Small School Success Studio: Your Strategic Partner
SSSSS is The Small Schools Strategic Success Studio. This is the home of Dr. Stuart Grauer’s leadership consulting services. We are available to smaller learning communities all over the world at sliding scale prices.
We have an incomparable understanding of the small school organization and benefits. We understand that small schools may mean tight budgets. Are you ready to explore a little? Let’s get you to the next level.
Vision
I empower small schools and their leaders through exceptional, experienced leadership and governance consulting. Your educational community deserves to thrive on inspiration and courageous innovation, and it can.
Contact us for your collaboration, advocacy, and support in:
Mission
Ready for the Next Level… whatever it is? Personal connection and trust can empower you and drive your success as your organization evolves.
The SSSSS mission is to provide comprehensive, customized leadership consultancy services that enhance the capabilities of small school leaders, support effective governance, and promote sustainable, high-quality education environments.
Who We Are
Backed by superb administrative support, Stuart Grauer, Ed.D., is a leading authority on small schools and expeditionary education with over 50 years of experience. As the founder of The Grauer School and the Small Schools Coalition, confidante and consultant to many small school leaders, and a long-time chair of accreditation teams, he specializes in strategic planning, board governance, organizational development, accreditation preparation, and leadership coaching. Dr. Grauer consults globally, providing tailored support to educational leaders aiming to maximize their schools’ impact.
His work and writings have garnered international attention, with coverage by the Discovery Channel (“Understanding Oceans”), The New York Times, Phi Delta Kappan, Independent School Magazine, ASCD SmartBriefs, and more. Locally, in Encinitas, CA, he has been honored as “Peacemaker of the Year” and “Local Legend.” Dr. Grauer’s accolades include the coveted Fulbright Educational Administration Fellowship and the University of San Diego’s highest alumni honor, the Author Hughes Career Achievement Award.
Stuart Grauer’s skills and background includes:
- Leadership in Small Schools: Over 50 years of experience in leadership development and developing small schools, with a deep understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities
- Strategic Planning and Development: Expertise in guiding small schools through strategic planning, helping them develop clear, actionable roadmaps for long-term success.
- Accreditation and Evaluation: Extensive experience in school accreditation processes, with decades of service as Chair of School Evaluation Committees for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
- Small School Coalition Leadership: Founder of the Small Schools Coalition, providing support and advocacy for small school leaders seeking to demonstrate the value of their educational models.
- Teacher and Curriculum Development: Strong background in mentoring teachers and developing innovative, student-centered curricula that cater to the needs of small school environments.
- Educational Storytelling and Communication: Renowned for his ability to communicate complex educational ideas through storytelling, engaging educators, parents, and students alike.
- Consulting and Advisory Services: Extensive consulting experience, offering tailored advice and support to small schools worldwide on various aspects, from leadership to curriculum design.
- Expeditionary Education Expertise: Recognized authority in expeditionary learning, integrating real-world experiences with academic study to create impactful educational journeys.
- Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution: Skilled in guiding schools through difficult situations, providing clear leadership and strategies for overcoming challenges.
- Global Educational Perspective: Experience working in international education, including collaborating with schools all over the world and serving as Principal of the International School of Basel, Switzerland, bringing a global perspective to small school leadership.
Core Values …
That you can expect us to uphold and live by:
Collaboration, Courage, Creativity
Client Testimonials
Dr. Grauer is a leadership expert with talent to burn.
Dr. Grauer is among the best of visionaries I’ve had the opportunity to come across either personally or professionally. And I’ve worked with over 100 high-level corporate, government, and philanthropic leaders.
Grauer brings joy, courage, and imagination to the dialogue on education.
Your passionate drive, your visionary aspirations, and your compassionate approach is overwhelming.
My compliments and regards to Dr. Grauer. Not only has he created a remarkable school, he is universally respected.
Stuart is a fascinating educator who has created a special school environment that promotes healthy intellectual, social, and emotional development of high school students.
We’re still always a little disbelieving that a haven such as Grauer exists.
It’s really remarkable what you’ve done here!
Blogs/Resources
Articles on leadership and governance in small schools
Contact Us
You can also email me directly at stuart@grauerschool.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What services does Small Schools Strategic Success Studio offer?
We offer a range of services including Leadership and Head of School Coaching, Organizational Leadership Development, Accreditation Preparation, Organizational and Personnel Evaluation, Board Governance and Board Leadership Development, and Head of School Succession Planning and Searches.
2. How can Leadership and Head of School Coaching benefit our school?
Our coaching services provide personalized support to enhance leadership skills, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities. This helps school leaders navigate challenges, set and achieve goals, and foster a positive school culture.
3. What is involved in Organizational Leadership Development?
This service includes tailored training programs, workshops, and retreats focused on team-building, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and effective communication to build and strengthen the leadership capacity within your school.
4. How does Accreditation Preparation work?
We guide schools through the accreditation process by providing comprehensive support, including document review, self-study assistance, and mock evaluations to ensure your school meets all accreditation standards.
5. What does Organizational and Personnel Evaluation entail?
We conduct thorough assessments of your school’s organizational structure and staff performance through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, providing actionable insights to enhance efficiency and overall performance.
6. Why is Board Governance and Board Leadership Development important?
This service strengthens governance practices and leadership skills of board members through training on roles and responsibilities, strategic planning, policy development, and effective meeting management, ensuring your board operates with clarity and accountability.
7. What is included in Head of School Succession Planning and Searches?
We help schools prepare for leadership transitions by developing succession plans, identifying internal candidates, and conducting nationwide searches for qualified leaders, including candidate vetting, interview facilitation, and transition support.
8. How do we get started with your consultancy services?
You can get started by contacting us to schedule an initial consultation. We will discuss your school’s specific needs and tailor our services to best support your goals.
9. Do you offer customizable service packages?
Yes, we offer customizable service packages to meet the unique needs of each school. We work closely with you to design a package that aligns with your specific requirements and goals.
10. What are your fees for consultancy services?
Our fees vary depending on the specific services and the scope of work involved. We provide detailed pricing information during the initial consultation.
11. How long does the accreditation preparation process take?
The duration of the accreditation preparation process can vary depending on the specific requirements of the accrediting body and the current status of your school’s documentation. We work efficiently to ensure timely completion.
12. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
Yes, we can provide references and testimonials from past clients who have successfully benefited from our consultancy services.
13. What makes your consultancy different from others?
Our consultancy is focused specifically on the unique needs of small schools. We offer personalized, relationship-based services with a commitment to integrity, excellence, and empowerment.