Every day, we dare our students to push themselves in new directions; to hone their strengths; to nurture skills that don’t come easily. We must expect no less of ourselves as a school and as a community. We are a learning organization that strives to consistently and steadily advance our school, applying the best of current research and teaching methods to enhance student learning and development. Likewise, all aspects of our school, including our community, our facilities, and our finances, play a crucial role in the education of our children. As such, they must be fostered actively. This strategic plan will guide our actions over the next three to five years to achieve this.

The Buckley School Strategic Plan is a direct outgrowth of our 2009-2010 California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)/Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) self-study and accreditation visiting committee report; 12 months and 357 pages of intense self-reflection and external analysis that examined every aspect of the school including: our mission, philosophy and values, program, and the school’s future excellence, viability, and sustainability. The self-study involved as many voices and viewpoints as possible — those of parents, students, alumni, trustees, former trustees, parents of alumni, and every member of the faculty and staff. It was truly a collaborative process.

The Strategic Planning Committee of the Board of Trustees earlier had begun identifying school priorities. It worked with the school’s CAIS/WASC committee chairs throughout the self-study process, and the CAIS/WASC School-Wide Action Plans created the foundation of this strategic plan, which focuses on four areas:

• Buckley’s distinctive 4-Fold Plan of Education and ensuring its strength and relevance for students in the 21st century
• Leadership in the area of diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion
• Community and school culture as integral to a Buckley education
• Financial strength

With our plan captured on paper, we eagerly anticipate bringing it to life with the same energy and integrity that our students bring to bear on every aspect of the 4-Fold Plan.