[Aquinasfan]

She has taught at Hilltop since 1992, where she is nourished by her co-teachers' commitment to growth and challenge, by children's passionate relationships, and by families' deep commitment to their children.

Sounds like most schools' mission statements. Take a look some time. They're a hoot.

If a school doesn't know what it is or why it's here, how can it get anywhere?

Here's one I just googled. It's the Franklin, MA Public Schools Mission Statement.

Franklin High School Mission Statement

FHS exists as a covenant among students, parents, staff and community. This collaboration promotes a rigorous, safe and nurturing environment in which students are responsible and passionate learners. In an atmosphere of equality, acceptance and respect, students prepare to contribute to our democratic society and an interdependent world.

Whatever.

Contrast this to a true mission statement, that might go something like this.

Since the purpose of human life is to know, love and serve God in this life so that we can be happy forever with Him in the next, our school should serve this end. Our curriculum will focus on teaching children grammar and logic (so that children can learn how to pursue Truth, which is the proper object of the intellect, and God Himself), and acts of charity and self-sacrifice, so that children can learn how to love God and neighbor for the love of God. Etc.

[Gabz]

You are mixing apples and oranges with your mission statements.......public schools are different than private schools. The school in this article is a private school, not a public school.