A Shared Vision
for the Future

VCS is proudly a PreK–8 school with a pedagogy that is intentionally designed for motivated and capable learners and is grounded in research that supports cognitive development, academic achievement, social-emotional well-being, and independence.

Scroll to learn more

Through this Strategic Plan, we aim to:

  • Strengthen and expand our Academic Program—including the thoughtful integration of a Pre-Kindergarten program.
  • Invest in Faculty and Staff Development.
  • Foster greater Community Engagement and partnership.
  • Support sustainable Admissions and Enrollment growth and retention.
  • And uphold strong Governance and financial stewardship.

While each component of our plan focuses on different elements of school life, they are united by one overarching goal: to enhance the educational experience of every VCS student.

Select category to learn more

01.

Academics

“We are committed to a rigorous academic program—one that nurtures students as critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, intellectual risk takers, empathic community members, and confident self-advocates.”— The VCS Strategic Plan

VCS is continually evolving its academic program to provide students with a challenging, joyful, and connected experience from their earliest years through 8th Grade. Our strategic plan focuses on strengthening the coherence of the program across divisions, deepening opportunities for exploration and engagement, and thoughtfully expanding the VCS experience. Key areas of focus include developing a PreK program that will create a ten-year VCS journey, exploring the introduction of World Language in early elementary, expanding opportunities for hands-on and experiential learning, and investing in the faculty structures and resources that support strong teaching and learning. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to a dynamic academic program that responds to the needs of today’s learners while remaining grounded in the values and mission that have defined VCS for more than five decades.

To strengthen our academic program in support of our mission, we aim to:

Continue evolving a rigorous, engaging, and developmentally responsive program, including the launch of Pre-Kindergarten in 2027–2028, strengthened curriculum alignment, expanded experiential learning, and thoughtful exploration of new opportunities across the academic program.

02.

Faculty & Staff

“We strive to live the school’s mission of ours being ‘...a community where people care for and respect one another.’”— The VCS Strategic Plan

Our faculty and staff are at the heart of the VCS experience. As we look to the future, we are investing in the people, structures, and professional culture that enable our adults to thrive and, in turn, create the conditions for our students to thrive. Our strategic plan focuses on attracting and retaining exceptional faculty and staff, supporting meaningful professional growth and leadership opportunities, and strengthening the systems and structures that foster collaboration, connection, and belonging. By investing in our people, we strengthen the capacity of our entire school community and honor the care, respect, and shared responsibility at the heart of the VCS mission.

To support all teaching and non-teaching staff, we will:

Attract and retain exceptional faculty and staff by investing in professional growth, meaningful leadership opportunities, competitive compensation, and a supportive professional culture.

03.

Community Engagement

“Community is more than just our middle name—it is the foundation of everything we do.”— The VCS Strategic Plan

Community is at the heart of the VCS experience. We are investing in the relationships, traditions, and opportunities that bring students, families, faculty and staff, and alumni together across the life of the school. Our vision for community engagement is rooted in partnership and participation. We want every member of the VCS community to have meaningful opportunities to connect, contribute, and shape the life of the school through family gatherings and school traditions, service, student leadership, and alumni engagement. We seek to strengthen the ways we communicate and engage with families and alumni so that connection to VCS extends beyond the classroom and, ultimately, beyond graduation.

To continue building a strong, connected, and joyful community, we will:

Strengthen the relationships, traditions, and opportunities that connect students, families, faculty and staff, and alumni, creating meaningful ways for every member of the VCS community to participate, contribute, and belong.

04.

Admissions & Enrollment

“We approach enrollment and retention with the same values that define our classrooms: intentionality, inclusion, and a deep understanding of child development.”— The VCS Strategic Plan

Admissions and enrollment are central to building the VCS community we envision for the future. Our strategic plan calls us to strengthen how we tell the VCS story, broaden our reach, and deepen connections with prospective families who are aligned with our mission and eager to contribute to our community. We are continuing to refine our admissions practices, messaging, and outreach while paying close attention to the experiences of families throughout their VCS journey, from their first encounter with the school through enrollment and re-enrollment. We seek to build a community that reflects the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and identities that strengthen learning and belonging at VCS. Our graduates are among our strongest ambassadors. Their curiosity, confidence, compassion, and capacity to contribute offer prospective families a meaningful window into the experience we hope to provide every student. By thoughtfully shaping our enrollment and admissions practices, we are investing in the future of a vibrant, diverse, and mission-aligned VCS community.

To grow both applications and enrollment, we will:

  • Continue to refine admissions practices to promote clarity, equity, and alignment with our mission while preserving the warmth and care that define the VCS experience for every applicant family.
  • Continue to use our mission and diversity statements to attract and retain families from varied backgrounds.
  • Strengthen retention efforts by upholding a rigorous and engaging academic program, offering innovative community events that foster connection and belonging, maintaining strong and transparent communication, and staying responsive to the evolving needs of our families.
  • Elevate the VCS story through strategic communications that grow our visibility and word-of-mouth reputation.
  • Welcome more families into the VCS community through Pre-Kindergarten, establishing an earlier entry point and a 10-year educational journey from Pre-K through 8th Grade.
05.

Governance

“The Village Community School Board of Trustees seeks to demonstrate unwavering commitment to the long-term sustainability, ethical stewardship, and mission-driven governance of the school.”— The VCS Strategic Plan

Strong governance provides the foundation for VCS to pursue its mission, navigate change thoughtfully, and sustain the school for the future. Our strategic plan calls us to continue strengthening the partnership between the Board of Trustees and school leadership, with clear roles, shared understanding, and a focus on the long-term health of the school. We are committed to governance that is thoughtful, strategic, and grounded in effective stewardship. A central focus of this work is strengthening VCS’s long-term financial sustainability, including through a capital campaign that will significantly grow the school’s endowment and expand our capacity to invest in the future of VCS. Through strong governance, responsible stewardship, and a shared commitment to the mission, we are building the foundation for VCS to remain a vibrant, sustainable, and forward-looking school for generations to come.

To advance our Governance goals, we will:

  • Launch a Capital Campaign to support VCS’s strategic priorities, including the Pre-Kindergarten program, investment in faculty and programs, enhancements to learning spaces, and growth of the school’s endowment.
  • Build upon the Board’s strengthened governance structure through ongoing trustee development, self-evaluation, thoughtful succession planning, and regular review of governance practices and policies.
  • Strengthen the Board’s strategic focus and long-term planning through regular retreats and continued attention to the school’s mission, financial sustainability, and strategic priorities.