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Eden Christian Academy’s Strategic PlanLeading Eden in to its next 25 years

strategic plan.indd 1 10/28/2008 12:14:36 PM

The strategic planning process was facilitated by Dr. Alan Pue of The Barnabas Group. Many thanks to Dr. Pue for all of his counsel and assistance in this plan.

Todd Aiken Headmaster/ParentKristen Billings ParentPhil Bishop Board/ParentKirk Botula ParentKristen Bovard ParentRobert Brooks ParentRichard Curtis Board/ParentGary Dunbar Community LeaderEd Glover PastorDenise Grier TeacherJeff Gronbeck Board/ParentKim Keys Staff/ParentWendy Koster Teacher/ParentGary Laird Teacher/Parent

David Lloyd Board/GrandparentMaureen Maier PrincipalCarrie Powers PrincipalKaren Schogel Board/ParentSam Siple President/ParentTheresa Smith Board/ParentChuck Smullin Operations DirectorRich Snebold GrandparentMeghan Speer Task Force Coordinator Emily Utz TeacherBob Van Kirk Board/ParentSteve Van Oss ParentGreg Wilson Parent

The Strategic Planning Task Force

This strategic plan is the result of many hours of meetings, thought and prayer by the strategic planning task force. These parents, board members, staff, faculty, administration and community leaders spent nine months working on this project that will guide Eden in to its future. A heartfelt thanks to the task force members for all of their hard work and service.


Now, more than ever, our families and our world need exceptional educational resources to help train up the future leaders who will make a bold impact for the kingdom of Christ. Reflecting our desire for the development of the whole child, Eden Christian Academy must continually be at the ready in meeting the demand for such an education of the mind and heart.

Nonetheless, excellent Christian schooling doesn’t just happen. It is the product of strategic planning and strategic doing—that is, intentionally charting a course for accomplishing what God has called us to do. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded that the Lord is purposeful and not capricious; He has plans to prosper us not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future[1]. As an educational institution committed to learning and living God’s purposes, it is most appropriate that Eden Christian Academy emulate a stimulating and proactive plan to pursue those purposes.

This booklet is but an overview of the goals, objectives and actions of Eden’s strategic plan coming from nearly a year’s worth of prayerful deliberations about the future of this school… a school that was established on biblical precepts and today serves as a beacon of illumination in preparing students—not just for the next step in their academics, but preparing them for life—or what we call Life Prep.

We are thankful to the men and women who dedicated their time and efforts in helping affirm Eden’s mission and core values as the building blocks for the initiatives within this strategic plan. Board members, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, pastors and other community leaders comprised the strategic planning task force, working together to provide keen insights and inspiration, envisioning all that Eden can be in preparing our students for life.

Quite simply, Eden’s mission and strategic plan can be summarized by stating that we need to teach the truth[2] and teach it well for the benefit of our children and the glory of God.

A vibrant vision, however, is nothing more than empty idealism unless it is adequately supported with an economic model that empowers the academy’s strategic initiatives, not just for the next school year but for the next generation, which this plan also addresses.

Please keep in mind, a healthy strategic plan is dynamic—meaning it is part of a planning and learning culture at Eden, subject to ongoing assessment and improvement. Likewise, a strategic plan is only as successful as the people behind it. Unified in purpose, the academy’s leadership and faculty are in this together with our families, their churches and the community. It will take our collective prayers, wisdom and resources to enable Eden’s future.

So please join us in an earnest commitment to this vision. With our feet firm on the foundation of this school—the Rock of Jesus Christ, we must look forward and put our hands to the plow[3], for the sake of Eden students of today and tomorrow.

[1] Jeremiah 29:11, [2] John 17:17, [3] Luke 9:62

A Letter from the President

Mr. Sam Siple ECA President


Initiative 1: Development of Life Prep Program

At Eden Christian Academy we strive to prepare students — not just for college — but for life. To ensure that Eden students are receiving a full experience, the Life Prep initiative creates a platform by which students are given opportunities to grow in areas such as:

Leadership•Service•Citizenship •Career planning •

These four areas will provide the framework to help our students not only have a top quality educational background when they leave our school, but a well rounded foundation for success in all areas of their lives. By giving students an educational environment that challenges them to reach their potential, extracurricular opportunities that broaden and sharpen their interests and skills and a Christ-centered environment in which to grow, Eden students leave these halls ready to confidently follow the plan God has for them.

Life Prep is not a class. It is not a club that meets after school. Life Prep is a way of thinking that directs the programs we offer, and how our students learn. It is a way by which we can help students discern God’s call for their life and their vocation, as well as establishing their Christian world-view. The Life Prep committee, made up of parents, teachers and administrators, will evaluate programs by a grid that weighs the effectiveness, distinctiveness and benefits of each program Eden offers. The Life Prep initiative will ensure that Eden students, from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 are given opportunities to learn and grow both in and out of the classroom.

From the Life Prep Committee ChairMr. Kirk Botula, Eden Board Member


Highlights of the Initiative

Program to roll out •immediately.

Any parent wishing to start •an activity at Eden may submit that idea to the Life Prep committee for review.

The programs will be unique •to Eden, filling a void that is not currently being met by other organizations.

The initiative provides for •age-appropriate activities, starting in the earliest grades and continuing through senior year so that students are constantly being challenged as well as building their knowledge and skills.

Eden students will be well •prepared for life beyond graduation.

From the Life Prep Committee ChairMr. Kirk Botula, Eden Board Member

As chair of this strategic planning sub-committee, there are many things about this initiative that excite me. I am excited that Eden students will be presented with experiences and opportunities that simply don’t exist elsewhere. I see the program as a natural outgrowth of the school’s commitment to a holistic approach to Christian education. Eden is blessed with a really gifted community. I believe that this initiative promises to take what is already an exceptional Christian school and move the needle on the quality of the education that is delivered. I am excited about the quality of people, the decisiveness of leadership, the wisdom of the team, and the potential this plan holds.

Overall, I think the program will draw the Eden community together while tying us more deeply into the community-at-large. I think it allows us to leverage the passion and talents of the people whom God has brought us to continue to elevate the quality of education delivered at Eden.


In conjunction with the Life Prep program, the portfolio initiative will showcase the educational, spiritual and personal growth of each student as well as the unique opportunities available at Eden. Portfolios give parents the immediate benefit of tracking their student’s progress from the beginning of their Eden career. They also give students a way to take inventory of their God-given talents as they discern their calling in life. In addition, college admissions officers and future employers will be able to see, more than ever, that Eden students are prepared for life.

As students graduate from Eden Christian Academy, they carry with them a well rounded educational experience to their next stage in life. With the implementation of the comprehensive portfolio initiative they will also carry tangible proof of their academic successes, community service accomplishments, and other achievements. The portfolios will show the individual progress of a student as well as the cross curriculum progress over their years at Eden.

Portfolios will includeReport cards•Standardized test scores•Major academic projects•Samples of the student’s writing•Letters of recommendation•Documentation of community service •Examples of extra-curricular and leadership activities •

Initiative 2: Creation of Comprehensive Portfolios

From the Portfolio Committee ChairMr. Todd Aiken - Headmaster



Students will be given •ownership of their personal portfolio so it shows their unique personality as well as their accomplishments and God given abilities.

Having a comprehensive •portfolio will set Eden students apart in their post-high school interviews.

Today’s admissions officers •are increasingly interested in seeing the whole, well rounded student instead of just a transcript and letter of recommendation, which an Eden student will be able to show through their portfolio.

Eden portfolios will be able to •serve as inspiration to future students and teachers, insuring that a high academic standard will be maintained throughout the years.

Our team of parents, school board members, faculty, and administration brainstormed various ideas that would contribute to the continued success of the school. The diversity of our team proved to be one of our assets, as everyone approached this task from different perspectives, but held true with one unifying goal - to make Eden an exceptional educational experience for every student. While portfolios are not a new concept to students or schools, the outlined strategic approach to developing, implementing and gradual student ownership of the process brought forth excitement to the team. The follow-through and success of the portfolio plan will require the buy-in, development and ownership of faculty, administration, students and parents.

The development and implementation of portfolios will incorporate individual student progress, grade-level progress, and cross-curriculum progress. Portfolios will benefit the individual student as a succinct and tangible process of tracking their scholastic career from an academic, leadership, and community service perspective. Additionally, portfolios will serve as an outstanding resource to faculty and parents as they establish benchmarks for each grade level and across the curriculum.

From the Portfolio Committee ChairMr. Todd Aiken - Headmaster


Initiative 3: Financial Stability and Growth

Providing the level of educational programing deserved by Eden students, as well as the athletic, extracurricular, and leadership opportunities that go along with it, takes a stable financial structure. The ability to fund a meaningful scholarship program so that Eden’s solid Christian education is available to as many students as possible is an unchanging mission of Eden’s board of directors. Moreover, Christ calls us to be good stewards of the resources we are given. In an effort to make certain that Eden’s financial future continues to become more stable and secure, this initiative focuses on ways to meet that goal through

An expansion of our endowment program•Tuition restructuring•Enhanced development efforts, including increased •grant writing and planned giving strategiesExpanded personal giving campaigns•

Eden will not reach its goal of financial stability overnight, nor will it reach it through multiple small fund-raisers. The goal of this initiative is to put strategic plans in place that establish long-term financial stability — stability that will release us from our dependency on fund-raising. This is an on-going process that will ensure that the next generation of students will continue to receive the best in Christian education as Eden moves forward in to its next 25 years.

From the Financial CommitteeMrs. Kristin Billings, Strategic Planning Task Force Member



Furthering of Eden’s •scholarship program to make a Christian education accessible for more families.

Eden’s teachers will be •fairly compensated for the excellent job that they do, instead of the below-average wage they are currently receiving.

A cost-based tuition •schedule that truly reflects the cost of education, hand-in-hand with an expanded need-based financial aid program.

More funding available •for capital projects, facility upgrades, and programming.

Funding for the expansion •of educational, athletic and extracurricular programing at Eden.

Develop an endowment •that will perpetually provide a steady revenue stream regardless of enrollment.

From the Financial Committee

The financial stability and growth committee was originally established to investigate beginning an endowment campaign for Eden, but upon further prayer and research we realized that this initiative needed to be broader. In conjunction with the board of directors, we are striving to create a sufficient, sustainable financial foundation in order to perpetually fund Eden's mission, goals and future. Paramount is providing a more equitable compensation for our teachers.

It is the goal of this initiative to ensure that Eden is able to provide this education to our students today, and for years to come. Maintaining a secure financial foundation through many different avenues allows us the ability to think long term about ways to further enhance the education, programing and facilities Eden is able to offer. As we embark on our next 25 years as a school, and the years beyond that, it is exciting to be a part of an initiative that will provide for Eden’s continued growth, allow us to stay on the cutting edge of education, and bring our teachers to the equitable compensation level that they deserve.

Mrs. Kristin Billings, Strategic Planning Task Force Member


Our Core CommitmentsAs we fulfill our purpose and deliver our educational mission, we are unreservedly committed to:

Christ-centeredness.• We recognize the Lord’s sovereignty over every aspect of life. Therefore, we continuously seek His guidance and submit to His leadership as we pursue our mission, glorifying Him in all that we do. (Matthew 28:18; Colossians 3:17)The Authority of God’s Word.• We believe the Scriptures to be the Spirit-inspired source of all Truth and the lens through which we are to observe and relate to the world in which we live. Therefore, the Scriptures guide and shape our thinking and practices as we provide a biblically based education for each student in the development of a Christian world-view. (John 17:17; 2Timothy 3:16)Excellence.• We believe that God is the creator and author of all that is good, beautiful, and wise. Therefore, at ECA excellence is not simply a word, it is a commitment for which we continuously strive. Mediocrity in any endeavor is simply unacceptable. (1Corinthians 10:31; Colossians. 3:23)Partnership with Parents. • We recognize the God-given responsibility of each parent to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Therefore, we are dedicated to being a resource for families, encouraging and facilitating the engagement of parents in the education of their children, and supporting the values espoused in the home and church. (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4)Education of the Whole Student.• We believe that students are more than minds to fill and education is more than knowledge to dispense. Christian education recognizes the unique dimensions of each student as a life to shape and a spirit to nurture. Therefore, we are committed to providing a thorough and rigorous educational experience that touches each area of a student’s life, including (1Cor. 12:4-6)

Spiritual Transformation.• We are committed to a desire for each student coming to a saving faith in Christ and to fostering a continuously maturing relationship with Him, His Church and the Scriptures, leading to a life of personal holiness, theological clarity and selfless service. (2Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 2:12-13) Intellectual Development.• We are committed to helping each student acquire the skills essential to critical thinking, discernment, problem solving and effective application of core truths to challenging life situations. (2Corinthians 10:5; James 1:5)Life Preparation.• We are committed to helping each student acquire the understanding and insight necessary for success in pursuing God’s calling in college, vocation, family and community life. (Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Samuel 1:27-28 ) Cultural Engagement.• We are committed to developing in each student the capacity, wisdom and willingness to engage and critique popular culture and the arts from a sound biblical foundation. (Genesis 1:28; Romans 12:2)Personal Relationships.• We are committed to helping our students build and sustain strong relationships with people from all walks of life, while learning to fully and joyfully participate in the dynamics of community and church life. (John 13:34; 2Corinthains 6:14) Physical Vigor• . We are committed to helping students develop life-long habits of regular exercise, healthy diet and team building, with an appreciation for athletics and recreation. (1Corinthians 6:19; 1Corinthians 9:24)

As part of the strategic planning process, Eden’s mission statement and core values were also evaluated, affirmed and updated. These statements clearly define Eden’s vision and will be the guide to its future.

The eden PromiseEden Christian Academy is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience by engaging the mind and heart of each student to

think and act with Christ-like character.


[email protected]

Wexford CampusPreK-6th Grade

12121 Perry HighwayWexford, PA 15090

Phone: 724.935.9301FAX: 724.935.9354

Mt. Nebo Campus7th-12th Grades

318 Nicholson RoadSewickley, PA 15143Phone: 412.741.2825FAX: 412.324.1101

Berkeley Hills CampusPreK-6th Grade

206 Siebert RoadPittsburgh, PA 15237Phone: 412.364.8055FAX: 412.364.8330


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