About

Strategic Plan

2026 through 2029Our Roadmap for Faith, Academics, and Community

In 2026, the School of St. Mary approved its 2026-29 Strategic Plan, following a year of thoughtful prayer, planning, and collaboration with families, staff, and parish leadership led by the School Advisory Council. The Strategic Plan goals and priority actions were developed with one aspiration in mind: that the School of St. Mary will be a premier Catholic school in the Archdiocese, recognized for excellence in faith, academics, and community.


Mission
The School of St. Mary nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional growth of every child. We inspire academic excellence and guide students to live with faith, purpose, integrity, and respect for others — now and throughout their lives.

Vision
Rooted in faith, the School of St. Mary delivers an exceptional Catholic education that empowers students to develop their God-given talents and reach their fullest potential.

Values
We learn with purpose, serve with joy, and lead with integrity.

Our plan grows from who we are. We learn with purpose, serve with joy, and lead with integrity — the values that carry our motto, To Learn, To Serve, To Lead, into daily life. 

Five Goals

    • Cross held between two open hands.

#1 Catholic Identity and Faith Formation

Form hearts and minds in the spirit of Mary to follow Jesus with faith, wisdom, and compassion, by supporting a community that is activated by Gospel values, enlivened by meaningful experiences of Catholic faith and tradition, and committed to servant leadership.
    • A handshake beneath three stars.

#2 Whole Child Academic Excellence and Social-Emotional Wellness

Offer a top-tier Catholic education and positive learning environment by thoughtfully designing a rigorous and proactive approach that celebrates the diverse needs of students.
    • A dollar coin above a rising bar chart.

#3 Financial Management and Growth

Ensure financial stability by focusing on growing enrollment, inspiring philanthropy, and managing fiscal responsibility.
    • A megaphone.

#4 Marketing and Enrollment

Grow school enrollment by fostering strong connections with the community and positioning our school as a desired destination for students, families, and educators.
    • A school building with a gear and a security shield.

#5 Safety and Facilities

Continually update and maintain world-class safety and security measures across the Primary Grade Center and Upper Grade Center campuses, prioritizing the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, while also fostering a culture of innovation that supports faith-based education goals.

Read the Complete Strategic Plan

For the full details behind each goal, including our priority actions, download the complete School of St. Mary Strategic Plan.

"In three years, the School of St. Mary will…"

List of 4 items.

  • Engaging Students & Families

    Engage students and families in a shared journey of lifelong faith formation.
  • Exceeding Testing Goals

    Consistently exceed standardized test goals.
  • Committed to Education

    Retain talented, satisfied staff committed to Catholic education.
  • Supporting Our Students

    Support more than 500 students.

List of 3 items.

  • School Endowment Fund

    Manage a dedicated School Endowment Fund of at least $30 million.
  • Maintaining World-Class Facilities

    Maintain world-class facilities that foster a safe, innovative learning and extracurricular experience.
  • Following the Plan Together

    Follow this plan together — Pastor, Principal, leadership team, parish leaders, teachers, staff, and parent volunteers — accountable to its goals.
The School of St. Mary will be a premier Catholic school in the Archdiocese, recognized for excellence in faith, academics, and community.

A Roman Catholic School Since 1917

To Learn, To Serve, To Lead

Primary Grade Center

900 West Everett Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 283-9800

Upper Grade Center

185 East Illinois Road
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
(847) 234-0371