FROM THE HEADMASTER...

We have just concluded an excellent year at Brookwood and I would like to express my thanks to all who contributed to our success.  We have made progress because everyone worked together for the same purpose. Students, teachers and parents were all committed to providing whatever it took to challenge all of our students to do their best so that they would develop in mind, body and spirit.  Our parents in particular deserve special thanks because their efforts at Brookwood provide enrichment opportunities that allow us to reach our goals for our children.  The cumulative effect over a school year is truly amazing when just a few parents each day help in some way in a particular class. Thank you for all that you contribute to the educational process at Brookwood.  You are truly making a difference in the quality of the education of your children.

Since this is my last message to you as Headmaster, I want to take a few minutes to review our progress over the last four years.  The word "progress" is truly accurate, for we have made positive change on many fronts at Brookwood.  To remain true to our idiom, let me throw out a few Spearpoints.

Mission.  The founders of Brookwood sought in the words of the incorporating statement to offer a superior educational experience for all students that allows them to reach their potential intellectually, physically, and spiritually.  We have remained true to that ideal as our educational efforts include the classroom, the playing fields and stage and the inculcation of good character traits.  We are proud that 80% of our Middle and Upper School students participate on at least one athletic team and that one-third of our student body was involved in the musical this year.

Enrollment.  We have grown from 422 students in the fall of 2002 to 455 today.  This 8% increase came at a time when the enrollment pool remained level.  Over that same period Maclay's enrollment has declined 7% and Brookstone in Columbus has declined 1%.  Next fall's enrollment at Brookwood should be even larger and may be close to a school record. 

Faculty.  We have a stronger faculty today than we had in 2002.  The faculty is truly dedicated and individuals spend many hours outside the classroom working with students to ensure that students are learning.  I  would observe that the Brookwood faculty contains more individuals who put school above self than any institution at which I have worked in the last forty years.  That kind of commitment is what drives our success.  Your faculty merits your respect and support.

Budget and Fundraising.  Today our revenues and expenditures are in balance so that we do not have to rely too heavily on our endowment.  Now more of the endowment's resources can be used for such things as much needed improvements in our buildings and grounds-items that were deferred while we brought the budget into balance.  We can be particularly proud that while our tuition is $2,000 less than that of Maclay and Valwood, we pay our faculty better than either of those schools. Annual giving has grown and the Board of Directors is well along towards raising funds to build a building to replace the temporary "cottages."

Measures of Success.  At every level of the school we can find evidence that supports our claims that we are making progress.

• In the Lower School our ERB scores show that our students' learning measures up with national standards for similar schools, and over time the scores show that our students are making progress from year to year.

• In the Middle School our number of students eligible for the TIP program continues to grow.

• In the Upper School more than half of the juniors and seniors take at least one AP course.  Last year 86% of those students scored at least a 3 on the test which means that the credit is likely to be accepted for college credit.  We are especially proud that 67% of our students who took the AP exams last year scored a 4 or 5. 

• Our students do well in college when they leave Brookwood.  Since 1997, our records indicate that 80% of our students who have been eligible for HOPE have retained their eligibility after their freshman year.

• Over the last four years, Brookwood has won 10 GISA State Championships, a record of accomplishment unmatched by any other four year period in the school's history.

In conclusion, things are going well at Brookwood.  I have enjoyed working with everyone over the last four years.  We have had a good time. Thank you for all that you did to help us attain the success of the last four years.  The future looks bright.  Good Bye and Good Luck.