Strategic Plan 2020

In late 2019 and early 2020, Porter-Gaud embarked on the development of a new strategic plan through a collaborative and transparent process that included the voices of more than 800+ members of our community including Board members, parents, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Charleston community members. Our strategic plan represents by far the most diverse, inclusive, and expansive process of community engagement ever undertaken by Porter-Gaud. The five-year plan is a forward-looking, student-centered approach guided by our mission and supported by a commitment to make the Porter-Gaud experience ever more meaningful, accessible, and distinctive.

COVID-19 caused a “pandemic pause” to our planning process, but this fall we re-established the leadership team/steering committee (link to the website) and began building action steps around the School’s future goals and objectives. 

Why Do a Strategic Plan? Strategic plans are required for our accreditation with SAIS. Our plan is a deliberate and thoughtful look at the strengths of the school, where there are opportunities for improvement, and where the school would like to be positioned in the future. Our plan also:  

• Provides a focus. This enables stakeholders to voice and agree on the same priorities and focus on the same path to improvement.

• Engages the community in feedback sessions. This insight early on helped us develop a more targeted strategic plan and build community support.

• Defines how our success is measured. 

Our Three Key Goals: To be pioneers in our approach to teaching and learning and a leader in independent education in the Southeast, we have three key strategic goals: 

• Embrace a student-centered vision of teaching and learning,

• Strengthen connections within and beyond our Porter-Gaud community, and 

• Fortify the future of Porter-Gaud.

Timeline and Keeping You Updated/Informed: Approved by the Board in October 2021, the plan lays out accountability, timing, and goals which have been compiled into an annual plan of objectives and tactics through 2022. We will provide quarterly progress reports and a public dashboard on the website and via email following each of the Board of Trustees meetings this year. These meetings are held in December, March, and May.