Goal 1: Institutional Flexibility
Cary Academy will create institutional flexibility to facilitate innovative and dynamic learning experiences.
- Continued work on the Master Learning Team to include a definition of personalized learning and professional development in alternative assessment. Offered faculty “Innovative Curriculum Grants” to spur curriculum development.
- Developed new 11th and 12th grade trimester pathways for English and world languages. As a result of curriculum review cycle, new electives offered in PE and arts. Expanded MS minors rotations.
Goal 2: Authentic Engagement
Cary Academy will foster the intellectual and cultural elasticity needed to adapt and thrive in the world.
- Continued Dialogue work, with all-school dialogue on political identity offered in the fall and employee winter dialogue on school climate and culture. Began more detailed training and rollout of advisory-based dialogues.
- Launched Center for Community Engagement and, after comprehensive review, hired new director for Equity and Community Engagement.
- Launched student-directed “Community Engagement” course focused on poverty and inequality in Raleigh; expanded work experience program for third year in a row; and launched pilot of Learning Sprint program.
- Conducted R&D for entrepreneurship programming, with new course scheduled for next year and partnership with MIT for design challenge club.
Goal 3: Strong Connections
Cary Academy will strengthen existing relationships and build new connections to embrace multiple perspectives and opportunities.
- Reached full staffing for Communications Office and updated CA Weekly and social media usage with focus on adding video storytelling; released RFP for website redesign.
- Developed admissions partnership with Parents of African American Students (PAAS) to recruit and retain students.
- Reimagined summer programming to include partnerships with NC SLI, Dream Academy, and the Daniels Center.
- Formed Triangle Debate League to connect CA debate team with students in schools without debate programs.
Goal 4: Appropriate Resources
Cary Academy will build the professional and learning environments necessary to realize our strategic vision.
- Opened Center for Math and Science and neared fundraising goal.
- Secured $50K in funding for two- and three-week summer institutes as part of community outreach.
- Developed designs and funding plans for Admin/Library and Upper School renovations.
- Created new team (LTx) to expand voice and training of mid-level leadership.
- Launched new HR system (Ultipro), completed 8-month review of student information system (Veracross) and began transition to new system (Blackbaud) for fall of 2019.
- Installed new security system, with 33 cameras and badge access of doors.
- Conducted review and update of faculty stipend system, as part compensation review process. Began review of staff merit-pay system.