Many schools host Back-to-School Night at the beginning of the school year—by planning it well and using some creative strategies, you can foster a sense of community that resonates.
Your School’s Enrollment and Why In-Person Events Matter
In a world increasingly dominated by virtual communication, in-person and physical marketing are still essential. This is especially true for incoming grades like Kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grades—the transition to a new school is a significant life event, and families want to experience the atmosphere, meet your staff and teachers, and immerse themselves in your educational environment. Feeling like they are a part of your school community will strengthen their commitment to your school—leading to more steady enrollment over time.
In-person events are not just about showcasing your school; they’re about creating memories and forging connections that digital channels can’t replicate. The impressions left during these events have a lasting impact, driving retention and re-enrollment in ways that emails and social media posts can’t.
A Sense of Community
You can incorporate Back-to-School Night into a broader strategy of community involvement. Engage with families and encourage them to participate to help build a sense of unity and collaboration. By demonstrating your school’s commitment to community engagement, you establish a positive reputation and can attract families seeking a supportive educational environment.
Strategies for Your Back-to-School Night
Here are some strategies to ensure your Back-to-School Night and other in-person events leave a lasting impact:
- Make them Predictable and Get the Word Out
Schedule back-to-school night along with other regular open houses where families can explore your school, meet teachers, and interact with staff, which fosters a sense of familiarity and comfort. Make sure you get the word out in your newsletter when school starts so it’s on your families’ calendars!
-
Offer School Tours and Meet-and-Greets
Offer guided tours led by students or teachers. These personal interactions provide insights into daily life at your school and allow for direct Q&A. Involve current students in leading tours or sharing their experiences. This personal touch resonates with both prospective families and current ones.
-
Themed Activities
Incorporate engaging activities tailored to different age groups, like STEM challenges or interactive games. These activities draw people in, showcase your innovative programs, and spark their interest.
-
Tangible Takeaways
Provide informative flyers, swag, or other tangible items that families can take home. These serve as reminders of the event and encourage further engagement.
-
Staying in Touch
Have methods in place to get contact information from each member of enrolled families so they can receive announcement emails and newsletters. This can include simple sign-up sheets or digital forms.
Partner for Event Support
Embrace the power of face-to-face engagement to make a lasting impact on prospective students and their families, ultimately driving enrollment and solidifying your school’s place in the community. You can also benefit from a partnership to fill your classroom with kids.
Watch the overview of an Enrollment Marketing Partnership here to find out how to get started.
Want to share?
