Strategic Plan

Dear St. Mark’s Community,

Over the past several months, our strategic planning process has been unfolding with great energy and engagement. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has lent their time and insight to this important work. The spirit of thoughtful participation that defines St. Mark’s has been fully evident at every step. Perhaps most interesting to me is that, while there is some slight variety among the hopes regarding the future direction of the school, there is remarkable agreement on the core ideas that define St. Mark’s.

Our community survey phase was completed last month, and the results are both illuminating and inspiring. Nearly 1,400 individuals shared their perspectives—an extraordinary response that reflects genuine investment in our future. Every student participated, along with approximately 73% of employees and strong representation from parents and alumni. This broad input gives us a rich, representative foundation for the work ahead.

Closely following the survey, we launched focus groups and one-on-one interviews, which are well underway, continuing the listening process in more personal and nuanced ways. These conversations are allowing us to explore themes emerging from the survey in greater depth, hearing directly how people experience the life of the School and what they envision for its next chapter.

Across all audiences, several themes have begun to surface:

• A shared commitment to belonging and community, ensuring every student feels seen, known, and supported.

• A strong desire for academic rigor and intellectual challenge, balanced with the understanding that learning happens in many forms—through classrooms, arts, athletics, and service.

• Reflection on the value of our size, where the advantages of a close-knit environment are recognized as a defining strength.

• An enduring belief in educating the whole person—mind, body, and character—and in sustaining excellence across academics, athletics, and personal growth.

• A wish to honor our traditions while also embracing innovation and readiness for the future, ensuring St. Mark’s remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.

These insights reaffirm what we already know to be true: that the St. Mark’s experience rests on enduring values even as we adapt to a rapidly changing world.

As we move toward winter, we will transition from listening to action planning. Informed by what we’ve heard, we will soon assemble strategic task forces charged with examining key priorities and exploring ways to translate ideas into initiatives. Each task force will bring together voices from across the community to ensure a diversity of perspective and expertise.

Even if your formal participation has concluded, please stay tuned. We look forward to sharing updates and inviting continued engagement as the process unfolds. Strategic planning is not merely about setting direction—it is about reaffirming who we are and why we do this work together. The generosity of thought, care, and aspiration evident in every conversation reminds me daily of the strength of this community. Furthermore, I find your continued partnership joyful and it affirms my strong belief that our best days continue to be ahead of us! Thank you for helping shape the vision that will guide St. Mark’s into its next era of excellence.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Ivory D. Hills, Ph.D.

Head of School