Soaring Higher: A Final Report on LCA's 2017 5-Year Strategic Plan

SOARING HIGHER: A FINAL REPORT ON LCA’S 2017 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

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DEAR LCA COMMUNITY: In 2017, the LCA Board of Trustees adopted a five-year strategic plan entitled Soaring Higher: A Strategic Plan for Legacy Christian Academy. The plan included five Strategic Priorities supported by 18 Key Initiatives. It has served as a blueprint for school improvement by prescribing action plans and directing resources. School leaders used the plan to establish their professional priorities and hold one another accountable. Indeed, it has been a vital document in our quest to build a more excellent Christian school.

I am pleased to report that after four years, virtually all the strategic initiatives have been either completed and implemented, completed and ongoing, or are in-progress. The purpose of this Final Report is to celebrate all that God has accomplished by his provision and to recognize the faithful work and support of the LCA Board, leadership team, faculty, parents, students, and benefactors. Truly, the successful implementation of our strategic plan has moved us toward our vision of becoming “the school of choice for committed Christian families in North Texas who desire the best Christ-centered education for their children.

Now, it’s time to ask the question, “What’s next for Legacy Christian Academy”? As we prepare to launch our upcoming long-range planning process, I invite you to invest your time, talent, and treasure in helping our beloved school become the premier model of excellence in Christian education, honoring God and reflecting his glory.

Onward and Upward, Bill McGee Head of School

SOARING HIGHER: A FINAL REPORT ON LCA’S 2017 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Soaring Higher

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MISSION VISION CORE VALUES & legacy promise

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Soaring Higher

MISSION: Legacy Christian Academy develops strong leaders with biblical convictions who are equipped to succeed in college and beyond.

We accomplish this mission through a balanced approach that honors and upholds

> Challenging academics > Robust fine arts > Competitive athletics > Positive mentoring relationships > Covenant partnerships with Christian families

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VISION: Legacy Christian Academy will be the school of choice for committed Christian families in North Texas who desire the best Christ-centered education for their children.

CORE VALUES: Legacy Christian Academy affirms these essential beliefs and strives to honor and uphold them in all aspects of school life.

PURSUIT OF TRUTH We affirm “all truth is God’s truth” through a liberal arts education that fosters a love for learning and a desire for wisdom. (John 8:32: and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free)

PRIMACY OF SCRIPTURE We teach all subjects from a biblical worldview and we apply the truth and authority of biblical principles in all situations. (2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.)

IMAGO DEI We respect all people as individuals created in the image of God and we celebrate the diversity of gifts and callings. (Genesis 1:26: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.)

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COVENANT RELATIONSHIPS We build relationships that foster mutual support, respect, and a commitment to promote the welfare of others. (Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.)

DISCIPLESHIP We, as Christ-followers, are committed to a life of virtue and acting as agents in God’s plan of restoration. (Matthew 16:24: Then Jesus told his disciples, if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.)

SERVANT-LEADERSHIP We provide opportunities to serve one another, our community, and our world.

(Matthew 20:26-28: But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.)

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THE LEGACY PROMISE: Legacy Christian Academy is more than a school. It is more than any one class, any one teacher, or any one student. It is more than any one person. Legacy Christian Academy is a Christian community, made whole by every student, parent, faculty and staff member. We are united through our common faith in Jesus Christ.

OUR PROMISE TO EVERY LCA FAMILY:

WE WILL KNOW YOUR CHILD WE WILL LOVE YOUR CHILD WE WILL PREPARE YOUR CHILD

Over the last five years, our commitment to the Legacy Promise was demonstrated by the implementation of several programs and initiatives.

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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

Goal 1

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Legacy Christian Academy will provide opportunities for all students to discover their identity and security in Christ, acknowledge their worth as Image-bearers, and pursue a life of virtue that honors God, fulfilling His divine plan for them.

Key Initiatives: 1.1 Foster LCA as a community that welcomes and honors Christian families from all backgrounds.

1.2 D evelop an intentional, age-appropriate and ongoing parent education program that equips and empowers parents to partner with the school to be counter-cultural.

1.3 C hallenge and encourage students to move from being “hearers of the word” to “doers of the word.”

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

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Goal 1

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Expanded the school’s ethnic diversity by 7%.

2. T ripled the number of ethnically diverse teachers and administrators.

3. Hired the school’s first Senior Director of Community Engagement to provide leadership in retaining, recruiting, and serving families and faculty from diverse backgrounds and to oversee the Kingdom Unity Initiative.

4. Expanded school’s socio-economic diversity by increasing Indexed Tuition funding tuition assistance awards from $125,000 to $1.3 million annually.

5. Launched the Parent Education Program (PEP Talks) to support and encourage biblical parenting.

6. Hosted the school’s first dad’s Bible study program and launched an annual Dads’ Boot Camp.

7. Established the Watch D.O.G.S. program as an opportunity for dads to be on campus during the school days and provide additional security presence.

8. Introduced Love Does Month to encourage students and LCA families to participate in servant leadership opportunities both at LCA and within the community.

9. Established Family Worship Nights that coincide with Christmas and Easter to provide our community with opportunities to worship together.

10. Implemented the Middle School Ignite conference and “House” program for mentorship, spiritual development, and relationship building.

11. Launched overseas mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

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Goal 2

FACULTY AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT Legacy Christian Academy will seek, retain, and develop passionate Christ-followers who possess a growth mindset, a servant’s heart, and a biblical worldview. All employees will embrace and embody Legacy’s mission and core values.

Key Initiatives: 2.1 E stablish a professional development institute that prepares all faculty at all levels to understand their roles as mentors and disciple- makers, to utilize appropriate technological resources, and to effectively teach from a biblical worldview.

2.2 Ensure that all new employees are properly oriented and understand the general and specific requirements of working at LCA.

2.3 D evelop a comprehensive evaluation program for all faculty/ staff that measures how well employees are embodying and embracing the school’s mission and core values.

2.4 Develop a recruiting plan that will give the school a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining missionappropriate personnel.

Goal 2

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Expanded benefits to all full-time employees, including expansion of health insurance coverage from 80% to 100%, reimbursement for unused Paid Time Off, and increased school’s contribution to individual employees’ retirement fund from 2% to 5%.

2. I ncreased teacher pay to be competitive with area public schools.

3. A ppointed two Biblical Worldview Coordinators to provide leadership in worldview training of faculty and staff.

4. Developed a comprehensive professional evaluation system for faculty that measures how well they are embracing and embodying the school’s mission and core values.

5. Moved to a full-day in-service model to ensure proper time is spent with faculty and staff to focus on spiritual and professional development.

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Goal 3

CURRICULUM AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT Legacy Christian Academy will design curriculum and offer programs that develop the 21st century skills of character, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students will be challenged to go deeper in their learning by truly mastering content and applying new information to real-world situations.

Emphasis will be on student engagement and reflection, thereby building a sense of ownership and purpose for learning.

Key Initiatives: 3.1 D evelop a philosophy of and policies for student assessment and reporting that align with the school’s mission and core values.

3.2 Research and develop curricular and enrichment programs that meet the differentiated needs of our students and that empower them to realize their God-given potential.

3.3 D evelop a life-skills curriculum that equips students with effective study skills and prepares them to be good stewards of their time and money.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Soaring Higher

Goal 3

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Hired the school’s first Chief Academic Officer to provide academic leadership and oversee curriculum development and student and family services.

2. F ormalized a LEAD LEGACY program to intentionally train and provide opportunities for students to lead and develop skills in the Upper School.

3. D eveloped the Professional Schools Program (PSP) that matches each Upper School students’ unique gifts and special interests with a curriculum track.

4. Provided over 150 internship opportunities for senior students with area community partners.

5. Implemented professional skills certification program for students in over 20 nationally recognized career pathways.

6. Launched the Spanish Immersion Program for Early Ed and Lower School students.

7. Developed the school’s first gifted and talented program, Advanced Academic Resources for Knowledge (AARK), for grades 1-4.

8. Hired curriculum specialists for each division.

9. Expanded athletic administration to include directors of both Middle School and Upper School, Sports Information, and a senior director to coordinate all activities.

10. Added boys and girls varsity soccer.

11. Added a sporting clays team.

12. Provided 1:1 technology for all classrooms in grades Pre-K–8.

13. Expanded number of Bible and elective classes in the Upper School.

14. Adopted a comprehensive reading and literacy assessment for developing readers.

15. Adopted ASPIRE testing for grades 3-8, a norm-referenced test aligned to college-readiness benchmarks established by the ACT.

16. Replaced letter grades with mastery skill assessment of students in Lower School.

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Goal 3

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 17. Developed an overall Scope and Sequence for all subjects in grades Pre-K-12.

18. Expanded Honors level classes to include grades 6-8.

19. Reviewed and Updated MS Curriculum Resources for math, science, history, Bible and Spanish.

20. Created the Student Services Department to unify and maximize the impact of our ability to know, love, and prepare students across all grade-levels. This department encompasses college advising, social-emotional counseling, curriculum development, academic testing, library services, health services, and the Legacy Learning Center.

21. Added licensed Guidance Counselors within each division to ensure we are equipped to meet students’ social, and emotional, and mental health needs.

22. Expanded our Legacy Learning Center (LLC) to provide diagnosed neurodiverse learners with a supportive environment that will maximize their God-given potential and equip them to succeed in college and beyond.

23. Hired LCA’s first Certified Academic Language Therapist who is licensed to provide Take Flight dyslexia therapy on campus for lower school and middle school students.

24. Designed and implemented LCAYou, a life-skills curriculum designed to foster social, emotional, and spiritual growth among middle and upper school students.

25. Appointed an anti-bullying task force to revise bullying policy and institute a process for investigating and adjudicating alleged bullying incidents.

26. Hired a second nurse to ensure we can offer personalized health services where students are known and loved on both campuses daily all-day, every-day. Additionally, we hired a parttime COVID Case Manager to manage all COVID-19 diagnoses, communications, and help ensure all approved health and safety protocols are properly carried out.

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“Together, we can build a school that reflects the glory of God and serves as an educational lighthouse for our community, our nation, and our world.”

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Soaring Higher

Goal 4

CAMPUS AND FACILITIES Legacy Christian Academy’s campus and facilities will provide a safe and warm learning environment reflecting the excellence of our Christ-centered teaching and programs, ensuring the highest standards of performance and competition, while anticipating future facility needs driven by enrollment and programmatic goals.

Key Initiatives: 4.1 R e-affirm current enrollment capacities given existing facilities, daily scheduling needs, and active programs.

4.2 C omplete a campus master plan that incorporates identified needs, giving specific attention to identified campus priorities, i.e., South Campus renovation, athletic facilities, parking, security.

4.3 E xplore future academic and programmatic plans, needs, and requests, designating alignment with mission, priority, and impact on the campus.

Goal 4

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Developed a campus master plan.

2. C reated a master list of major renovations and deferred maintenance needs.

3. I nvested over $700,000 to enhance campus security, including installation of dozens of security cameras and creation of “man traps” at each entrance.

4. Installed shatter-resistant glass in all exterior doors and entry and hallway windows.

5. Installed magnetic locks on all exterior doors and flip-locks in all classrooms.

6. Instituted photo identification badges for all employees.

7. Hired two licensed and armed security officers.

8. Remodeled second floor of South Campus building to create a space completely dedicated and unique to Middle School students.

9. Remodeled and expanded South Campus reception area.

10. Installed a new surface and tricycle track on the South Campus playground.

11. Remodeled and expanded weight room in the fieldhouse.

12. Completed the renovation of The HUB, LCA’s South Campus library, serving over 700 Lower School and Middle School students.

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“This ball and net symbolize this... We as a family make a commitment to cut down the net with you. We are with you and the entire faculty and each of us will do our part!”

John Alcala - Legacy Night 2021

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Goal 5

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Legacy Christian Academy will create and implement a comprehensive development program to address emerging and ongoing capital and programmatic needs and enhancements, establish and grow an endowment to secure the future, and build and sustain a robust Annual Fund that fosters unrestricted support of the school’s operations.

Uniting, informing, and involving parents, alumni and friends will strengthen the school through their advocacy, association, and philanthropic support – furthering the mission of our institution as we seek to further the Kingdom of God.

Key Initiatives: 5.1 C onduct a comprehensive advancement assessment that will provide a blueprint for building the most effective development office possible.

5.2 E stablish programs that cultivate and enhance a strong culture of philanthropy.

5.3 E mbark on an initiative to build an endowment fund that will secure the financial future of the school.

LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Soaring Higher

Goal 5

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Established the school’s first Annual Fund, which has raised approximately $4.4 million to support and enhance the people, programs, and facilities of Legacy.

2. H ired the school’s first Chief Advancement Officer to provide leadership in fundraising and oversee admissions, marketing, and communications.

3. C reated the school’s Advancement Department to unify and coordinate the work of development, admissions, alumni, and marketing/communications.

4. Created the Parent Alumni Club, an LCA Alumni Association, and a formal Grandparents program.

5. Formally relaunched the LCA Booster Club to strategically engage athletic donors in their areas of interest.

6. Published semi-annual school magazine, Impact, to highlight special people, programs, events, and accomplishments of the school.

7. Organized Legacy Night, an annual celebration of the Legacy community.

8. Introduced an online Spirit Shop managed by the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) to provide LCA families with branded merchandise.

9. Adopted updated Gift Policies to properly accept, acknowledge, and steward philanthropy.

10. Created a digital admissions office with integrated strategic marketing plans to thoughtfully engage prospective families, including Early Eagles and Future Eagles programs, virtual tours, and online information sessions.

11. Introduced a schoolwide App to provide mobile-friendly information.

12. Introduced community-wide virtual Town Hall meetings on a regular basis to share news and updates in a dynamic format.

13. Instituted Continuous Enrollment Agreement to streamline the re-enrollment process.

14. Established detailed New Family Onboarding plans including the Thrive Guide and New Family Breakfasts to thoughtfully engage all new families.

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The South Campus library has become “The HUB” of reading and discovery for all Lower and Middle School students. The modernized, enlarged, and enhanced library re-opened in December 2021, The HUB now holds more than 15,000 books, and features additional STEM capabilities.

GOVERNANCE & STATEGIC PLANNING 1. Rewrote the school’s bylaws to institute term limits, expand board membership, and establish committee structure.

2. C reated Governance Committee to oversee the identification, recruitment and cultivation of future board members.

3. E stablished Development Committee to oversee the school’s fundraising efforts.

4. E stablished Education Committee to ensure all curriculum and program initiatives are in alignment with the school’s mission and core values.

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BUSINESS & FINANCIAL STABILITY 1. Hired the school’s first Chief Finance and Operations Officer to provide leadership in budget management and oversee the administrative and operational functions of the school.

2. R efinanced the school’s long-term debt to a 25 year note, reducing annual debt service by $800k in 20-21 and over $600k annually in future years.

3. C reated a 5-Year Strategic Financial Model to be used as a financial decision-making tool to carry out initiatives related to the school’s master strategic plan.

4. E liminated individual athletic and fine arts fees by rolling all required fees into tuition.

5. C onverted the financial records to a robust accounting system (Sage Intacct).

6. B egan annual audits of the school’s financial records to meet accreditation requirements

7. A dopted a Financial Policies & Procedures Manual.

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AWARDS & ACCOLADES We are truly grateful by the many blessings God has bestowed upon us in recent years as we endeavor for LCA to be the school of choice for Christian families in North Texas, and we are humbled by the awards and accolades received in recognition of our efforts: •

Earned Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Award for Scholastic Excellence for Lower and Upper Schools.

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Granted accreditation in the Southern Association of Independent Schools.

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Earned recertification as Member of Council in the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA).

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Won a 2020 Silver InspirED School Marketers Brilliance Award for our annual report in the only international competition that exclusively recognizes excellence in private and independent school marketing and communications.

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Soaring Higher

SOARING HIGHER:

Planning COMMITTEES Advancement

Faculty/Staff Development

Curriculum and Programs

Chair: Tom Stockton Mike Barber Brett Bingham Brad Brenneman Deanna Carpenter Ingrid Healy Tuan Le Gene Potts

Chair: George Crumley

Chair: Patrick Droesch Leslie Bales Jami Bicknell Doug Branch Kim Butler George Crumley Lisa Embry Chris Keyes Tiffany McCollum Kerri Rhodes Daniel Townsley

Karin Proctor

Student Development Chair: Dorothy Smith Megan Hanna Celeste Cordon Heather Davis Andrew Embry Glenn Dibley Lisa Liberis Toni Margolis Joey Roach Scott Smith Lana Snear Jena Snyder Rob Wechsler

Rob Armstrong Andrea Brown Erin Clayton Robert Copple Cheryl Guthmann Becky Lockwood Kevin Mosley Daniel Townsley

Campus Development Chair: Joe Widner

Current Parent Focus Group

Brett Bingham

Mike Barber Andrea Brown Erin Clayton Heather Davis Robb Early Lisa Huchinson Tuan Le Toni Margolis Brian Proctor Brad Struck Joe Widner Jacob Yohannan

Jonathan Booth Brad Brenneman Glenn Dibley Lynn Dupree Bill Dyer Adam Housley Cole Johnson Kevin Mosley Jorge Uribe Trey Williford

Legacy Christian Academy 5000 Academy Drive Frisco, Texas 75034

www.legacyca.com