2024-2026 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Centering the Student Experience
Dear Girard College Community,
As Girard College approaches the conclusion of our current strategic plan, I am pleased to share with you Girard College's Strategic Priorities Achieving these priorities will be instrumental in steering our institution towards continued success over the next two years.
Reflecting on the achievements and milestones of our previous strategic plan, we extend gratitude to the entire Girard College community for their dedication and hard work. The successes of the past provide a solid foundation upon which we will build our future endeavors
It is my distinct honor to introduce myself as President of Girard College. My name is David Hardy, and I bring decades of experience in education and a profound commitment to the mission and values of Girard College With a background in K-12 education in Philadelphia, including the founding of Boys Latin Charter School in West Philadelphia and serving on a number of education and school choice boards both locally and nationally, I am dedicated to guiding the institution through this pivotal period and ensuring a seamless transition for the incoming president
The focus of these strategic priorities is on elevating the student experience at Girard College Our students are central to our mission, and their growth and success remain our top priorities By fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment, we aim to empower our students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world
It is important to note that this strategy serves as a roadmap guiding my commitment as president and preparing the way for the next leader of Girard College While this is not a comprehensive strategic plan, please be assured that we have surveyed many members of our faculty, staff, alumni, students, and board members in order to develop these priorities. While we navigate this period of transition, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that Girard College continues to inspire the next generation of leaders
I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities awaiting Girard College Together, as a community, we will chart a course that not only honors our storied past but also propels us into a future filled with promise and achievement.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of Girard College
Hail Girard,
David Hardy President
Our Mission
Girard College is a full-scholarship boarding school that fosters intellectual curiosity, social development and emotional growth in academically focused students from underserved communities. We ensure every student the opportunity and the means to achieve excellence and preparation for advanced education through purposeful academic and residential programs
Our Vision and Theory of Action
Our vision for the next three years is to forge transformative educational experiences that will prepare each student to develop the skills essential for their success. We are committed to achieving this vision by supporting our students in their intellectual, social, and personal growth in a community that is safe and conducive to learning We believe that:
If we engage students in an academically rigorous environment and provide expanded and enriched learning opportunities, all students will excel academically, they will confidently navigate their in-and-out of school pursuits, and have the resources and skills to pursue their postsecondary goals.
If we invest in staff and student recruitment and retention, as well as engage and support the entire school community, we will build a strong and supportive community and create an optimal learning environment that attracts students, families, and high-quality educators
If we develop a facilities plan that aligns with educational goals and accommodates anticipated changes in enrollment and program expansion, we will contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the school.
If we establish a robust succession plan, we will ensure a smooth transition for the next school leader and stabilize governance structures for effective decision-making.
If we commit to establishing regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess progress, we will create a foundation for a dynamic and responsive educational environment which leads to continuous improvement, data-conscious decision-making, increased accountability, and optimized resource allocation
By strategically implementing these principles, we aim to create an educational environment that imparts knowledge, and also nurtures the holistic development of each student Through collaboration and commitment, we will pave the way for not only our current and future students, but also our alumni to thrive and be well-prepared for success.
Strategic Priorities
I. Academically Rigorous Student Experience
II. Plan for the Future of Girard College Student Facilities
III. Lay the Groundwork for the Next Leader
IV. Expand Programming and Increase the Number of Students Served
This strategy makes our priorities clear, ensures transparency, and utilizes measurable outcomes to hold us accountable for maintaining focus on actions that will benefit our students. The plan includes a mix of existing practices and new initiatives, offering a roadmap to cultivate the educational experiences we aspire to provide for today’s and tomorrow’s students.
Priority 1: Academically Rigorous Student Experience
Initiatives:
● 40% of students will graduate from high school with at least 6 college credits either through dual enrollment experiences or Advanced Placement classes
● Implement a rigorous instructional plan for grades 1-12
○ Review all Elementary/Middle School (EMS) curriculum
○ Ensure alignment of all curriculum resources, including summative and formative assessments.
○ Ensure that there are systems to support students as the instructional rigor increases through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
● Create alignment between out-of-school time programming and instructional time through after school enrichment, remediation, and summer programming.
● Improve 6-year college degree completion rate from an average of 52% to 62% (NSC, 2023)
● Refine admissions processes and marketing to align to the current vision for impact.
● Increase percentage of highly effective/effective teachers.
Featured Program - Dual Enrollment
Girard College's academic program is designed to transcend the offerings of traditional neighborhood schools, aiming to broaden students' horizons. Given the limitations of our small high school, we actively cultivate partnerships with local colleges and universities to extend educational opportunities In the fall of 2023, eleven 11th and 12th-grade students benefited from our dual-enrollment program, participating in classes at Temple University, Community College of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania These off-campus classes, held several days a week, not only expand educational horizons but also familiarize students with college campuses and coursework in fields such as social science, pre-nursing, law, and communications
The dual-enrollment program serves as a bridge to the college experience, offering students valuable exposure to higher education environments and diverse academic disciplines As we nurture and expand these partnerships, our vision is to see further growth in the program, providing students with an increasingly diverse array of career and college exposure. Ultimately, our goal is to empower students to make informed decisions about their post-Girard futures, equipping them with the knowledge and experiences needed for success
Priority 2: Plan for the Future of Girard College Student Facilities
Initiatives:
● Complete campus master plan by 2026 which includes a comprehensive schedule of campus updates aligned with instructional planning
○ Complete plans for a state-of-the-art STEM Center that are aligned with instructional planning and capacity.
○ Develop a vision for residential space and living community and complete an inventory of current available space.
● Complete renovations of the Armory to include a Fitness Center that is accessible to students and staff
Featured Initiative - On-Campus Fitness Center
Girard College is excited to announce the upcoming addition of an on-campus fitness center, slated to open in early 2024. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to prioritize the well-being of both staff and students, providing a convenient and accessible space dedicated to physical fitness The establishment of this fitness center marks an opportune moment to reassess the high school physical education curriculum, allowing for a more personalized and holistic approach to wellness
Beyond its role in shaping the curriculum, the fitness center will be a valuable asset for students and staff residing on campus, offering a convenient outlet for maintaining an active lifestyle We are confident that this facility will not only enhance the overall health and fitness of our community but also significantly contribute to a vibrant and energetic campus environment. Stay tuned for more details as we approach the eagerly anticipated opening of this transformative addition to Girard College
Priority 3: Lay the Groundwork for the Next Leader
Initiatives:
● Create a succession plan and stabilize the leadership team by reducing administration (non-union staff) turnover rate
● Increase alumni engagement through a dedicated alumni staff person and creating additional opportunities for alumni to interact with current students.
● Establish Girard College subcommittees in accordance with Board of Directors of City Trusts bylaws. Subcommittees should meet monthly and report to the Girard College Committee.
● Establish annual budget process and monthly budget vs. actual conversations with senior leadership
● Hire a VP of Student Experience to oversee and manage academics, residential, student success, athletics, and postsecondary support teams. Start by July 1, 2024.
Featured Initiative - Office of Student Experience
President Hardy's inaugural strategic initiative centered on consolidating the academic and residential life teams into a unified entity, now named the Office of Student Experience
Acknowledging the limitations of a compartmentalized approach to student initiatives and issues, he sought to foster a comprehensive understanding of the student experience from dawn to dusk This integration facilitates a seamless connection between the academic day and extracurricular pursuits, providing students opportunities for enrichment or remediation beyond regular school hours to bolster their holistic development Leading this transformative endeavor is the Vice President of Student Experience who will guide the teams in shaping the overarching vision for the student experience at Girard College.
Priority 4: Expand Programming and Increase Student Body Initiatives:
● Obtain approval from the Board of Directors of City Trusts to increase high school enrollment in the school year 2025-2026
● Create a plan and obtain approval from the Board of Directors of City Trusts to implement a weekend program/ 7 day schedule for up to 25 students for school year 2024-2025.
Featured Initiative - Weekend Program
Historically, Girard College operated as a 7-day boarding school, but over the past decade, it transitioned to a 5-day program to ensure that the school could exist in perpetuity The viability of a 5-day program at Girard College is supported by the fact that the majority of students come from within or near Philadelphia However, in response to a growing demand, President Hardy plans to introduce a weekend program starting in the 2024-2025 school year, designed to accommodate up to 25 students.
This initiative aims to address the demonstrated needs of students in grades 1-12 by providing weekend housing and programming. Participants will reside on campus, partake in on-campus dining, and engage in a mix of on-campus and off-campus activities The program's primary focus is on providing essential support, paired with a comprehensive and vibrant array of weekend activities for participating students.
Implementation Plan and Next Steps
● February and March 2024: Present Strategic Priorities to Board of Directors of City Trusts President Hardy will present the Strategic Priorities to the Girard College Committee and Board of Directors of City Trusts
● March 2024: Finalize Plan
The priorities will be finalized following the board meetings and distributed to all internal stakeholders during an all-staff meeting
● April 2024: Share Internally and Externally
Subsequently, the approved priorities will be shared with the broader Girard College community through an external email communication and will also be accessible on the school’s website.
● Ongoing Monitoring
The ongoing progress of the plan will be monitored by the Girard College Committee with regular reports from the President presented at meetings in July 2024, January 2025, July 2025, January 2026, and a final meeting in June 2026 These monitoring updates will be communicated to the full Board of Directors of City Trusts as necessary.
● Future Planning
Girard College anticipates a full strategic planning process to occur in 2025 or 2026.