STRATEGIC PLAN 2025 - 2030
INTRODUCTION The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan for King’s Ridge Christian School represents the culmination of a 12-month journey shaped by meaningful dialogue, prayerful reflection, and collaboration across our school community. This comprehensive planning process brought together dedicated faculty and staff, committed parents, engaged alumni and alumni parents, and, most importantly, the students whose voices reflect the future of the school. Through intentional listening efforts, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and community gatherings of various sizes, the school collected a wealth of perspectives and aspirations. These insights deepened our understanding of the community’s desires and expectations while reaffirming our shared commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, and a Christ-centered mission. Grounded in these contributions, this strategic plan reflects the identity and values of King’s Ridge Christian School. It presents a bold and thoughtful vision rooted in faith and designed to guide the school forward with clarity, courage, and purpose.
MISSION King’s Ridge Christian School is a Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, believe, and serve.
VISION King’s Ridge Christian School will become the number one choice for a Christcentered, academically excellent college prep school and a place for students to build character, discover their unique purpose and calling, and grow to make an impact that extends far beyond the King’s Ridge Christian School campus.
PASSION Our passion is to bring every student into a personal growing relationship with Jesus Christ while equipping them to do with excellence all that God has called them to do.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
LIVING CURRICULUM TEACHERS We believe Christian parents seek a special type of teacher – one we call the Living Curriculum Teacher. Parents understand that
these
teachers
have
profound
responsibilities
and
extraordinary opportunities to shape their students’ lives. But what defines a Living Curriculum Teacher? There is no single prototype. These teachers come from diverse family backgrounds, cultures, academic institutions, and worship traditions. They bring unique personalities and experiences, yet share a common foundation: pointing students toward Jesus Christ in every lesson, conversation, and act of love.
We believe that Living Curriculum Teachers share several identifiable beliefs and qualities. Living Curriculum Teachers are: Born-again, growing followers of Christ, and they desire that their students experience the same personal relationship with Christ that they have. Happy and positive people. Students trust, respect, and desire to be around Living Curriculum Teachers. Humble and trustworthy. They have an open mind and a sensitive spirit. They are approachable and genuinely listen. Relationship builders. They understand that modeling through relationships is essential for growth in Christian character. They pay attention to students' individual needs while building meaningful, appropriate relationships. Committed to treating students with dignity. Students know they can count on a predictable, nurturing, and stimulating environment in the Living Curriculum Teacher's classroom. Parent partners. They believe the best education is one in which parents and teachers work together to support students. Life-long learners. They never stop getting better at the art and science of teaching. They understand that teaching content is not the only goal. Study skills, higher-level analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving should be taught and practiced in each subject area. Motivated to motivate. They take time with students one-on-one. Seeing a student serve God and use their gifts clearly in God's will brings indescribable joy to the Living Curriculum Teacher. We are passionately committed to providing Living Curriculum Teachers for the families and students at King's Ridge Christian School.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
INITIATIVE 1: CHRISTIAN LIFE GOAL Through intentional discipleship, spiritual mentorship, and daily practices of faith, we seek to inspire and equip every member of our community to pursue an authentic relationship with Christ. Rooted in King’s Ridge Christian School’s unwavering mission to be a Christ-centered community of academic excellence, this goal affirms the centrality of the Gospel in all we do. The school is committed to cultivating environments where the truth of Jesus Christ is clearly proclaimed and graciously lived out.
RATIONALE King’s Ridge Christian School has been blessed with a rich spiritual legacy over the past 25 years. This legacy is both a gift and a responsibility. In a cultural landscape where some Christian institutions have experienced mission drift, King’s Ridge Christian School remains resolute in protecting the foundational convictions that define its identity.
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Launch a dedicated Office of Spiritual Formation, led by a full-time Director, to support student discipleship, staff spiritual development, and family engagement. Initiate comprehensive evangelism training for 100% of full-time faculty, equipping them to effectively lead students to Christ using supporting Scripture. Create welcoming processes that help new students and families acclimate and foster a lasting sense of belonging and community. Conduct a mission-aligned assessment of student spiritual formation practices to implement targeted improvements that deepen students’ spiritual experiences. Establish an Athletic Chaplaincy Program that integrates faith-based coaching development, featuring King’s Ridge Christian School founder John Smoltz and other speakers, reaching all varsity coaches each year. Enhance student spiritual life retreats, including Camp KR and Impact Week trips, to provide meaningful experiences that combine fun, education, and service. Develop an intentional, student-centered discipleship program to provide mentorship and spiritual support beyond the classroom and chapel. Integrate service-learning experiences into the academic program to reflect Christ-centered living. Expand curricular and co-curricular leadership opportunities for all students. Strengthen partnerships with local churches and ministry leaders to reinforce the importance of church involvement in fulfilling the school’s mission.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
INITIATIVE 2: FACULTY & STAFF GOAL Actively recruit, retain, and professionally develop well-trained faculty and staff who exemplify Biblical relationships, practice servant leadership, and model a Christ-centered mindset while meeting the Living Curriculum Teacher standards.
RATIONALE The strength and distinctiveness of a Christian school are directly tied to the caliber and character of its faculty and staff. By investing in recruitment, retention, and development, we ensure students are mentored academically, spiritually, and emotionally leadership.
by
individuals
who
model
Christ-centered
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Prepare thoroughly for the CESA and Cognia accreditation process to ensure a successful Spring 2026 visit and full accreditation. Update student, faculty, and staff handbooks, and schedule a legal review every 3–5 years to ensure alignment with CESA standards. Develop a differentiated professional development program promoting collaboration and self-directed growth. Implement a recruitment plan ensuring that 90% of open teaching positions are filled by June 1 each year with mission-aligned candidates. Invest in timely, clear, consistent, and transparent communication with all King’s Ridge Christian School constituents through the creation of a comprehensive communication plan. Establish an aspiring leaders’ program for faculty and staff to cultivate leadership at all levels of the school and prepare them for future promotion. Achieve competitive compensation benchmarks aligned with local and CESA schools. Provide a competitive benefits package comparable to those offered by competing and CESA schools. Implement a purposeful recognition performance among faculty and staff.
program
to
honor exemplary
Develop holistic wellness initiatives supporting spiritual, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
INITIATIVE 3: ACADEMIC & PROGRAMMING DISTINCTION GOAL Achieve academic and programmatic distinction by implementing rigorous, innovative curricula and expanding cocurricular opportunities that foster critical thinking, creativity, and Christ-centered leadership, positioning King’s Ridge Christian School as a leader in Christian education.
RATIONALE The school seeks to cultivate an environment where academic excellence and spiritual growth are inseparable. Through rigorous and distinct co-curricular offerings, students will develop critical-thinking skills, creativity, and leadership grounded in Christian values.
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Evaluate and refine assessment and reporting practices school-wide to provide meaningful, consistent, and mission-aligned feedback on student learning. Research and establish partnerships with Christian universities to offer Dual Enrollment courses that expand student opportunities and provide college credit within a faith-aligned framework. Develop and launch signature, research-based, hands-on programs that offer potential certification pathways. Assess and enhance academic programming and college advising to effectively navigate the evolving college admissions landscape and position students for success. Integrate a Technology Education Specialist into the academic program to lead faculty training and instructional coaching, resulting in increased effective use of digital tools in the classroom. Strengthen the athletic program by implementing clear, mission-aligned policies and procedures, establishing a comprehensive coach evaluation and development system, and ensuring full compliance with changing athletic classifications, eligibility standards, and potential Name-Image-Likeness (NIL) regulations, all while reinforcing a Christ-centered culture of excellence and accountability. Hire a full-time Strength & Conditioning Coach and a certified Athletic Trainer to support the health, development, and performance of all studentathletes. This strategic investment will demonstrate a strong commitment to athlete care and safety and improve the perception of King’s Ridge Christian School athletics among families and the broader community. Hire an Associate Director of Fine Arts to elevate performance, expand partnerships, and grow opportunities for students to achieve recognition at the highest regional and national levels.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education by updating the K-12 STEM scope and sequence, introducing a STEM Diploma Endorsement track, equipping STEM labs, and launching competitive opportunities such as Robotics. Review and refine the overall academic curriculum and instructional methods to foster a Christ-centered learning environment that equips students for academic excellence, college readiness, and lifelong purpose. Expand academic support services across all divisions to ensure every student has the resources necessary to pursue excellence in alignment with our Christian mission. Create a structured high school internship program by forming partnerships with Alpharetta-area businesses, alumni, and King’s Ridge Christian School families to provide real-world experiences that reflect students’ vocational interests. Revisit the opportunity to relaunch the international student program to increase cultural diversity and extend the reach of King’s Ridge Christian School’s mission globally. Create a structured plan and process that allows King’s Ridge Christian School to increase the diversity of its student body and faculty to more accurately reflect the demographics of the surrounding community, fostering a richer, Christ-centered environment of belonging and mutual respect.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
INITIATIVE 4: INSTITUTIONAL VIABILITY GOAL Ensure long-term strength and sustainability by expanding access and maintaining affordability for families across diverse demographics, fostering an inclusive and thriving community.
RATIONALE Christian education plays a vital role in making disciples for the Kingdom. Because tuition alone does not cover the full cost of excellent Christian education, philanthropic support is essential to fulfill the mission and ensure long-term stability.
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Complete a five-year comprehensive enrollment and marketing plan to achieve the enrollment goal of 1,200 students while remaining faithful to the mission and distinctives of King’s Ridge Christian School. Align a strategic financial plan to support all initiatives in this strategic plan. Develop and deploy an ongoing stakeholder survey, including Net Promoter Scores, to collect actionable feedback and enhance the overall experience for families, faculty, and staff. Create and implement a business continuity plan to ensure financial stability and assess long-term sustainability, aligned with the school’s mission. Restructure the development approach to strengthen donor relationships, increase donor participation, and cultivate new foundation giving. Establish and launch a planned giving program to encourage legacy gifts and support the school’s long-term vitality. Build on the existing tuition-driven revenue model to ensure operating costs are fully covered, and strategically leverage additional capital to support innovative capital projects. Aggressively reduce institutional debt to promote long-term sustainability and position the school for future expansion and innovation. Encourage qualifying families to use state-funded tuition assistance programs and identify 7–10 major donors to bolster the tuition assistance fund for families ineligible for external support. Create a ten-year capital replacement plan, including facilities for Athletics and Fine Arts, with a sustainable funding model to address recurring capital needs. Grow King’s Ridge Christian School’s endowment to establish a long-term, stable revenue source and invest with mission-aligned partners.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
INITIATIVE 5: FACULTY DEVELOPMENT & SECURITY GOAL Exemplify outstanding stewardship of all property and facilities entrusted to King’s Ridge Christian School by maintaining and enhancing them with intentional care, ensuring they consistently support and advance the school’s mission for lasting impact and future growth.
RATIONALE Intentional stewardship ensures safe, inspiring spaces that foster academic excellence, spiritual formation, and community engagement—both now and for future generations.
STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Launch a capital campaign feasibility study to assess the community's capacity to support the shared vision for the future of King's Ridge Christian School. Conduct a third-party safety and security audit of the entire campus, followed by a full review and refinement of all policies and procedures, including emergency drills and prevention protocols. Evaluate and strengthen the school's safety and security plan by implementing a multi-layered protection strategy, including upgraded technology, facility enhancements, and comprehensive staff and student training, ensuring a mission-aligned, proactive approach that effectively safeguards our growing community and improves emergency preparedness. Launch the Middle School Cottage Replacement Building Campaign to provide a state-of-the-art learning space for our growing middle school population. Build the next phase of the athletic facilities by adding a tennis complex to provide state-of-the-art match and practice facilities for our growing athletic program. Build a new Worship and Performing Arts Center to serve as the heart of spiritual formation and artistic expression at King's Ridge. Advance the next phase of the athletic master plan with a strategic focus and vision to complete the new athletic center and track-and-field complex, aligning physical growth with the mission of King's Ridge athletics.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
CONCLUSION King’s Ridge Christian School stands at a pivotal moment in our history. This milestone year reminds us of God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout a quarter-century of transforming lives and shaping hearts. With great confidence and intentionality, we move forward to address the vital issues that will define the next chapter of our school’s legacy. Our leadership team has carefully identified strategic priorities essential to advancing King’s Ridge Christian School’s mission and vision. These initiatives are more than goals; they are the foundation upon which we will build a future that honors God and equips our students for lives of purpose and impact. To fully realize this vision, we commit to investing the necessary resources—spiritually, financially, and operationally. Many of these initiatives can be achieved through renewed focus, aligned priorities, and strengthened accountability within our existing structure. However, some will require significant financial investment, including facility expansions and capital campaigns, to sustain and grow our school for generations to come.
The breadth of this strategic plan reflects the magnitude of our mission and the opportunities before us. Success will demand perseverance, unity, and disciplined execution—recognizing that this is a long-term journey requiring faithful stewardship from current and future leaders, staff, families, and community partners. This endeavor is a marathon relay, where each generation builds on the faith and work of those before it, passing the baton with hope and determination. The administration will prioritize transparent communication and collaboration with the board, faculty, staff, and stakeholders to foster ownership and momentum toward these shared goals. We commit to starting the next planning cycle before this one concludes, enabling us to navigate the future with clarity and purpose. Though the future may hold uncertainties, we rest in God’s promise. The same God who has faithfully guided us for 25 years will continue to lead and provide for the mission of King’s Ridge Christian School.
KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58
King's Ridge Christian School is a Christian community providing a college preparatory education equipping students to know, believe, and serve.