The Mid-Pen Promise

A Strategic Plan for the Five Years 2019-2024

In the fall of 2019, as Mid-Pen was celebrating its 40th anniversary, the school was proud to launch The Mid-Pen Promise, a new five-year strategic plan. While looking back at the early days of our school and celebrating our successes over the past four decades, we also were looking to the future as we collectively shaped the next chapter of Mid-Pen’s history.

Over the course of the 2018-2019 school year, the Mid-Pen Strategic Plan Task Force – a dedicated group of trustees, teachers, parents, and alumni parents – engaged in generative discussions, conducted visioning exercises, shared stories, and collected data. The group interviewed dozens of community members and educators from middle schools, high schools, and colleges. In January 2019, Design Day drew more than 80 Mid-Pen constituents whose thoughts and contributions sparked many of the central ideas in this plan. Along the way, we kept Mid- Pen’s mission and values at the heart of our work.

The Mid-Pen Promise builds upon our history and our many strengths to create a shared vision of Mid-Pen’s future.

Introduction

Female teacher kneeling next to female students helping her study

WHEN MID-PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL opened its doors in 1979, its founders were intent on creating a small, nurturing, student-centered school on the Peninsula. With public schools feeling the effects of reduced funding from Proposition 13, the need for a supportive, flexible school grew more urgent. Families on the Peninsula wanted an environment that put their children into relationships with expert and compassionate teachers as their children made their way through high school and into adulthood.

Forty years later, with enrollment growing, solid finances, and a strong faculty in place, Mid-Pen was in an ideal position to launch its new five-year Strategic Plan, The Mid-Pen Promise, the focus of which was on three significant areas:

The Student Learning Experience
Support for Teachers
Access, Equity, and Excellence

Progress and Successes

Female student using a hammer to pound hot iron into a coat hook.

As we reflect on the past five years, we are proud to share the significant strides we have made in fulfilling our promise to the Mid-Pen community.

One of our most exciting accomplishments has been the introduction of DragonWeek, an immersive, week-long intersession before spring vacation that allows students to explore personal interests and real-world learning opportunities. These ungraded experiences span the arts, humanities, science, and technology, with options ranging from on-campus programs to international travel. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering curiosity and engagement beyond traditional coursework.

In addition, we have made significant campus improvements. A major capital campaign, the largest in our school’s history, is under way so that we can expand our facilities and provide new exciting opportunities in STEM, the performing arts, and student wellness. Classrooms have been redesigned with ergonomically designed furniture and increased natural lighting, creating a more adaptable and welcoming learning environment. Furthermore, we have expanded our Learning Support Team, strengthening our ability to support students with diverse learning needs.

To support our faculty, we have established department chairs for several academic disciplines, providing leadership opportunities and professional growth avenues. We have also increased faculty salaries and benefits significantly, ensuring that we remain competitive among peer schools. Our commitment to cultural proficiency training for trustees, students, and families has reinforced Mid-Pen as an inclusive and welcoming community.

Looking Ahead

Male students with pencil in hand looking at his notebook in classroom

As we celebrate these achievements, we recognize that our work is ongoing. Moving forward, we remain committed to continuous improvement, ensuring that Mid-Pen remains a leader in innovative, student-centered education. Thank you to our students, faculty, families, and supporters who have contributed to making the Mid-Pen Promise a reality.

Together, we look forward to building on this strong foundation and shaping the future of Mid-Pen for years to come.