Our Strategic Plan

Elevate foundational and signature programs (academics, athletics, arts) while preparing students for success in college and beyond

Saint Stephen’s is proud of its tradition of excellence. As a PK3-Grade 12 school, we know that the roots of our students’ achievements are planted at a young age. But the world is changing, and we recognize that we must evolve our programs to prepare students for future leadership. Central to this vision is empowering students to develop fully their interests, talents, and character through outstanding foundational and signature programs.

• 01Further invest in foundational programming: Strengthen programs by enhancing math support, expanding applied learning (K-8), and advancing literacy and critical thinking through enriched programming, diagnostics, and project-based opportunities.
• 02Enhance our approach to assessment, feedback, and skill development: Refine our evaluation methods and build a cross-grade view of skill development to inform curriculum and scheduling improvements.
• 03Leverage the Pullen Center and our connection with community partners: Create a “center of excellence” in science, computer science, arts, develop after-school STEAM programs, and grow our Falcons robotics team. Partner with local organizations to elevate the prominence of the arts at SSES.
• 04Bring the “Falcon’s Journey” to life: Expand STEAM and advanced offerings, launch a graduation distinction program, and reimagine summer learning to deepen academic, athletic, and artistic engagement.
• 05Usher in a New Era of Artistic and Athletic Excellence: Reinvest in our artistic and athletics programs and facilities, and make retention of outstanding artists and coaches a major focus. Identify programs that can achieve particular success while supporting all areas of SSES arts and athletics.
• 06Articulate a Holistic, 4-Year Program for Course Selection, College Placement, and Beyond: Build strategic partnerships with colleges, refine test preparation and scheduling, and support college programming throughout the school while using the “Falcon’s Flightpath” framework to position students and inform families.

Attract, develop, and retain outstanding students, faculty, and staff who live out our promise…and provide them the resources to do so.

Saint Stephen’s was built on the shoulders of great people. Our founders had a vision to create an outstanding independent school in Bradenton…and they succeeded. Mr. John Howard and Dr. Jan Pullen dreamed of a world-class campus, and they built one. But what has truly defined SSES is its outstanding students, generous and committed families, and tireless staff members. In short, great people are the lifeblood of the school. Attracting and retaining them is our most important priority and the foremost sign of respect for jobs well done.

• 01Create a comprehensive enrollment roadmap: Attract and support mission-aligned students, expand scholarship access, strengthen ambassador training, and improve onboarding and retention programs.
• 02Recruit and retain outstanding faculty and staff: Conduct a compensation and benefit review to align employee compensation, expand professional development, and identify “quality of life” improvements to strengthen SSES as a destination for faculty and staff.
• 03Enhance school-wide resources: Continue to grow the annual fund, gala, planned giving, and auxiliary revenue to provide additional resources for student programs and employee compensation. Broaden alumni outreach for fundraising, networking, and student programs (internships, mentors, etc.).

Deepen our commitment to spirituality and wellness, strengthen our connections across the school, and expand our involvement in the broader Bradenton area

Saint Stephen’s is successful when it creates and sustains a “Culture of Kindness” where students and adults are truly known and valued. During a period when it has never been more difficult to be an adolescent, we must continue to build our programming to help students – and families – navigate these challenges and provide foundational grounding in faith and wellness.

• 01Embrace our Episcopal identity: Honor diverse faiths while strengthening and making more visible our Episcopal identity, expanding world religion programs, and enhancing spaces for spiritual growth.
• 02Think locally and globally: Maintain global programs and intercultural learning, align the IQ program with institutional goals, and expand service opportunities across all divisions.
• 03Deepen family and community connections: Strengthen community connections by increasing family engagement and building local partnerships to position Saint Stephen’s as a key community partner.
• 04Enhance programming for student wellness: Establish a leadership role for student affairs and strengthen counseling support, using a “mattering” framework to guide wellness programming and student engagement.
• 05Continue to care for our campus: Implement facility audit recommendations, prioritize community-building projects, and improve operational efficiency while strengthening financial reserves.