--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
spacer Return to Web VersionspacerReturn to Web Version

Developing a Mission Statement

: Rationale
: Method and Examples
: Additional Examples


I. Rationale

Starting a charter school requires hard work and commitment. A critical initial step in the process is to build a strong, shared sense of purpose, mission, or vision. Although the conceptualization, writing, and revision of a mission statement can be laborious, that statement will be one of the most important documents in the school. Millot & Lake (1996) explain the importance of having a shared vision:
Experts agree that the single most important attribute of the successful charter school is a clear sense of purpose or mission shared by parents, students, staff, and the school's board of trustees. A common vision of what it means to be educated and how one becomes educated forms the basis of a coherent school design. It guides the school's decision-makers in every aspect of planning and operations. It gives potential employees, prospective students, and their parents clear indications of how they will be treated and what will be expected of them. It explains to chartering agencies and the community at large how this charter school is distinctive from other public schools. It provides a basis for decisions by foundations to support the school. It gives prospective lenders confidence that key personnel and constituencies have the level of commitment and purpose necessary to make the school financially viable.
Parents, school employees, and students will scrutinize, reference, and utilize the mission statement, especially in the school's first year. Indeed, most charter schools include a mission statement in their marketing materials and web site. It explains to the rest of the world the intended purpose and standards for the school. And since a charter school's purpose is likely to change, the process of re-writing a mission or vision statement may help the school regain clarity about where it is headed or help to build consensus among new members of the community. Regardless, Premack and Diamond (1994) warn, "Those lacking this guiding educational vision will fail to take full advantage of the charter legislation and struggle unnecessarily with the challenges presented by the charter implementation process."

Establishing a clear and compelling sense of purpose can be accomplished several ways. For some groups it emerges through the process of working together and discussing what is valued or important for the particular school. Other groups form around an existing mission, like the Montessori model or Coalition of Essential Schools' Common Principles. Some groups involve the entire school community in writing the mission statement, while others assign the task to a committee, site council, or board.


II. Method and Examples

The Massachusetts Charter School Handbook suggests five elements that are fundamental touchstones in a mission statement: values, educational approach, curriculum focus, customer focus, and outcomes and goals. Following are examples from NWREL's Charter Starters Workbook of mission statements in each of the five veins:

Values

Neighborhood House Charter School     Boston, MA, 1997

"The Neighborhood House Charter School of Boston believes that the underpinning of change relies on the creation of a learning community, where everyone has something to learn and something to teach. The mission of the school is to develop in each child the love of learning, and ability to nurture family members, friends, and self, the ability to engage in critical thinking and to demonstrate complete mastery of the academic building blocks necessary for a successful future."

Educational Approach

Public School 2005     Milwaukie, OR, 1998

"The mission of Public School 2005 (PS 2005) is to recognize and nurture all human intelligence so that students and staff of varied cultural and social backgrounds will achieve their full intellectual and social potential. The founders envision a school that creates an inclusive community working together to support student achievement and a strong sense of self-worth. The school will offer a comprehensive educational program by placing a strong emphasis on K-6 curriculum while infusing second language and the arts. PS 2005 will foster an environment where students, parents, staff, and the community are partners in the educational process and achievement of all children."

Curriculum Focus

Horizons Community High School     Wyoming, MI, 1994

"We believe that people are empowered by their independent use of information technologies and that they are united by opportunities to share resources and communicate in our local and global communities. In this Information Age, it is essential that Horizon commit to preparing its students to work in an evolving, information-centered, global community. Given the rapid pace of technological change and the growth of information technologies in all aspects of our lives, it is critical that students become familiar with the tools of information technology. All students and staff must be competent in using these tools to obtain information, communicate, and to solve problems."

Customer Focus

EduPreneurship Student Center     Scottsdale, AZ, 1995

"EdPreneurship is dedicated to providing children with an education that will enable them to be successful in today's complex society. Creating a learning environment that is relevant, active, and product-oriented to ensure our children stay turned on and tuned in is essential to the education process. We believe in practicing the precepts of a Democratic society by students holding themselves accountable for their own actions, thus preparing them to be good citizens."

Outcomes and Goals

Lowell Middlesex Academy     Lowell, MA, 1998

"The mission of Lowell Middlesex Academy is to enable students to achieve academic, social, and career success by providing a supportive community that identifies, encourages, and develops each student's interests and abilities. The college campus environment enables students to discover the wide variety of opportunities open to them and foster a sense of responsibility for their own education. Upon graduating from the Academy, each student will have:

III. Additional Examples

For additional examples you may want to check out our State and School Information pages to contact a school that has similar interests to yours and see if they have a mission statement to share. You can also read charter missions on individual charter school web pages. The Center for Education Reform provides a list of charter schools with Web sites by state on its Groups and Contacts page.