Vision 2030: A Strategic Framework for Blake

Over the next five years, Blake will accelerate programmatic growth, strategic innovation and curricular development in the following areas:

Social emotional learning, positive identity development and mental health

Blake will center and intensify positive social and emotional development in its curricular and co-curricular programs. Building students’ social and emotional skills appropriate to each developmental level, we will focus more intently on the whole person, equip students with tools critical to their wellbeing and mental health, support students’ specific learning profiles, cultivate digital citizenship and amplify the power of connection and community across our three divisions.

Computational and design thinking

As we step into a future shaped by digital innovation, we are committed to enhancing our curricula with the principles of computational and design thinking. This approach, rooted in the analytical methods of computer science, enables students to break down complex issues, identify patterns and create structured solutions. By cultivating these skills, we aim to prepare our students to not just adapt to the evolving digital landscape but also play an active role in creatively and positively shaping it for the greater good.

Ecological literacy, climate science and environmental stewardship

In an age where we are facing unprecedented global and local environmental challenges, Blake will prioritize interdisciplinary teaching about the Earth’s systems both locally and globally. Students will develop environmental systems thinking and a sense of personal and collective agency in relation to sustainability. They will learn how to apply climate science in their current lives and in their engagement as leaders beyond Blake.

School-wide system for curricular review, development and alignment

For well over a century, Blake has been committed to excellence. Recognizing that the definition of excellence changes, we will empower faculty to engage in collaborative and innovative learning design while also building a PK-12 cycle for regular curricular review, development and alignment across departments and divisions.

Blake will bolster opportunities for development as learners, as leaders and as a community.

1) Expand student learning opportunities in and beyond Blake.

Community building

Engage students with each other across the school and divisions, inside and outside of the classroom. Examples include student-led affinity spaces, collaborative community art projects and cross-divisional service learning activities.

Connections beyond Blake

Design curriculum-based service learning and community engagement activities that foster authentic and sustained student connections with people beyond our school community. Examples include generating and preserving oral histories, interviewing elders, drawing portraits and mentoring through Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake.

Real-world experiences

Deepen partnerships with local organizations to broaden the contexts for learning and provide students greater access to real-world experiences. Examples include laboratory research at the University of Minnesota, a Minnesota legislature internship or participation in a community activist initiative.

2) Boost faculty and instructional support staff professional development resources and establish a Lower School teacher-preparation program.

Professional development

Expand professional learning opportunities and resources for our educators. Target topical areas such as: learning differences, ecoliteracy, civic engagement, the Reggio Emilia approach and anti-bias curriculum.

Graduate degree funding

Add to the endowed fund supporting Blake’s graduate degree program. Create capacity to underwrite simultaneous participation by multiple educators pursuing degrees relevant to their current Blake roles.

Early-career teacher development

Establish an Assistant Teacher Program in the Lower School (to replace the current TA model) that fosters professional growth and early teacher development through mentoring and co-teaching opportunities.

Blake will plan for future programmatic and student needs and finance them through a robust culture of giving by:

Building an environment for learning

Update our historic Northrop campus to meet the current and future needs of our program and students. Environmentally sustainable renovations will include enhancements to the performing arts space, improvements to the dining experience, a refresh of classrooms and green updates to infrastructure.

Amplifying educational access

Bolster financial assistance to make the Blake experience accessible to more students and create an environment where all students can participate equitably in school activities, programs and travel opportunities. Build a Family Support Program that helps students and families fully participate in the life of the school; staff will work with families on a range of issues, particularly those that affect student learning.

Fostering a culture of giving

Support educational excellence through a vibrant and inclusive culture of giving and volunteerism. Philanthropy entails generosity in all its many forms—and a robust giving program involves all stakeholders and community members. Every gift is an affirmation of the school’s mission and endorsement of Vision 2030.