StrongRootsfor aVibrant Future
The Strategic Plan for ICA
Cristo Rey Academy
Build Institutional Capacity Share Our Story & Expand Our Impact Strengthen Programs Explore the Future
1 Build Institutional Capacity
ICA’s ability to deliver on its mission, now and for decades to come, requires a strong and stable institutional core. This priority focuses on building the systems, governance, staffing, and financial model necessary for long-term sustainability Success on all other pillars of the plan relies on these foundational strategies.
Leadership & Governance:
Leadership & Governance: ICA will develop a Board of Directors that effectively guides the school toward financial sustainability, institutional strength, and successful implementation of this strategic plan
Financial Sustainability:
Financial Sustainability: ICA will move toward a predictable, recurring revenue model that supports operations and directs one-time gifts toward strategic priorities
Operations & Staffing:
Operations & Staffing: ICA will reinforce its operational foundation to ensure that systems, roles, and resources effectively support teaching, learning, and student well-being
Key Actions:
Recruit and develop Board members with expertise in philanthropy, strategy, and finance
Strengthen advancement systems and major gift strategy
Improve CWS job acquisition and employer satisfaction
Establish performance systems, SOPs, and safety protocols
Support leadership transitions and talent development
2 Share ICA Story and Expand Impact
ICA is known for exceptional outcomes and a transformative work-study model, yet too often, it remains a “best kept secret.” This priority focuses on building recognition, trust, and excitement across the community
A Unified, Compelling Identity:
A Unified, Compelling Identity: ICA will establish a clear, cohesive brand and narrative that reflects its academic strength, Catholic and Dominican identity, and unique
Clear Messaging Around Mission & Impact:
Clear Messaging Around Mission & Impact: Families, donors, alumnae, and job partners will understand the full power of ICA’s model.
Enrollment Growth & Community Reach:
Key Actions:
Enrollment Growth & Community Reach: Growing to 85+ ninth graders annually with strong retention is central to long-term sustainability
Build communications capacity and processes
Refresh messaging highlighting academics, mission, and CWS
Deepen recruitment partnerships and feeder-schools relationship
3 Strengthen Programs
At its core, ICA is a school deeply committed to the growth of every student. This priority focuses on strengthening academics, Catholic and Dominican formation, student supports, and CWS
Instructional Excellence:
Instructional Excellence: ICA will implement a cohesive instructional vision supported by aligned curriculum, coaching, and professional development.
Academic Growth & Data-Driven Improvement:
Academic Growth & Data-Driven Improvement: ICA will elevate student performance on standardized tests (MAP, PSAT, SAT, etc.) and classroom assessments. Faculty will use data to identify needs early, tailor interventions, and monitor growth trends
Catholic & Dominican Identity:
Catholic & Dominican Identity: ICA will deepen experiences rooted in prayer, service, community, and study
Student Belonging, Wellness & Leadership:
Student Belonging, Wellness & Leadership: Students thrive when they feel known, supported, and empowered.
Corporate Work Study (CWS) Program:
Corporate Work Study (CWS) Program: A hallmark of the Cristo Rey model, CWS provides real-world experience, professional skill development, and vital financial support.
Key Actions:
Implement instructional vision with aligned observations and PD
Invest in math leadership, curriculum, and coaching
Strengthen student supports, including Saturday School and potential specialist roles
Expand mission-driven traditions, service, and family engagement
Enhance CWS training and readiness systems
4 Explore the Future
By the conclusion of this planning period, ICA will have the clarity and readiness needed to pursue its next chapter, whether through program expansion, facility transformation, or new mission-aligned opportunities.
Understanding Long-Term Needs:
Understanding Long-Term Needs: ICA will conduct a thorough assessment of program, facility, and enrollment needs
Facilities & Campus Visioning:
Facilities & Campus Visioning: ICA will evaluate its current campus, future space needs, and long-term facility options.
Program Innovation & Enhancement:
Program Innovation & Enhancement: ICA will explore opportunities such as expanded academic pathways, enhanced college counseling, extended CWS preparation and job pipelines, and community and missionaligned partnerships.
Discernment With the ICA Community:
Discernment With the ICA Community: In the spirit of the Dominican tradition of communal wisdom, ICA will involve students, families, alumnae, faculty, Dominican Sisters, job partners, and Board members in shaping the long-term vision
Key Actions:
Engage stakeholders in structured discernment
Conduct facility and space-use analysis
Model enrollment, workforce, and financial scenarios
Develop a set of actionable recommendations for ICA’s next phase
Conclusion
ICA Cristo Rey Academy stands on the threshold of a new era, one rooted in faith, strengthened by community, and guided by a bold, hopeful vision for the future
Over the next three years, ICA will:
Build an institution strong enough to endure
Share its story widely and proudly
Deliver the highest-quality academic and work-study experience
Prepare thoughtfully for its next chapter
This plan is a roadmap and a promise:
A promise to our students that ICA will meet their aspirations with excellence.
A promise to our families that ICA will remain a place of belonging, opportunity, and care.
A promise to our community that ICA will steward its mission with integrity and purpose.
With the support of our Board, our Dominican Sisters, our Cristo Rey partners, our families, our alumnae, our donors, and our greater community, ICA Cristo Rey Academy is ready to step boldly into its future, faithful to its roots, committed to its students, and inspired by the promise of what comes next.