STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Johns Country Day School’s mission is to provide a superior college preparatory program with an innovative curriculum that stresses academic accomplishment, artistic excellence, and athletic competition in a supportive environment that develops students who seek solutions, accept responsibility, and create collaboration.
INTRODUCTION & PROCESS
Since its founding in 1953, St. Johns Country Day School has been a leader in college preparatory education in Florida. As a founding member of the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), St. Johns has long set the standard for academic excellence, innovation, and character development.
In 2025, the Board of Trustees began developing the School’s next five-year strategic plan to guide continued growth and reflection. In partnership with the Head of School, the Board considered key questions:
What skills and mindsets will best prepare St. Johns students to thrive in a changing world?
How can we strengthen the sense of connection and belonging across the Spartan community for life?
What does it mean for St. Johns to lead in safety and wellness for all members of our community?
How can we sustain long-term financial strength while remaining true to our mission?
A Strategic Planning Committee of trustees, administrators, and faculty approached this work with collaboration and inclusivity, keeping St. Johns’ mission at the center of every discussion.
The resulting plan provides a clear vision for the future, ensuring St. Johns continues to equip students with the skills, values, and confidence to thrive, while advancing the School’s mission and tradition of excellence.
Valorie Baker Head of School Judson Sapp Chair, Board of Trustees
COLLEGE PREP REDEFINED
Goal
Continue to prepare our students with the tools necessary to thrive in a changing world
Rationale
In a rapidly changing world, students need more than knowledge—they need skills, confidence, and adaptability to navigate new opportunities. By intentionally teaching self-advocacy, strengthening connections across the Spartan community, and embracing innovative teaching while preserving core knowledge, St. Johns equips students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Strategies
1.Intentionally teach skills necessary to advocate for themselves and navigate the landscape of new opportunity.
2.Strengthen relationships among all constituents affiliated with St. Johns Country Day School supporting the Spartan community for life.
3.Embracing change in teaching methods and content while preserving history and facts.
PROACTIVE RESPONSE
Goal
Secure St. Johns Country Day as a leader in community safety and wellness
Rationale
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all members of the St. Johns community is fundamental to learning, growth, and overall school success. A secure environment allows students to focus on academics, athletics, and extracurricular pursuits with confidence. By investing in highly trained personnel, continually updating and reviewing safety protocols, and fostering strong partnerships with local authorities and community organizations, the School can proactively identify and address potential threats. These efforts not only mitigate risk but also promote a culture of wellness and preparedness, ensuring that students, faculty, and families feel supported, protected, and confident in the School’s commitment to their safety.
Strategies
1.Increase safety personnel on campus by offering professional development promoting wellness and effective crisis management.
2.Expand the current safety protocols to ensure updated and current tactics and measures.
3.Maintain strong relationship ties with current sheriff and police departments.
COMMUNITY GROWTH
Goal
Present a clear understanding of our unique brand, both internally and externally in order to increase inquiries and maximize rapport among students, faculty, parents, and alumni.
Rationale
Strengthening connections across the Spartan community and fostering lasting alumni relationships is essential to St. Johns’ mission. By sharing achievements through targeted marketing, linking programs to students and families, and providing meaningful opportunities for alumni and community engagement, the School builds a stronger, more connected network that supports students, celebrates accomplishments, and sustains lifelong Spartan relationships.
Strategies
1.Devote time and resources to inbound marketing to share community interest and accomplishment (social media, website, newsletter, video production)
2.Connecting current auxiliary curriculum and programs to all constituents of St. Johns Country Day School and surrounding areas.
3.Provide programming and relationship building opportunities across St. Johns Country Day alumni and the Greater Jacksonville area.
FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
Goal
Ensure St. Johns’ long-term financial sustainability through responsible growth to support the school’s strategic plan and expansion.
Rationale
Long-term financial stability is essential for sustaining St. Johns’ mission and supporting strategic growth. By increasing enrollment and retention, managing costs efficiently, and deepening alumni engagement, the School can secure the resources needed to enhance programs, maintain excellence, and invest in its future.
Strategies
1.Continue to increase student enrollment and retention by enhancing educational and extracurricular activities while maintaining the quality of current student body.
2.Further cost management through increased operational efficiencies and utilization of technology.
3.Strengthening our alumni relationships to increase participation in our annual fund, planned giving and strategic growth of the endowment fund.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Judson Sapp, President
Stephen W. Jones, Vice-President
Pamela Petty, Secretary
Ryan J. Mittauer ‘03, Treasurer
Members
T. Douglas Benefield III ‘03
Nicholas K. Courtney ’03 ~ Immediate Past President
Jessica Cummings
Winfield Rogers Duss ‘68
Michael Hill ‘82
Michael A. Robinson
Trustee Emeritus
Eugene B. Nichols
Craig Phillips
Allan E. Wulbern
Headmaster Emeritus
Stephen F. Russey
Ex Officio
Valorie Baker, Head of School
