What would it be like if you could start your own elementary and middle school? How would you frame the school's vision and mission? What would be its goals? How would you translate vision into effective practice on a day-to-day basis? How would you measure success? These are the questions that Charles and Helene Debelak wrestled with thirty years ago when they founded Birchwood School with a small group of like-minded friends. Creating Mission: Ten Decisions that Framed Birchwood School carries readers to sit across the desk from cofounder and current headmaster Charles Debelak as he discusses the history of his Cleveland, Ohio, school and shares the thoughts, ideas, and aspirations that came together to develop its mission. A historical account that reads like a personal memoir or piece of fiction, Creating Mission tells the tale of Birchwood's founding, development, and future and is sure to appeal to anyone associated with the school, as well as to readers interested in learning more about the process of establishing educational and/or organizational principles and objectives.