NPES Strategic Plan Impact Report 2026

STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT REPORT Spring 2026

BUILDING A MORE ROBUST, DIVERSE & SUSTAINABLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

NOT BIGGER, BETTER Dear NPES Community Member, We are pleased to share this Impact Report on the implementation of NPES' first strategic plan, developed during the 2022-23 school year with input from hundreds of community members — faculty/staff, administrators, trustees, alumni, and current and past parents. Together, we spent three-plus years bringing the plan's vision to fruition.

The guiding principle was not how our school might get bigger, but how the overall NPES experience could be better. As a community we discovered and embraced our identity as a small school with a big impact — clarifying who we are as an independent school, what we believe, and why it matters. The results speak for themselves.

Among the highlights, we: Strengthened our identity as an independent school through an updated mission statement, guiding Core Educational Beliefs, our first Portrait of a Graduate, and Signature Threads that distinguish and differentiate the NPES program Launched the school's first need-based financial aid program, expanding access and opportunity for qualified students Articulated and implemented a vision for learning beyond our walls, integrating middle school educational travel along with service learning and real-world problem solving directly into coursework at all grade levels Invested deeply in our people — adopting a Board-approved compensation philosophy, hiring policy, and prioritizing faculty and staff wellness in ways this school has not done before Expanded student programming to include many school holidays and the summer Grew interscholastic athletics from the ground up, sustaining our successful basketball program and adding new cross country, track, and volleyball programs None of this happens without the extraordinary work of our leadership team, faculty, and trustees — past and present — who went well beyond the quotidian demands of running a successful independent school. We are equally grateful for the engagement and generosity of our parent community. We never take your trust for granted.

We invite you to join us in considering the indelible impact the plan has had on NPES. Gratefully, Ravi Kalhan (Chair) and Lauren Rocklin (Vice-Chair) on behalf of the Board of Trustees John Novick, Jr, Head of School

THE THENPES NPESMISSION MISSION North Park Elementary School is an independent school serving students in grades preschool through 8th grade located in Chicago's North CenterRavenswood neighborhood. Our students grow in the context of a positive, authentic, and committed independent school community of educators who know and appreciate them, peers who care for and support them, and parents and caregivers who engage meaningfully in our community.

NPES is a small school with a big impact. We educate students in our inclusive and engaging school culture, affirming, challenging, and supporting each child as they achieve their full potential as reflective learners and involved, empathetic members of their communities.

COREEDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS CORE BELIEFS Students flourish when they are engaged and energized by their school and teachers All children deserve to feel safe bringing their authentic selves to their teachers and peers, knowing they belong Students learn in impactful and enduring ways when their academic studies are inquiry-based, collaborative, innovative, challenging, and fun Human beings develop a richer understanding across fields of study when they seek out and learn from multiple and diverse perspectives Students achieve success in high school and beyond when they develop flexible and creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills Children develop cognitive, social-emotional, and life-skills–with an appreciation for the power of the human imagination–through the study of the arts, world languages and cultures, innovation, and physical education Students are positioned to fulfill their potential when educators and parents work together to prioritize the social-emotional strength of the child, including a positive self-concept, processing and expressing their feelings in healthy ways, flexible thinking, resilience for struggle, self-care, and social conflict resolution skills.

All learners benefit from neurodiverse classrooms, since considering unique points of view and interacting with a variety of thinking styles are expansive for everyone Students grow curiosity, cultural literacy, empathy, and agency in new ways through purposeful off-campus educational experiences that engender new perspectives Children thrive in their quest to develop their best selves when they seek to help their communities become more inclusive and just

PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE

SIGNATURE THREADS CORE EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS While not the sum of our program, these Signature Threads are distinctive to an NPES education: Learning Beyond our Walls The world is our classroom. NPES students venture beyond our walls to learn f rom their neighborhoods, the city of Chicago, and world - not as f ield trips, but as integrated aspects of our core curriculum. Our inquiry-based approach connects students directly to the communities around them. They don't just read about civic engagement—they practice it, identifying real issues and learning how they can contribute through Service Learning, Neighborhood Explorations, Field Studies, and our student travel program.

Communication and Leadership Every child has something important to say and contribute. We help students f ind their voices to share and lead with conf idence. They learn to reflect deeply and communicate clearly through writing, speaking, and the arts. Our participatory model gives students regular opportunities to share their learning with peers, teachers, and families, building enduring communication skills. Students write, collaborate, present, and perform often. They help hire new teachers, mentor younger students, plan and host events, and create programs, developing leadership skills.

Innovating with Purpose The problems of tomorrow need creative and empathetic thinkers today.

Our students approach real-world challenges with a mindset of innovators and problem solvers. Design thinking is woven across our curriculum.

Students identify problems, prototype solutions, test ideas, and ref ine their thinking. Our Innovation Lab gives students the resources to experiment, independently and collaboratively. Art, drama, and music are essential spaces for creative expression and innovative thinking, as are NPES’s middle school design thinking classes.

Plan Objectives

Accomplishments

ELEVATE OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Curriculum and pedagogy aligned with mission and values

Updated mission statement, new Core Educational Beliefs, and first Portrait of a Graduate New K-5 literacy curriculum with flexible groups and more personalized skills instruction in reading and writing New 7th-8th math program with accelerated and differentiated instruction and a 12:1 student-teacher ratio Updated library curriculum with contemporary research methods, digital literacy, and communications skills

Well-defined and effective signature programs that are key differentiators

Signature Threads distinguishing NPES program spearheaded by staff and Educational Excellence Committee Tripled size of Innovation Lab and added middle school design-thinking and real-world problem-solving classes Drama and Library classes for Early Childhood students New Service Learning class for 7th and 8th grades 6th grade SEED class (Seeking Empathy, Embracing Diversity)

Expanded travel program and integrated travel into curriculum and middle school tuition Middle School Neighborhood Explorations using Chicago's diverse communities as classrooms New 3rd–8th grade choral program with dedicated instructor

All learners engaged, challenged, and supported

Created Learning Services Department with neurodivergent learning experts supporting students across the school Hired NPES’s first School Counselor to teach social-emotional learning and well-being to all students school wide Added Early Childhood Aide for youngest learners with a 7:1 student:teacher ratio in our preschool classroom Replaced Middle School Study Hall with Student Resource Time with advisors Added multi-faceted entrance exam test-prep to high school placement program A

A robust and mission-aligned extracurricular student experience

Added interscholastic cross country, track, and volleyball New Athletic Director role to manage interscholastic athletics and Auxiliary Programs Manager now manages all clubs

PRIDE Alliance & Art Club added during middle school lunch

Plan Objectives

Accomplishments

EMPOWER OUR EDUCATORS A workplace environment and infrastructure that empower faculty & staff

New Assistant Head of School role to strengthen organizational model for support and growth New Learning Services Department to help faculty challenge and support all students at their growth edge Updated organization chart for better clarity in roles, teams, evaluation, and reporting Supported work-life balance by limiting off-hours communication and providing more flexible PTO Expanded social gatherings, team-building events, and expressions of gratitude for employees New annual survey for faculty/staff to provide feedback to administrators and managers New collaborative annual evaluation processes with an emphasis on support and growth Adopted Board-approved compensation philosophy and bench-marked salaries against LMAIS schools of similar size Created option to cashout unused PTO; increased retirement match; added more flexible bereavement leave Maintained 50% tuition remission and added 50% remission on international travel for children of employees Free participation in summer programs for NPES students whose parents work in the program Sustained $2,500 annual graduate degree contribution and added $5,000 salary increase upon degree completion

Professional development opportunities that are meaningful and aligned with growth goals

Largest investment in professional development in school history LEAPP enrichment grant program (Leaders Exploring a Professional Passion) launched for faculty, managers & admin Expanded paid leadership opportunities for faculty to 20+ Supported employees presenting, volunteering & leading at LMAIS, ISACS, NAIS, and other educational organizations All new employees complete a SEED seminar early in their tenure; two earned national SEED facilitator certification

A more diverse and culturally knowledgeable community of employees

Board-approved hiring policy for mission-aligned educators with a transparent, inclusive, and equitable search process Diversified teaching faculty from 0% people of color in 2021 to 23.5% in 2026 Diversity Action Team a faculty-led department designing student educational experiences, i.e. Mariachi, Lunar New Year

Plan Objectives

Accomplishments

CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY Families have meaningful and inclusive opportunities to connect

Re-envisioned the Association as a Parents' Association with a steering committee who set the agenda with admin support

We connect with communities within and beyond our school

Nurtured cultural celebrations with parents and staff, i.e.

Diwali, Holi, Dia de las Muertos, and Lunar New Year

Supported new parent groups like Cultural Celebrations, Neurodivergence, and Service Learning Diversified student body from 12% students of color in 2022 to 33% in 2026

Adopted Board DEI statement, published Gender Support Plan, launched Middle School PRIDE Alliance Initiated a program of multicultural performances and allschool assemblies to affirm belonging across identities Created Friday Fikas, monthly informal parent gatherings with the Head of School to increase access and transparency Designated administrative liaisons for each parent group/club Hosted guest speakers for parents on neurodivergence, the digital lives of children, and other topics of interest Included parent perspectives on personal device policy, new AI policy, and on new programs in pilot phase Developed community partners, sponsorships, and give-back days connecting NPES with area businesses Launched NPES’s Social Justice Film Series Strengthened relationships with service learning and Neighborhood Explorations partners More engaged in local Chambers of Commerce, the 44th Ward Alder’s office, and the Executives Club of Chicago

Strong, diverse Board dedicated to stewardship and governance

Diversified Board of Trustees from 8% people of color (2021) to 29% (2025) Updated charters for all Board committees and assigned annual projects for strategic focus Increased Board visibility — meet-and-greet gatherings, PA and faculty meetings, more on-campus committee meetings Created Educational Excellence Committee of the Board for championing pedagogy and oversight of mission congruence Developed new annual Head of School evaluation process conducted by the Board Board-led challenge grants to the NPES Fund to inspire charitable giving to sustain our small school with a big impact

Plan Objectives

Accomplishments

AMPLIFY OUR VISION Core mission and values reflect key differentiators for NPES

Updated Mission Statement for clarity and alignment with NPES’s pedagogy and values School’s first statement of Core Educational Beliefs to guide teaching and learning and strengthen evaluation and hiring First Portrait of a Graduate to idenfity all-school priorities for skill development, clear outcomes, and NPES’s ROI Identified Signature Threads distinguishing our student experience from other schools

Branding and marketing advance our reputation and public profile

Revamped school website to reflect new guiding documents and programs, with a new host server and SEO optimization Updated NPES’s brand guidelines and all marketing and admissions collateral with Small School, Big Impact in mind Strategic marketing vision: clear geographical radius, focus on early grades, expand community connections Personalized flexible admissions engagement, with more private tours, tailored coffees, and longer interviews Head of School evaluation by Board now includes efforts to tell NPES’s story to broader community Staff hired to represent NPES at Lincoln Square and other local festivals children attend Numerous employees represent NPES as leaders in local, regional, and national educational organizations Launched Currents, an educational journal featuring articles by our faculty & staff

Plan Objectives

Accomplishments

ADVANCE OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH Financial aid program increases accessibility to NPES

Launched first need-based financial aid program, expanding access and opportunity and generating additional revenue

Revenue streams include robust tuition and nontuition sources

New Days-Off and Sleepunder Saturdays programs during the school year, mission-aligned and revenue-generating

Culture of philanthropy and fundraising to meet and advance priorities

Grew charitable giving with year-on-year increases recorded for the NPES Fund, Gala, Fin Run, and other events

New summer programs in July and August, including Summer Shark Zone, Middle School Summer Series, and Shark Week

New capacity flexibility, i.e. 25 students in a class for siblings or children of staff and preschool increased to 22 students

Development initiatives like Give-Back Days, Fin Run sponsorships, and support levels for local community partners Expanded Annual Report to document donor impact and program highlights with giving categories Recognition of a major donor at the Gala, expanding the Gala’s purpose and providing a platform for future recognitions Launched alumni webpage, newsletter, committee, and an annual alumni award; hosted successful reunion and golf outing Phased out MS Associate Teacher, In-House Substitute, and parttime bookeeping roles while adding new staff in key areas

Growth and capital investments build reserves

Developed a ten-year budget projection model in the Finance Committee to aid in long-term planning Adopted Board-approved reserve policy and achieved industry standard six-month cash reserve

Plan Objectives

Accomplishments

FACILITIES & OPERATIONS IMPROVEMENTS Maximize impact of Post–Project North Park physical plant

Acquired and renovated 2015 W Montrose (the Annex) as a drama/choral classroom, board room, offices, and storage Constructed new Innovation Lab 3x the size of the old one with room for an entire class to engage in design thinking Reimagined and outfitted the Library with contemporary flexible furnishings for multiple age groups and uses Created staff quiet room, provider room, green room studio, K-2 learning support office, new play lot gross-motor area

Ensure operational staffing and systems meet current needs

Strengthened security systems with panic button, new doors, bullet-resistant glass, blackout blinds, interior-locking rooms Added full-time Building & Grounds Specialist serving as facilities engineer, event support, and day-time porter Added part-time Database/Systems Assistant to meet increased operational technology needs Added part-time After School Front Desk Associate to support work of Office Manager and Auxiliary Programs Manager Re-envisioned organization chart with clearer team and reporting structures and more distributed leadership Implemented and sustained annual evaluation processes for all employees Consolidated management of all student programs that are not academic or athletic into Auxiliary Programs Manager role Consolidated management of all interscholastic athletic programs into new part-time Athletic Director role

2017 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 www.npeschool.org