Some have proposed that resurrection is more

painful than death. Whatever the case, West Catholic

has certainly faced both. Following an announcement

of closure, West Catholic learned in the spring of

2012 that the school would remain open. Ever since

this decision, tremendous events have occurred.

A new vision at Board of Trustee and local leadership

levels have allowed West Catholic to look at

itself differently and set a new direction. Today,

West Catholic is more goal-oriented and able

to think outside the box.

This strategic plan, A Commitment to Mission,

developed in late 2012 and early 2013 and inclusive

of all constituents, is meant to position West Catholic

for the next five years as a school with purpose

and a clear path to excellence. The plan has ten goal

areas with specific objectives, action plans, and

metrics in which to ensure success. This document

is meant to give you a glimpse into those goal areas

and objectives and expand your vision of

what West Catholic intends to become.

With strong leadership and commitment throughout

the organization from all of its constituencies,

West Catholic aspires to be a premier urban center

for excellence in academics, social and religious

formation, and athletics. May this strategic plan,

Commitment to Mission, serve as an introduction

to our vision for 2017 and beyond!

Sincerely,

Mr. Alfonse GAbriele Chairman, Board of Trustees

brother riChArd Kestler, fsC President

4501 CHESTNUT STREET

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19139

215.386.2244 PHONE

INFO@WESTCATHOLIC.ORG

WWW.WESTCATHOLIC.ORG

strAteGiC PlAn 2013-2017

A COMMITMENT TO MISSION

Mission stAteMent

WEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL IS A

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF ACADEMIC

ExCELLENCE IN AN URBAN

ENVIRONMENT THAT IS OPEN TO AN

INTERDENOMINATIONAL POPULATION.

THE SCHOOL’S RIGOROUS SPIRITUAL, ACADEMIC,

TECHNOLOGICAL, AND ExTRACURRICULAR

PROGRAMS DEVELOP OUR ETHNICALLY AND

RELIGIOUSLY DIVERSE STUDENT BODY INTO YOUNG

MEN AND WOMEN OF STRONG MORAL AND

ETHICAL CHARACTER. WEST CATHOLIC PREPARES

EACH STUDENT TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF

EVERYDAY LIFE, EMBRACE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN

SOCIETY, AND VALUE SERVICE IN AN EVER-

CHANGING GLOBAL SOCIETY.

finAnCiAl MAnAGeMent> Ensure the short-term financial viability

of the school

> Provide financial transparency to ensure confidence among stakeholders

> Be financially self-sustaining beyond 2014-2015

GovernAnCe> Clarify the roles/responsibilities of the Board,

OCE, and FIFF in relation to West Catholic

> Effectively manage the school

> Improve staff performance

institutionAl AdvAnCeMent> Reposition image as an academic center

of excellence

> Reengage alumni

> Maximize unrestricted giving for the life of the strategic plan

> Optimize the staffing needs of the Advancement Office to achieve its goals

> Ensure the short-term viability of the school

> Establish an endowment

enrollMent> Improve outreach to elementary schools,

community leaders, parents, and alumni

> Achieve near-term and long-term enrollment goals

fACilities> Implement a comprehensive building

retro-fit strategy in five years.

CurriCuluM> Improve overall academic achievement rates

and increase the graduation rate

> Offer a curriculum of diverse content, levels, and deliveries to a progressively talented and larger student body

> Align curriculum and technology goals

GuidAnCe> Improve the ability of the guidance department

to meet the career and personal counseling needs of students

> Determine if it is appropriate to incorporate Burr Academy principles into the school-wide culture

CAtholiC identity> Provide a faith formation based on Gospel values

rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition.

teChnoloGy> Improve academic performance through

effective leveraging of technology

student life> Enhance the student activities/athletics

program to meet student needs

strAteGiC PlAn 2013-2017