Advancing the Founders’ Vision
The Loomis Chaffee Strategic Plan 2025–30
Dear Members of the Loomis Chaffee Community,
With gratitude and excitement, we share Advancing the Founders’ Vision: The Loomis Chaffee Strategic Plan 2025–30. This plan reflects our shared values, reaffirms our mission, and offers a compelling vision for the future of Loomis Chaffee. Thank you to our students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni whose thoughtful insights helped shape this work.
Chartered in 1874, The Loomis Institute was founded by five siblings who, after the tragic loss of their own children, sought to create a “fountain of good” for the children of others. Their noble vision — an inclusive, purposeful education for “all persons” — has guided the work and support of generations of Trustees, heads of school, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. This plan continues that legacy, preparing our students to thrive and make a positive difference in an ever-changing world.
Central to the plan is the articulation of our core values: curiosity, inclusivity, integrity, kindness, and resilience. These values are deeply rooted in our founding ethos. From the beginning, the school encouraged open-minded inquiry and welcomed students from across Connecticut, the nation, and the world. We remain committed to teaching children to think critically and creatively, and to nurturing a community where all feel seen, heard, and valued.
Jody Reilly Soja
Head of School
Duncan A.L. MacLean ’90
Chair of the Board of Trustees
MISSION
As envisioned by our Founders, our mission is to inspire in all members of our community a lifetime commitment to the best self and the common good.
Shared Values
Rooted in our founding ethos, our shared values remind us of who we are and what we stand for.
We wonder, listen, and learn with humility, purpose, and enthusiasm.
We honor and protect the dignity of all members of our community and celebrate diversity of thought and experience.
We embody authenticity and accountability in our work and our relationships.
We embrace a generosity of spirit and care for others and ourselves.
We aspire to act with fortitude and courage and to learn from adversity.
SCHOOL MOTTO
Ne Cede Malis
“Yield not to adversity”
VISION
Loomis Chaffee pushes the boundaries of what school looks and feels like. We emphasize a dedication to humanity and the thoughtful integration of new technologies, with a commitment to critical thinking, creativity, self-expression, and meaningful dialogue. Rooted in shared values, thriving human relationships, and a commitment to the pursuit of personal and collective excellence, Loomis Chaffee empowers students to be their best selves and make an impact for the common good.
Strategic Priorities
Our People
strategic priorities
We will celebrate diversity, encourage individuality, and foster a safe and inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff feel connected and that they matter.
Increase the sense of belonging and inclusion for all community members
Strengthen community relationships and engagement
Develop a comprehensive health and wellness program
Recruit, develop, and support talented and dedicated students, faculty, and staff
Expand our commitment to accessibility
Our Program
strategic priorities
We will build on our foundation of excellence in education, the arts, athletics, and co-curricular offerings while embracing innovation in our programs to foster the skills and mindsets our students will need to thrive.
Provide more opportunities for a collaborative approach to teaching and learning
Support the evolution of a curriculum that integrates emerging technologies while retaining our core educational practices and values
Design and implement systems that meet our students where they are when they enter Loomis Chaffee and provide multiple pathways for success
Develop opportunities for students to observe, practice, and engage in civil discourse with an emphasis on exploring the meaning of and relationship between the best self and the common good
Strengthen the residential life experience through a comprehensive curriculum and dynamic programming
Our Place
strategic priorities
We will ensure the long-term future of our school by responsibly stewarding resources and connecting our community to our campus.
Advance the school’s environmental sustainability efforts on campus
Establish a deeper connection to and relationship with the town of Windsor and Greater Hartford
Enhance alumni engagement and relationships with the school by creating experiences that deepen their affinity for Loomis Chaffee
Ensure the economic sustainability of the school
Create and update spaces that serve our people, programs, and community
We are eager to begin this work — and invite you to join us.
Our Planning Process
1 comprehensive survey sent to Loomis Chaffee faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, and Trustees
Approximately 700 survey responses submitted and reviewed by the Strategic Planning Steering Committee
5 scheduled sessions for multiple faculty and staff focus groups, 4 student focus groups, 2 parent focus groups, 4 alumni focus groups
Workshops with the Board of Trustees in July 2024 and January 2025
Data aggregation from all sources
9 Strategic Planning Steering Committee meetings
9 in-person updates by the head of school at regional receptions across the United States and Asia
3 letters to the community with updates from the head of school
Reports to the Board of Trustees in October 2024, January 2025, and May 2025
Strategic Planning Steering Committee
Jody Reilly Soja
Head of School, co-chair
Keith Cowan ’74
Trustee, co-chair
Krystal Anderson
Staff
Susan Chrzanowski
Faculty
Stephen Colgate
Faculty
Elliott Dial
Faculty
Ned Heckman
Faculty
Elizabeth Leyden
Faculty
David Rogan ’76
Trustee
Jennine Solomon
Faculty
Ariel Williams ’06
Trustee