STRATEGIC PLAN
Dear Long Ridge Community, We are delighted to share The Long Ridge School’s new strategic plan—a thoughtful and hopeful vision for our future. This plan grew from a process of reflection, conversation, and careful study, shaped by the voices of families, faculty and staff, alumni, and others who care deeply about Long Ridge. It reflects both the strengths that have defined our school for nearly 90 years and our shared aspirations for the years ahead. At its heart is our unwavering belief that how a child learns matters as much as what they learn. The priorities outlined here will guide us as we continue to provide an exceptional educational experience, support our faculty and staff, strengthen our community, care for our campus, and build a thriving and sustainable future. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this process and look forward to bringing this vision to life together. Warmly, Carissa Lewis Head of School Kisha Mitchell Richards Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
Mission At The Long Ridge School we know that how a child learns matters as much as what they learn. We nurture a diverse community of curious, capable and confident lifelong learners. Our curriculum is rooted in a deep understanding of childhood development and builds strong academic and social emotional foundations for children during their early childhood, and elementary school years.
Vision Students graduate The Long Ridge School prepared and empowered to shape their futures, confidently navigate an ever-changing world, and boldly pursue lives of purpose, connection and, meaning.
Values Joy
Curiosity
Kindness
Confidence
Connection Respect
Our Pillars Academic Excellence Supported Faculty & Staff Strong Community Intentional Facilities Investing in Our Future
Academic Excellence
We deliver academic excellence through an intentional classroom environment and academic programming by: Fostering immersive learning through multi-age classrooms, collaboration and interdisciplinary studies. Focusing on active and joyful learning that enables each child to confidently cultivate their unique abilities. Creating inclusive and responsive classrooms that reflect our diverse community. Providing differentiated learning and enrichment curated to the wide array of learning profiles. Anchoring our use of classroom technology with our mission, vision and values.
Supported Faculty & Staff
We attract and retain exceptional faculty and staff by:
Ensuring competitive compensation and benefits. Providing our faculty and staff with professional learning to support growth and innovative thinking. Focusing on collaborative and inclusive teaching practices. Fostering a culture where faculty and staff feel supported and valued by the community.
Strong Community
We cultivate a thriving community rooted in our shared mission by: Building a family-school partnership focused on trust and communication. Connecting students thoughtfully across grades. Ensuring need‑based tuition assistance remains strong and accessible to families. Maintaining meaningful and enduring relationships with our alumni families. Amplifying a school culture that promotes mentorship, modeling, and advocacy for self and others.
Intentional Facilities
We maintain a welcoming and safe environment that fits the needs of our community by:
Creating an accessible and welcoming campus. Continuously evaluating and addressing our safety measures. Assessing, and planning for, facilities that enrich our programing. Protecting and maintaining the natural surroundings on our 14-acre campus.
Investing in Our Future
We are thoughtful and intentional as we prepare for a thriving future at The Long Ridge School by: Focusing enrollment on families that help us grow our mission. Leveraging forward-thinking and responsible financial stewardship. Fostering a strong culture of philanthropy. Optimizing our fundraising program to support our mission, vision and values.