Strategic Plan

In April 2007, 30 members of the Japhet community -- trustees, teachers, staff, alumni, parents, and longtime friends -- met with a strategic planning facilitator and created a base for an updated strategic plan. Each year, the original team and new members meet in April to report on the status of each objective, to determine whether any objectives have become part of the school’s daily operations, and to ascertain whether a new strategy is needed for continuous improvement of the school.

The following outlines the Japhet School Strategic Plan. It begins with Japhet's mission statement and 10 philosophy points (see Mission/Philosophy), followed by parameters, objectives, and strategies.

Parameters -- Absolutes about Japhet School

We will never limit children.

We will always believe in the inherent good of all.

We will always teach and model peaceful conflict resolution.

We will never tolerate discrimination or disrespect.

We will always comply with laws.

We will always have the highest expectation for every learner.

We will always foster an environment in which the entire school community is safe and respected.

We will always be committed to character education, academics, and leadership.

We will always nurture the parent-teacher-student relationship.

Objectives -- What Japhet School will accomplish

Objective #1 --With the goal of full enrollment, we will reach enrollment of 80 students (full-time equivalencies) by 2012.

Objective #2 -- By 2012, Japhet School will have an endowment of $800,000.

Objective #3 -- We will maintain and document a full curriculum that is consistent with best-practice standards. Documentation will be complete by September 2011.

Strategies -- How Japhet School will fulfill its objectives

Strategy #1 -- Student Retention: We will analyze student retention.

Strategy #2 -- Scholarship Funds: We will raise additional scholarship funds.

Strategy #3 -- Diversification: We will celebrate the diversity in our school and purposefully work to increase diversity on all levels.

Strategy #4 -- Relocation: We will explore the benefits and feasibility of relocation and their impact on enrollment.

Strategy #5 -- Compensation: We will review compensation packages, including a competitive analysis, and create a salary scale that is as competitive as the budget permits.

Strategy #6 -- Best Practices: In committee form, we will review current curriculums, study applicable best practices, and document the curriculum for Math and Science by September 2008,  Language Arts and Social Studies by September 2010, and Specialists' Subjects by September 2011.

Strategy #7 -- Technology: We will integrate technology into the curriculum to maximize student proficiency and operational efficiency.