Sussex Academy launches comprehensive strategic plan
Sussex Academy released its 2026-28 strategic plan March 11, noting it was designed to guide operational decisions in academics, student services and business that align with new mission and vision statements for the K-12 public charter school that launched in 2000.
To create the plan, Sussex Academy partnered with the University of Delaware’s school leadership team in February 2025 to identify key opportunities for growth through a series of surveys and focus groups with stakeholders.
“The most impressive and satisfying part of working with Sussex Academy was discovering that it is truly an extended family, where everyone cares, has a voice and plays a role in educating today’s students while also preparing for tomorrow’s,” said Kevin R. Fitzgerald, EdD, Delaware Academy for School Leadership senior leadership specialist.
Following a review of collected data, students, teachers, parents, school administrators and board of directors members formed a core committee to develop clear priorities and actionable steps aligned with long-term objectives.
“The inclusive approach ensured that diverse perspectives shaped a focused and forward-thinking path,” said Kyle Bentley, head of school.
From there, three distinct subcommittees focusing on academics, student services and business functions formed to create specific goals, corresponding objectives and detailed, deadline-oriented tasks to complete.
“Our strategic plan will serve as a road map as we strive to realize our vision of becoming the premier K-12 school system in the state of Delaware through our mission to create a supportive school environment with accelerated learning opportunities that prepare students to explore, experience and excel,” Bentley said.
Key goals of the plan include strengthening instructional practices and supports to foster achievement for all students, providing extracurricular programs and a safe K-12 environment, and exploring growth opportunities through strategic investments in people and facilities.
Each goal is supported by three objectives and a number of timeline-driven implementation activities. Progress on meeting the goals and objectives of Sussex Academy’s strategic plan will be shared on the school website, sussexacademy.org.
The launch of Sussex Academy’s new strategic plan comes on the heels of Delaware Department of Education’s release of its own strategic plan for 2025-28, which details strategies, metrics and responsibilities designed to meet literacy, access, graduation rates and other goals statewide.
Sussex Academy’s strategic plan is available at sussexacademy.org/general-information/sussex-academy-strategic-plan.
Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter K-12 school in Georgetown. Its mission is to create a supportive school environment with accelerated learning opportunities that prepare students to explore, experience and excel.
