Once a Falcon, always a Falcon.
As Fredericksburg Academy (FA) takes confident strides into its fourth decade, the time is now – to reconnect and recommit, thoughtfully assess and plan, and take hold of new opportunities. More than 550 FA alumni are making an impact in the world. While on our campus, Falcons enhance the school with unique perspectives and goals; after graduation, they continue to inspire and engage. Many return to FA once again, providing insight and experience.
Parents, faculty, staff, and students past and present should take great pride in our strong foundation. It takes all of us to build and sustain our success. Amid years of dramatic change in the region and beyond, FA has relied on the strength of community. Individuals enrich life at FA and come together to provide a collective vision for the path ahead. At FA, community is the constant.
This Strategic Plan is anchored in a series of focused objectives that are achievable within five years and sustainable into the future. Each sector is broken down into detailed goal statements, which are realized through annual tasks activated and tracked by staff, faculty, and the Board of Trustees.
This plan reflects the voices of FA’s diverse constituents. Informed by surveys, personal and group conversations, as well as data-driven evaluative writing sessions, the plan came together through listening and learning over the course of nearly a year. By addressing the objectives outlined here, the school aims to sustain and enhance key areas within academics, individual well-being, financial planning, and school operations. The core of the Strategic Plan encompasses one overarching goal: maintaining FA’s independent, tight-knit, and dedicated school community for generations to come.
Fredericksburg Academy has positioned itself as the top coeducational, independent school in the region, supporting a record high enrollment of more than 450 students across a flourishing pre-K to 12 academic program like no other. Exceptional programming and academic rigor across grades, divisions, and disciplines remain at the core. Beyond the classroom, access to a growing array of extracurriculars defines the personalized FA experience. A global campus is also within reach through travel abroad; local, state, and national competitions, arts, and athletics; and a foreign exchange student program. It takes a community to ignite the spark of learning and skill-building that will last a lifetime.
To support student achievement and opportunities, FA will:
- Assess the effectiveness of academic programs on a regular basis and make informed adjustments to ensure continued strength, relevance, and excellence.
- Examine and refine the consistency and equality of school policies across all areas, including grading, homework, and academic expectations.
- Identify and sustain a progressive, cohesive curriculum that supports diverse student needs and abilities while aligning with the school’s mission and evolving educational trends.
- Expand the Upper School student capstone project to further promote and enhance opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application.
- Incorporate differentiated instruction and learning resources consistently into everyday teaching to encourage student well-being and achievement.
- Evaluate academic support needs, both current and emerging, across the student body to develop a long-term plan that promotes success and equal access for all students.
- Integrate technology effectively into the classroom, providing thorough education on safe and responsible use in Lower and Middle School and reinforced ethical standards in Upper School.
Grounded in its unique perspectives on building character and trust, FA values meaningful relationships among its community. The school continually strives for new and better ways to communicate and strengthen its networks for the benefit of all. As stated in its Mission and Beliefs statements, FA prioritizes student, faculty, and staff health and well-being. The goal of providing sufficient resources–funding, staff, and access to experts–is always in sight. Another hallmark of the FA experience is to cultivate a student’s interests and goals while preparing them for the future, appreciating all forms of higher education and career paths.
To support the continued development of the whole individual, FA will:
- Assess academic, athletic, arts, and extracurricular options and schedules to promote an optimal school/work and life balance for students, staff, and faculty.
- Explore and evaluate appropriate mental health and wellness resources for students, staff, and faculty.
- Review and refine consistency and equality of school policies related to student behavior, expectations, and discipline.
- Design a college and career counseling program that engages students and guardians with personalized guidance from grades 6 to 12, focusing on postsecondary education, workforce readiness, and experiences tailored to each student’s goals.
- Strengthen the Upper School advisory program to better support individual growth and respond to the evolving needs of students.
- Establish a model for digital citizenship by enforcing ethical and safe use of technology, while reinforcing the same goals with students and guardians while on campus and off.
- Sustain meaningful school relationships through an active, inclusive, and engaged alumni network.
Whether a Falcon student is a “lifer” or only attends the school for a brief time, the goal of the FA experience is to provide a lasting impression for every student. A fully accredited member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools featuring an acclaimed nature- and community- based program, FA has long been recognized as a premier, award-winning private school. With a commitment to individualized attention and expert guidance both inside the classroom and out, FA teachers and staff know their students personally and take pride in all that they accomplish. With many teachers and staff serving as athletic coaches, tutors, and club advisors–as well as sending their own children to the school–they remain the heart of the FA community.
To recruit and retain exceptional faculty and staff across all departments and divisions, FA will:
- Cultivate a work environment that promotes faculty and staff engagement, satisfaction, and retention by identifying and monitoring key indicators over time to guide improvement.
- Conduct annual reviews and adjustments of faculty and staff compensation packages to maintain competitiveness in local markets and align with independent school industry standards.
- Provide robust professional development opportunities tailored to school-wide, division, and individual faculty and staff goals, including a review process to measure effectiveness and impact.
- Enhance the staff and faculty evaluation process to support both career growth and high-quality performance, with a focus on individualized goals and regular progress assessments.
FA is in an era of unprecedented financial strength. The school is thoughtfully mapping out the future use of its expanding campus while welcoming more Falcons than ever as students and visitors. As the school seeks to leverage growth and expansion, it must preserve and protect its financial assets and fiscal health. FA aims to capitalize on its city- and regionally-based marketing success through Camp FA, athletic space rentals, and enrichment programs. At the same time, it works to maintain stability and continuity.
To ensure lasting improvements to its facilities and continued engagement for all Falcons past and present, FA will:
- Explore strategies for expanding the newly established Endowment Fund, to secure long-term financial stability and accessible funding for the school.
- Increase student enrollment to reach full classroom capacity, with a target of up to 500 students, while evaluating optimal school size based on FA’s resources, facilities, community needs, and educational goals.
- Develop a long-term tuition strategy that supports financial sustainability and the school’s mission.
- Leverage existing auxiliary program revenue streams through continued program enhancements, faculty and staff support, and increased community engagement.
- Fulfill the Space to Soar capital campaign while thoughtfully aligning with annual fundraising efforts and tuition strategies.
- Maintain annual facilities audits to address ongoing building maintenance and risk management, ensuring a proactive approach to creating a safe and well-maintained campus environment.
- Create opportunities for connection and collaboration that benefit both alumni and current students in the areas of financial engagement and career development.
The FA educational experience inspires and fosters leadership. Integrity, teamwork, and service to others are paramount. Students are challenged to embody and exemplify the values of a leader as they carve out their own legacy. The school recognizes that diversity of thought and perspective are also critical to effective leadership, as well as relevance and connectivity to those served.
To ensure the Board of Trustees and school leadership continue to effectively serve as responsible stewards of the school, FA will:
- Evaluate the school’s organizational structure to optimize efficiencies and align resources with annual strategic priorities.
- Increase transparency in Board operations, including recruitment, strategic priority development, and evaluations to build trust and accountability of its members.
- Develop a succession plan for key leadership roles to secure long-term stability and continuity in Board and school-wide governance.
- Continue to seek feedback from faculty, staff, parents, and students by utilizing audience surveys to inform Board decision-making and discussion.
- Reinforce ambassadorship among Board members, leveraging their networks and skills in support to promote FA’s mission, visibility, and community support.
- Strengthen the ongoing education program for the Board to enhance members’ knowledge and effectiveness in governance, strategic decision-making, fundraising, and supporting the school's mission.
