Strategic Plan

Introduction

Successful schools look ahead for possibilities and opportunities, either to maintain or expand current programs and facilities. Throughout the 2005-2006 school year, the administration, faculty, Board of Trustees, and groups of students, parents and alumni worked on the development of a six-year strategic plan. In following the values outlined by our mission statement, the Board evaluated Mount de Sales’ programs, finances and facilities while assessing the challenges that lay ahead. Together the above constituencies created a road map for MDS that would ensure a strong and vital future. The plan proposes new and innovating educational programs as well as strong, comprehensive fundraising.
This plan assumes that MDS will remain a co-educational school, grades 6-12.

Mission Statement

Mount de Sales Academy is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. Dedicated to the spiritual and intellectual growth of each student, the Academy is committed to educating young men and women of all cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds. Mount de Sales provides an environment devoted to academic excellence, service to the community, global awareness, and life-long learning to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Strategic Plan Topics

The Strategic Plan covered the following 6 areas of school life:

  • Community Outreach
  • Curriculum & Technology
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Buildings & Grounds
  • Development
  • Governance

Parent Survey

In February 2006, parents were asked to participate in an on-line survey which addressed their ideas concerning the future of Mount de Sales. The following six areas were ranked as most important (according to parent votes):

  • Academic Programs
  • Teacher Salaries
  • Professional Development
  • Tuition Aid for Students
  • Technology
  • Academic Facilities

Conclusion

This strategic plan is a document that will continue to be updated as the needs of the school change, but it will provide a framework for maintaining the tradition of excellence for which Mount de Sales has always been known. It lays the basis for major decisions that will need to be made as MDS grows and flourishes while maintaining its mission of being an institution devoted to academic excellence, service to the community, global awareness, and life-long learning to meet the challenges of the 21st century.