STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028
CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF TRAINING CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO SO THAT WHEN THEY GROW UP, THEY DO NOT DEPART FROM IT.
-PSALMS
In August 2022, Hillel Academy’s Board of Directors launched an ambitious Strategic Planning Process to guide the school’s growth and evolution. Rooted in our commitment to community and excellence, this effort brought together voices from across our ecosystem parents, students, alumni, educators, staff, and Tampa community leaders. Together, these diverse stakeholders identified three core pillars essential to Hillel’s continued success over the next five years:
Hillel Academy has grown into a dynamic, year-round hub for education and experiences that inspire children, young adults, and families across the community. As such, the first priority of the Strategic Planning Committee was to update Hillel Academy's Mission and Vision statements, ensuring they reflect both who we are today and the aspirations we hold for the future.
We are excited to share this roadmap and reaffirm our dedication to preparing our students to thrive academically, embrace their Jewish identity, and build meaningful connections to Israel. Stay tuned as we work together to bring this vision to life!
Mission
Hillel Academy is an inclusive community anchored in a culture of chesed (kindness) that empowers students of all backgrounds to develop their individual potential and identity, shaped by a comprehensive academic program, and dynamic Jewish life and learning.
Vision
Hillel Academy is a vibrant center for Jewish education, family connection, and community engagement. Hillel Academy graduates are lifelong learners who demonstrate confidence, kindness and respect, and share a commitment to the Jewish people and Israel.
GOAL 1: COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Provide an exemplary and comprehensive academic program and experience that ensures that each student reaches his/her fullest potential.
Objectives
Attract and retain high-quality educators across all disciplines.
Develop a well-articulated vision and implementation strategy for integration of the Cambridge International pedagogy within all aspects of teaching and learning.
Ensure that Hillel Academy meets the needs of a diverse range of learners.
Continue to consider an expansion to include a high school, thereby creating a comprehensive early childhood - grade 12 Jewish day school program in Tampa Bay.
Potential Strategies
A comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
Cultivate a culture of growth and ongoing professional development. Integration across all disciplines and develop a spiral curriculum guide for implementation. A messaging plan to articulate the philosophy of Cambridge International pedagogy and how it is integrated into the learning environment.
Define the range of diverse student needs that may be effectively served by Hillel Academy.
GOAL 2: JEWISH LIFE AND COMMITMENT TO ISRAEL
Amplify the vibrant, dynamic, and values-based Jewish and Israel learning experience that is anchored in a Culture of Chesed (kindness).
Objectives
Strengthen the unique appeal of Hillel’s variety of Jewish education programs in order to attract and serve families from a variety of backgrounds.
Expand and deepen Hillel Academy’s approach to Israel education in order to ensure that Hillel graduates are active, engaged, and knowledgeable advocates for Israel.
Enhance Hillel Academy’s Culture of Chesed.
Potential Strategies
Enhance the variety of pathways for choice in Hebrew language and Jewish studies teaching and learning.
Create a spiraled curriculum for Israel education. Support authentic and meaningful experiential opportunities for students to connect with Israel.
Develop a comprehensive and codified system of mutual respect and kindness, guided and inspired by Jewish values, and deliberately taught to students in a spiraled and developmentally appropriate method.
GOAL 3: SUSTAINABILITY
Strengthen the school’s financial position, enrollment, and brand awareness to ensure long-term viability and sustainability.
Objectives
Grow enrollment and increase net tuition revenue.
Boost brand awareness of Hillel Academy in the broader Tampa community.
Deepen the culture of philanthropy and diversify non-tuition revenue streams.
Create and implement an endowment and a life and legacy plan program.
Potential Strategies
Articulate a clear value proposition of Hillel Academy.
Develop new approaches to messaging to ensure direct and sensitive communication about affordability programs.
Create a comprehensive marketing and community engagement strategy to raise the profile of Hillel Academy on the local and national scales, and to attract Israeli families relocating to the Tampa area.
Engage with key demographic stakeholders in order to strengthen school ambassadorship and extend the reach of fundraising efforts.
Explore and enhance alternative revenue streams to determine the best next steps for leveraging existing possibilities.
Why is a Comprehensive Academic Program Important?
Hillel Academy delivers a rigorous, dynamic education tailored to diverse learning needs, preparing students for success beyond the classroom. To maintain this excellence, we prioritize hiring exceptional educators and integrating the Cambridge International curriculum across disciplines, fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning.
Why is Jewish Life and a Commitment to Israel Important?
Hillel Academy’s values-driven Jewish education welcomes families across all levels of observance, fostering identity, pride, and belonging. By refining Jewish studies and Hebrew programs, we better serve mission-aligned families while strengthening students’ authentic connections to Israel through experiential learning and cultural exchange.
Why is Sustainability Important?
Ensuring Hillel’s future requires financial growth through philanthropy, expanded non-tuition revenue, and increased enrollment. As Tampa’s Jewish community grows, Hillel Academy is committed to raising its profile to attract new families and deepen its culture of giving, ensuring long-term success.
HARAKAT HATOV
בוטה תקרח
Thank you to the Strategic Planning Committee
Amy Basham * Julie Begani * Bryan Buffinton * Carolyn Fink * Kate Friedman * Amy Gross * Allison Oakes
Steven Shapiro * Steven Spector * Jan Stern
2022 - 2023 Board of Directors
Carolyn Fink, Board Chair
Bryan Buffinon * Nat Doliner * Seth Forman * Luisa Kattan * Rabbi Aaron Lever * Alexandra Pinta
Michael Reisman * Dan Soschin * Steven Specter * Steven Shapiro * Stephen Viders
Todah rabbah, thank you, Dan Perla, Senior Director of School Services, and Gavi Elkind, Director of Leadership Development at Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools by whom this process was facilitated. We could not have done it without you!