School Culture
Transformation Proposal
Prepared for Saratoga Independent School
Prepared by A.M. Consulting · March 2026
Executive Summary
This proposal outlines a comprehensive, phased approach to understanding and transforming the culture at Saratoga Independent School. Founded in 1991 and serving Pre-K through 8th Grade on a 60-acre Adirondack-style campus in Saratoga Springs, NY, SIS has built a strong academic reputation with its 4:1 student-teacher ratio, NYSAIS accreditation, and commitment to whole-child education.
Culture work in independent schools is not about compliance — it is about building the kind of institution where every member of the community can thrive. With 11% students of color compared to a 40% state average for private schools, and an active DEI parent-faculty group already in place, SIS has both the opportunity and the readiness to deepen this work intentionally.
The engagement is structured in three phases: a thorough Culture & Climate Assessment to understand the current landscape, a Strategic Alignment process to clarify leadership's vision and priorities, and ongoing Capacity Building to embed lasting change throughout the institution.
This is particularly timely as independent schools across the country are recognizing that diversity, equity, and belonging are not add-ons — they are foundational to educational excellence and institutional sustainability. When a trustee raises the question of culture, it signals both awareness and readiness.
Our Approach
This engagement is designed to be developmental, not transactional. Each phase builds on the previous, creating a layered understanding that leads to lasting transformation. The three-phase structure gives SIS the opportunity to assess, decide, and act — in that order.
Culture & Climate Assessment
Goal: Understand the current reality of the school community.
Key Activities & Deliverables
- Leadership interviews (Head of School, trustees, key administrators)
- Listening sessions with key stakeholders (faculty, staff, students, families)
- Policy and document review
- Climate survey and/or qualitative data gathering
- Parent and community input sessions
Output: Culture & Equity Landscape Report
- Key themes across stakeholder groups
- Cultural strengths to build upon
- Cultural tensions requiring attention
- Policy gaps and misalignments
- Strategic recommendations for Phase 2
Strategic Alignment
Goal: Help leadership decide what kind of culture they actually want to build.
Key Activities & Deliverables
- Leadership retreat or strategy session
- Board of Trustees conversation and alignment
- Values clarification and commitment articulation
- Identification of 3–5 strategic culture priorities
- Policy recommendation development
Output: Culture Transformation Roadmap
- Strategic priorities with measurable goals
- Policy recommendations
- Staff development roadmap
- Governance considerations for the Board
- Implementation timeline
Capacity Building
Goal: Help the community actually live the culture they say they want.
Key Activities & Deliverables
- Faculty and staff workshops
- Leadership coaching for Head of School
- DEI team skill-building and development
- Facilitated community dialogues
- Antiracist school culture training
- Ongoing strategy check-ins and accountability
Output: Sustained Culture Capacity
- Trained and confident leadership team
- Faculty equipped with inclusive practices
- Living values embedded in daily operations
- Ongoing feedback and accountability loops
- Community trust and engagement
Engagement Timeline
| Phase | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Culture & Climate Assessment | 4–6 Weeks |
| Phase 2 | Strategic Alignment | 4–6 Weeks |
| Phase 3 | Capacity Building | Ongoing |
| Total | Assessment through implementation | ~3–4 months + ongoing |
Investment Options
We offer three pathways to engage, each designed to meet your school where it is and scale to where it wants to go. All options can be customized.
Prefer to build your own plan?
Use the interactive pricing calculator on the presentation to mix and match phases and add-ons.
Foundation
$35,000 – $55,000
Essential assessment and strategic planning — ideal for schools beginning culture work.
Comparable to AISNE and NAIS member school consulting engagements. Reflects standard independent school equity assessment pricing.
Comprehensive
Recommended$75,000 – $110,000
Full engagement across all three phases — assessment, strategy, and initial capacity building.
Aligned with METCO partner school engagement models and NAIS consulting benchmarks for comprehensive culture transformation.
Partnership
$125,000 – $175,000
A sustained, year-long partnership for deep institutional transformation.
Reflects sustained partnership models used by leading independent school consulting firms. Includes retainer-based ongoing support.
A Note on Investment
Investment ranges are benchmarked against consulting engagements by organizations including NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools), AISNE (Association of Independent Schools in New England), METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) partner school programs, and leading independent school DEI consulting practices. Pricing reflects the depth, customization, and sustained nature of this work.
Why This Work Matters Now
Independent schools are at a pivotal moment. Families are making enrollment decisions based not just on academics, but on whether a school's culture reflects their values. Faculty retention is increasingly tied to whether educators feel supported and respected. And boards of trustees are recognizing that culture is a governance responsibility, not just an operational one.
When a trustee raises the question of culture, it signals both awareness and readiness. This is an opportunity to move proactively — to shape the narrative rather than respond to crisis.
The work we propose is not about checking boxes. It is about building a school community where the values on the wall match the experience in the hallway. Where every student, family, and educator feels that they belong — not in spite of who they are, but because of who they are.
Next Steps
Select Your Priorities
Use our engagement portal to indicate which focus areas align with your school's goals. Takes less than 3 minutes.
Introductory Call
We'll discuss your school's context, goals, and any questions. Proposed dates: March 10 or March 12.
Begin the Work
Phase 1 can launch within two weeks of agreement. We'll provide a detailed project plan and communication timeline.
Your selections will be sent directly to Altagracia for review before your call.