will continuously evaluate the current situation and make necessary adjustments in order to maintain the best course of action.

Moving forward will require careful analysis and diligence to ensure we are acting as good stewards of our founding principles and values, and with the appropriate fiscal responsibility. The implementation will be led by the Head of School, along with the faculty and staff. The Board of Trust will oversee the progress made to ensure that the school is moving forward with the appropriate actions.

We welcome your feedback.

Fort Worth Christian • 6200 Holiday Lane • North Richland Hills, TX 76180 • 817-520-6200 • fwc.org