Strategic Plan 2026
For the sake of one child, I would have founded the society.”St. Madeleine Sophie Barat
For more than 150 years, Academy of the Sacred Heart has been guided by a mission that calls us to form young women of faith, intellect, and courage. Inspired by the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat, we remain committed to serving each generation of students while staying true to our founding values.
It is with great joy and hope that we share our 2026 Strategic Plan. This plan reflects our deep conviction that every child entrusted to our care deserves an education that nurtures her mind, forms her heart, and prepares her to lead a life of purpose and service. It stands as both a testament to our enduring legacy and a clear roadmap for where God is calling us next.
Gretchen Zibilich Kane ‘74
Head of School
Strategic Planning Process
Beginning in 2025, Academy of the Sacred Heart partnered with Scarlett Oak Consulting on a yearlong, comprehensive planning effort grounded in our Goals and Criteria. To ensure every voice helped shape our direction, trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae, and community partners engaged through extensive surveys, interviews, focus groups, and institutional research. These collective insights highlighted our greatest strengths and illuminated key opportunities for growth.
Inspired by the charism of the RSCJ and guided by the Five Goals of Sacred Heart Education, the following strategic pillars reflect the core values that define our school.
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Form Confident Global Leaders
Invest in the Stewards of Our Mission
Inspire Purposeful & Creative Learning
Secure the Sacred Heart Promise
Form Confident Global Leaders
Develop courageous young women who are prepared to thrive in an interconnected, complex, global world.
- Equip students with the life skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
- Nurture student well-being throughout their educational journey with robust social, emotional, & spiritual development.
- Instill global mindedness in our students through cultural, service, and leadership experiences.
- Prepare students to navigate and leverage AI and emerging technologies ethically.
Invest in the Stewards of Our Mission
Empower faculty, staff, and administration to excel and deliver the highest quality of our Mission.
- Continue to advance a comprehensive compensation philosophy that affirms Sacred Heart’s commitment to supporting exceptional educators through competitive pay, a strong benefits package, and flexibility.
- Empower faculty, administration and staff members to articulate and embody the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria within their roles.
Inspire Purposeful & Creative Learning
Deliver innovative pedagogical approaches that drive intellectual growth and high academic standards.
- Ensure teaching and learning methodologies are future-ready, intentionally adopting and mastering innovative pedagogical approaches.
- Strengthen the School experience to promote flexibility, curiosity, and support the well-being of students.
Secure the Sacred Heart Promise
Ensure the financial sustainability, accessibility, and efficiency of Sacred Heart.
- Fortify the long-term financial health and organizational stability of Sacred Heart.
- Broaden access to a Sacred Heart education for families who believe deeply in the School’s mission.
- Streamline and modernize operations to ensure efficiency and deliver on our mission.
PUTTING THE PLAN INTO ACTION
As implementation begins, our strategic priorities will be backed by comprehensive operational plans with clear goals and measurable outcomes. School leadership and the Board of Trustees will regularly review progress and adjust strategies as needed. This ongoing process ensures our plan remains a dynamic roadmap that advances our mission for years to come.
