Flintridge Preparatory School

The Challenge

Flintridge Preparatory School had long enjoyed a strong reputation in the San Gabriel Valley, known for its academic rigor, well-respected faculty, and ample resources that fueled high enrollment. With a new strategic plan in place, Prep aimed to evolve its understanding of educational excellence. No longer satisfied with being known purely for " academic rigor," the school recognized that thriving in adolescence required more.

The Insight

Our research revealed that while Flintridge Prep’s academic prowess was well understood, it wasn’t what set the school apart. It also wasn’t what the community valued most. The brand needed to evolve beyond academic excellence to highlight the school’s unique strengths. Joy, curiosity, and a supportive environment define the Prep experience. The school’s true distinction lay in fostering deep engagement and a sense of belonging, while nurturing students’ growth. The challenge was clear. Prep needed to reshape its brand to reflect this holistic approach and shift outdated perceptions while reinforcing its leadership position in education.

The Journey

We developed a strategy focused on the idea that healthy adolescence is at the core of Flintridge Prep’s approach to education. The brand centers on the joy of learning and scholarly curiosity that Prep excels at nurturing. In this environment, teachers and students share moments of intellectual passion, playful exploration, and laughter. Classrooms are places of serious study and vehicles to connect and engage. The new brand captures the essence of Prep’s balanced and joyful academic experience.

The Impact

In their launch of the new brand, Flintridge Prep said it best:

“This process has been an object lesson in how we embody the values we hold most dear. Since January 2023, we sought critical input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and guardians. We asked them hard questions about who we are, who we hope to be, and how we communicate our bold vision clearly and compellingly in the world. Every step of the way, we were met with engagement and enthusiasm. The result is clear language to talk about our bold vision for the future, along with imagery that helps us communicate visually who we are and what we stand for.”

One student (David Gomez-Novy ‘24) was so excited by the new logo that he created this animation in celebration. He proved that when a community is ignited by magnetic ideas, they’ll stop at nothing to help you achieve extraordinary results.

I have loved working with everyone at Mission Minded on our brand strategy. It has been an amazing experience, and we have grown so much as a school and as a leadership team through the process.

Vanessa Walker-Oakes
As Head of School
Flintridge Preparatory School

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