A school mission statement is a living work that guides the daily decisions of the school. These statements should align with the school culture and climate to have substantive value. These statements combine with long-term vision statements, strategic plans, logos, and daily practices to create a brand for the school.

In order to create a positive school climate in which students want to attend, and parents want their children to be a part of a school, this brand must be relevant, purposeful, clear, and genuine.

A school mission statement is a sincere work that relays the purpose and guiding principles of a school. The statement should be concise, with each word having purpose and adding value. Mission statements are the “why” a school exists and what the learning, school community aims to achieve. The message must represent consensus and collaboration from all stakeholder viewpoints and needs.

School mission and vision statements should be written collaboratively with input and feedback garnered from all stakeholder groups. The final product establishes the tone and purpose for the learning community. To be effective, the statement needs to be memorable and genuine while representing the community’s varying needs.

All students should feel represented in the mission statement. Schools must show value for students going to college and refining skills through strategic vocational trainings. Therefore, curricular options must exist for multiple pathways through and beyond the school.

Society needs people to bring various skills and talents. Schools must aim to eliminate stigmas and support all students so that they are equipped to have a bright future and become contributing members of society.