Navigating Homeschooling Trends: A Strategic Perspective for Independent Schools

🏫 As leaders in independent schools, our role extends beyond day-to-day operations; we are visionaries tasked with predicting trends and identifying opportunities. The lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic underscore the importance of diversifying revenue sources and exploring ways to serve beyond our immediate population. #IndependentSchoolLeaders #VisionaryLeadership #FutureTrends

In our engagements with numerous school leaders over the past year, a recurring theme has been the dialogue around homeschooling and strategies to tap into this market. 🤔💡

You might question the relevance of homeschooling in a post-pandemic era, assuming that school shutdowns are a thing of the past. However, a recent Washington Post article challenges this notion. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 2019—before the significant expansion of homeschooling—there were 1.5 million homeschooled children in the United States, according to the last official federal estimate. #HomeschoolingTrends #EducationStatistics

Considering this figure and the subsequent growth, estimated by The Post to be between 1.9 million and 2.7 million homeschooled children in the U.S., it becomes evident that homeschooling remains a significant educational choice for families. 📈🏡 While some areas have maintained or slightly decreased their homeschooling rates post-Covid, many still surpass pre-pandemic levels.

So, what does this mean for independent schools? If homeschooling numbers in your county or state remain high, it's advisable to:

1. Investigate the Why: Understand why families are choosing homeschooling in your vicinity.
2. Identify Potential Opportunities: Determine if there's an opportunity to serve homeschool families.
3. Explore Program and Service Offerings: Discuss what programs or services could benefit homeschoolers.
4. Evaluate Resources and Capacity: Assess whether your resources and infrastructure can support these opportunities.
5. Conduct Local Market Research: Engage with local homeschool families through market research.
6. Align and Offer: If alignment exists between your offerings and the needs of homeschool families, outline, build, and market your offer. #SchoolEngagement #HomeschoolOutreach #EducationOpportunities

Is reaching out to homeschool families the best next step for every independent school? Certainly not. It only makes sense if your mission, programs, and current enrollment align with such efforts. However, in my nearly 20 years of experience in and with independent schools, I propose that it could be beneficial for every school to brainstorm and consider potential opportunities. This proactive approach ensures that, in times of enrollment challenges or unforeseen circumstances, schools have diversified revenue sources and additional constituent groups to engage. #StrategicPlanning #DiversifyEducation

I'm curious to learn about your area. Are homeschool families prevalent, and how has your school explored engagement with this demographic?

Share your insights and experiences! 🌐🤝 #SchoolCommunity #HomeschoolIntegration #EducationDialogue

email me: [email protected]

If you would like to engage in lively discussions and exchange strategies with other small school Heads, Admissions, and Marketing leaders, then I invite you to join us for our next FREE Small School Leaders Monthly Power Hour session! It is an easy way to connect with other small school professionals from across the country! 😀

Put us on your calendar TODAY 👉  www.easyschoolmarketing.com/leaders 

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