Every year, re-enrollment becomes a hot topic that surfaces in discussions during our Small School Leader meet-ups, client conversations, and school campus visits. It's that pivotal time when schools navigate the crucial task of identifying families who plan to continue their journey with the...
In my almost two-decade-long journey working closely with schools, I've been intricately involved in navigating the challenges of re-enrollment periods. The privilege of collaborating with Heads of School and admissions teams has granted me insights into the complex web of dynamics during this...
I’m diving into one of my favorite topics: school camp promotions and strategies. You might be wondering why I'm delving into school camps – well, in the world of marketing, it's all interconnected! Selling your school's programs includes selling your summer camps too. Crafting a...
As the landscape of education continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the paramount importance of retention in shaping a school's future. Even if your institution boasts full enrollment and a waitlist, having a robust retention plan is not just advisable; it's imperative. A...
Among independent and private school leaders, discussions around marketing often center around attracting new families, seeking fresh faces to join the school community. However, amidst these conversations, a key strategy often remains unexplored: internal marketing for retention. In...
Today, I want to introduce you to a captivating concept called #SurpriseAndDelight. While you may already be practicing it unknowingly, let's delve deeper into this intriguing strategy.
"Surprise & Delight" involves doing something unexpected and personalized for someone, leading to genuine...
Embracing Meaningful Connections
As the school year progresses, we find ourselves engrossed in various endeavors, from fundraising and annual funds to organizing admissions events and open houses. Amidst all the planning and execution, we often forget to prioritize a crucial aspect of our...
Navigating the Annual Giving Season
With the Annual Giving season approaching, it's crucial for small and independent schools to be mindful of a major fundraising mistake that often goes unnoticed. This particular error not only affects our fundraising efforts but can also have a negative impact...
Today, we are diving into the world of photo card apps and exploring how they can help us connect, thank, and engage with our parents and families as part of a comprehensive retention plan. We all know that building strong relationships with our school community is essential for...
As we head into spring, this is a great time to plan for next year. Let’s chat about a frequent challenge area for schools — calendars!
Today’s parents are busy, busy, busy. They’ve got work, sometimes multiple school schedules, social obligations, and a gazillion...
The external community needs to get to know your school, teachers, staff, and campus sometimes years before they make a decision. If the only opportunities to engage with your school are admissions events, you’ll need to rethink your strategy. Some families don’t know they’re...
I recently gave a presentation to the Seattle Archdiocese for Catholic Schools about surveys. Surveys are a great way to collect valuable information about your school community. It gives parents a way to help us help them. If you haven't been using surveys, or if you haven't been mindful about...
