Strategic Plan 2026–2031

Strategic Plan Executive Summary

Our Vision and Goals

We continue to be one of the most in demand preschools in San Francisco - and a leader in the early childhood space.

• Goal 1: Mission & Values. Pacific Primary continues to have a living mission and set of values that are recognized, relevant, and reflective of our founders vision and evolving future which the whole community can articulate and feel, that educators teach toward, and that every decision reflects.
• Goal 2: Pedagogy & Teaching. Pacific Primary has a deeply understood and consistently practiced approach to teaching and learning that every educator can articulate, every classroom reflects, and every family can see and feel.
• Goal 3: Leadership & Governance. Pacific Primary is led by people who deeply believe in and actively embody its mission - an ED and management team with the strength to lead across pedagogy, community, and operations, supported by a board with the structure, skills, and commitment to govern well.

We are one unified school.

• Goal 4: Community, Operations, and Space. Pacific Primary is experienced as one connected community, not two campuses.

We are fiscally and operationally sound and strategic.

• Goal 5: Long-term Stability. Pacific Primary operates with financial clarity and resilience—with a proactive development strategy, a sustainable tuition assistance program, and the readiness to navigate whatever comes next.

Our Commitments to the Work

Throughout the implementation of this strategic plan, Pacific Primary will:

• Prioritize mission alignment and community trust in all decision-making
• Preserve and build upon the traditions, relationships, and strengths that have shaped the school
• Balance operational sustainability with a deeply human-centered culture
• Invest in staff development, retention, and well-being
• Strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the community
• Use data, feedback, and reflection to guide continuous improvement
• Honor our history while thoughtfully evolving for the future

This plan belongs to all of us. We are grateful for the community that makes Pacific Primary what it is and we look forward to building its next chapter together.

Goal 1: Mission & Values

Pacific Primary continues to have a living mission and set of values that are recognized, relevant, and reflective of our founders vision and evolving future which the whole community can articulate and feel, that educators teach toward, and that every decision reflects.

Year-by-Year Roadmap

Success Indicators

Year 1 (SY26–27): Reflect & CommunicateFocus: Continue to nurture community connection to Pacific Primary’s identity, values, and future direction. Reflect on current mission and values language with input from staff, families, and board Conduct a landscape review of peer schools and Pacific Primary’s differentiators Strengthen storytelling and community-facing communications aligned to mission and values Launch updated website and communication materials Create a consistent message architecture for leadership, staff, and board Carry our founding values forward into our next chapter Year 2 (SY27–28): EmbedFocus: Integrate mission and values into the systems and structures of the school. Embed mission and values into hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and professional development Align school rituals, celebrations, and traditions to core values Create updated family-facing materials that clearly communicate the school’s educational philosophy Conduct first annual “mission vitality” assessment and community reflection process Year 3 (SY28–29): Stabilize & ThreadFocus: Ensure mission and values are consistently experienced across all parts of the organization. Build leadership accountability structures connected to mission and values Reinforce mission alignment across classrooms, operations, and governance Use annual community feedback to identify areas of opportunity Highlight stories and examples of the mission in action across the community Year 4 (SY29–30): Evaluate & StrengthenFocus: Measure the depth and consistency of mission alignment. Conduct annual mission vitality review with measurable indicators Evaluate alignment across enrollment, staffing, culture, and programming Refine systems and practices based on data and community feedback Strengthen external visibility and reputation in the broader San Francisco community Year 5 (SY30–31): SustainFocus: Sustain strong mission alignment and ensure systems, practices, and community culture continue to reflect Pacific Primary’s values and identity. Sustain annual mission vitality review and refinement processes Maintain strong alignment across communication, culture, hiring, onboarding, and leadership practices Continue sharing stories and examples of the mission in action across the community Position Pacific Primary as a model for mission-aligned early childhood education Celebrate and document the school’s evolution and long-term impact

Mission and values are consistently reinforced in communication, hiring, onboarding, and decision-makingThe school continues to have a recognizable and differentiated identity in the San Francisco early childhood landscapeAnnual community surveys demonstrate strong alignment between lived experience and stated values

Goal 2: Pedagogy & Teaching

Pacific Primary has a deeply understood and consistently practiced approach to teaching and learning that every educator can articulate, every classroom reflects, and every family can see and feel.

Year-by-Year Roadmap

Success Indicators

Year 1 (SY26–27): Engage & LearnFocus: Further articulate and strengthen Pacific Primary’s educational philosophy. Facilitate a collaborative process to articulate the school’s pedagogical model Identify bright spots and opportunities to strengthen alignment across classrooms Implement reflective observation and collaborative feedback routines Develop a “heatmap” of instructional strengths and support needs Learn from internal teacher expertise and exemplary practices Create a working group to support further any evolution or refinement of the model Year 2 (SY27–28): Advance AlignmentFocus: Build organizational alignment around the educational philosophy and model. Finalize and publish refined articulation of the pedagogical model Align handbooks, website, onboarding materials, and job descriptions to the model Develop a professional learning and onboarding arc for teachers Create clear expectations for classroom environments and instruction Begin aligning family education and communication to the pedagogical approach Year 3 (SY28–29): Build CapacityFocus: Develop systems that strengthen implementation of the pedagogical model. Develop shared instructional reflection tools and learning frameworks Establish coaching and feedback cycles across classrooms Launch peer observation opportunities across sites Create professional development pathways tied to the pedagogical model Amplify internal bright spots and teacher leadership Strengthen leadership capacity to support instructional growth Year 4 (SY29–30): Deepen PracticeFocus: Ensure the pedagogical model is consistently visible across the school. Refine classroom implementation and instructional consistency Strengthen instructional coherence across age groups and campuses Continue deepening coaching and reflective practice structures Ensure classroom environments consistently reflect Pacific Primary’s values and approach Develop a model for Pacific Primary to be a learning space for other educators and leaders Year 5 (SY30–31): Sustain ExcellenceFocus: Establish Pacific Primary as a model of excellent early childhood teaching and learning. Ensure all staff feel confident and supported in implementing the pedagogical model Develop internal teacher leadership pathways and exemplar classrooms Maintain strong onboarding and coaching systems for new staff Ensure all teachers in years 2+ demonstrate exemplary implementation of the model Ensure all teachers in years 0–2 can articulate the model and demonstrate strong developmental progress

Every educator implements Pacific Primary’s pedagogical model authentically and with care for each childClassroom experiences are aligned and developmentally coherent across both campusesFamilies understand and can describe the school’s approach to learningObservation and feedback systems support continuous improvementStaff experience meaningful coaching, collaboration, and professional growth

Goal 3: Leadership & Governance

Pacific Primary is led by people who deeply believe in and actively embody its mission - an ED and management team with the strength to lead across pedagogy, community, and operations, supported by a board with the structure, skills, and commitment to govern well.

Year-by-Year Roadmap

Success Indicators

Year 1 (SY26–27): Assess & ClarifyFocus: Build a clear understanding of current leadership and governance strengths, opportunities, and future needs. Evaluate current leadership and governance structures for continued clarity in roles, responsibilities, and decision-making Develop and implement refined evaluation systems for leadership roles Assess board composition, committees, and operational responsibilities Identify opportunities to build more sustainable operational ownership while preserving strong board support Begin defining the future vision for board structure and governance Year 2 (SY27–28): Build StructuresFocus: Create sustainable systems for leadership and governance. Strengthen school leadership/management team structure and operational ownership Develop leadership development and succession planning processes Refine board responsibilities and committee structures Create clearer communication and accountability structures between leadership and board Define strategic board recruitment priorities and desired skill sets Strengthen staffing and operational systems to support long-term sustainability and align to evolving board structure Year 3 (SY28–29): Balance & StrengthenFocus: Establish balanced pedagogical and operational leadership across campuses. Ensure consistent, high-quality support across both sites in teaching, learning, family partnerships, and operations Clarify parent engagement roles and sustainable expectations Finalize long-term board vision, structure, and committee model Strengthen board onboarding and governance training Improve strategic planning and data review routines between leadership and board Year 4 (SY29–30): Stabilize & EvaluateFocus: Strengthen leadership sustainability and organizational resilience. Evaluate effectiveness of leadership and governance structures Refine staffing and operational systems based on organizational needs Continue leadership coaching and planning Further clarify and strengthen the board’s strategic governance role Build long-term continuity plans for key leadership roles Year 5 (SY30–31): Sustain & Govern StrategicallyFocus: Operate with strong, sustainable, mission-aligned leadership and governance. Maintain a sustainable and strategically skilled board Sustain balanced leadership across pedagogy, operations, and community Ensure governance structures support long-term growth and stability Maintain strong board recruitment and succession practices Position the board as a strategic steward of mission, sustainability, and future planning

Clear leadership roles and decision-making structures exist across the organizationBoard responsibilities are sustainable, strategic, and mission-alignedLeadership capacity is balanced across pedagogy, operations, and community engagementGovernance structures support long-term stability and planningParent/Guardian engagement meaningfully supports—but does not sustain—core operations

Goal 4: Community, Operations, and Space

Pacific Primary is experienced as one connected community, not two campuses.

Year-by-Year Roadmap

Success Indicators

Year 1 (SY26–27): Connect & UnderstandFocus: Strengthen connection and collaboration, and better understand operational and community needs. Increase horizontal alignment across campuses through shared planning and collaboration Launch cross-site observations and staff collaboration opportunities Establish shared goals, metrics, and data review routines Explore opportunities for stronger family and board representation across campuses Explore potential campus configuration opportunities in partnership with the community Develop a strategy for increasing parent and guardian engagement Design, disseminate, and analyze annual staff and family community surveys Year 2 (SY27–28): Align & EngageFocus: Strengthen family engagement and operational consistency. Improve systems supporting parent and guardian participation Analyze annual survey data and create action plans Continue strengthening cross-campus collaboration and communication Improve consistency in operational systems and family experience Build stronger community traditions and opportunities for connection Year 3 (SY28–29): Build Community InfrastructureFocus: Deepen cohesion and shared ownership across the school community. Articulate more refined and coordinated parent/guardian partnership structures Expand opportunities for cross-campus family and staff engagement Continue annual survey analysis and improvement planning Strengthen operational systems supporting communication, events, and family partnership Ensure equitable representation and participation across community groups Year 4 (SY29–30): Strengthen Belonging & CohesionFocus: Ensure systems, space, and culture consistently support belonging. Evaluate effectiveness of operational and community systems Continue annual survey cycles and action planning Refine campus structures and operational alignment as needed Strengthen staff collaboration and shared identity across campuses Deepen inclusive community-building practices Year 5 (SY30–31): Sustain a Unified CommunityFocus: Operate as one deeply connected and thriving school community. Maintain consistently high staff and family retention across campuses Ensure no meaningful gaps in staff or family experience between sites Sustain strong participation in cross-campus events and community initiatives Use annual community data to drive continuous improvement Maintain operational systems that support a cohesive, joyful, and inclusive school culture

Children, staff, and families experience both campuses as one unified school communityCross-campus collaboration and engagement are common and meaningfulOperational systems are consistent, effective, and family-centeredFamily and staff retention remain high across both campusesCommunity feedback demonstrates a strong sense of belonging and trust

Goal 5: Long-term Stability

Pacific Primary operates with financial clarity and resilience—with a proactive development strategy, a sustainable tuition assistance program, and the readiness to navigate whatever comes next.

Year-by-Year Roadmap

Success Indicators

Year 1 (SY26–27): Build ClarityFocus: Develop a shared understanding of the school’s financial reality, priorities, and opportunities. Improve clarity and communication regarding current financial standing and strategy Develop shared understanding of budget trends, loan covenants, reserves, city funding, and tuition assistance Establish aligned fundraising priorities and goals Clarify and align annual fundraising strategy across events and future capital campaigns Establish admissions and retention goals aligned to enrollment sustainability Define measurable financial priorities tied to mission and strategic growth Year 2 (SY27–28): Systematize and StrategizeFocus: Build sustainable operational and financial systems and strategies. Develop codified budget processes, dashboards, and financial review routines Create operational playbooks for fundraising, admissions, and city funding processes Establish a three-year fundraising and development strategy Strengthen forecasting and long-term financial planning practices Improve data tracking for enrollment, retention, and fundraising performance Launch internal capital campaign strategy and upfront workflows Year 3 (SY28–29): Strengthen Stability & Launch the Long-Term Growth PlanFocus: Strengthen financial sustainability while launching a comprehensive plan for Pacific Primary’s long-term facilities, fundraising, and growth priorities. Demonstrate measurable progress toward established financial goals Maintain stability in fiscal operations and annual budgeting Refine tuition assistance sustainability planning Strengthen donor stewardship and development systems Monitor admissions and retention trends to support long-term enrollment health Approve and adopt a long-term facilities and capital campaign roadmap Establish campaign priorities, governance structures, success metrics, and implementation milestones Assess facility options and long-term space needs in support of the school’s mission and community experience Build board, leadership, and community alignment around the school’s long-term growth strategy Year 4 (SY29–30): Advance the Capital Campaign & Facilities StrategyFocus: Advance implementation of Pacific Primary’s long-term facilities and fundraising strategy. Execute priority actions identified in the capital campaign and facilities roadmap Strengthen donor cultivation and philanthropic partnerships Continue campaign planning, readiness activities, and/or fundraising efforts as appropriate Advance facility planning and decision-making processes Evaluate progress toward financial sustainability targets Strengthen reserves and contingency planning Maintain strong enrollment and retention performance Year 5 (SY30–31): Sustain & Grow StrategicallyFocus: Sustain strong financial health while advancing long-term investments that support Pacific Primary’s future. Continue implementation of the capital campaign and facilities roadmap Strengthen long-term donor stewardship and philanthropic partnerships Advance facility acquisition, development, or transition activities as appropriate Align operational, enrollment, and financial planning to long-term growth priorities Meet or exceed key financial sustainability indicators Conduct a comprehensive financial analysis to inform the next strategic plan Maintain strong enrollment, retention, and fundraising performance Sustain healthy reserves and predictable operational systems

Multi-year financial planning and forecasting guide strategic decisionsFundraising goals and systems are clear, coordinated, and sustainableAdmissions and retention remain strong and mission-alignedTuition assistance is financially sustainable and strategically managedLeadership and board share a clear understanding of financial priorities and risksPacific Primary successfully launches and executes a mission-aligned capital campaign that strengthens the school’s long-term facilities and future