On this episode of Tuesday Tips, Ashley MacQuarrie and Tony Solorzano discussed how schools can use enrollment data to make smarter facility decisions.
Here are this session’s top 3 tips:
- Track the right enrollment metrics for facility planning. Analyze 5-10 years of historic enrollment data, grade-level patterns, and attrition trends. Monitor waitlist conversion rates, not just waitlist size—a deep waitlist means nothing if families don’t actually enroll when spots open. Aim for about 80% of your target ADA (Average Daily Attendance) to be in good financial shape for facility investments.
- Start facility planning at least 2 years before you need the space. Things always take longer than expected—from finding suitable space to securing financing. This timeline allows for facility improvements while you’re still in your current location and enables transitions during natural break periods like summer. Don’t let tight timelines create unnecessary stress and poor decisions.
- Consider your complete mission before pursuing building ownership. Meeting enrollment targets consistently for 3-5 years is just the baseline. Ask yourself: Have you fulfilled your educational mission first? Can you afford the necessary equipment, technology, and programs? Building ownership should come after you’ve checked every other mission-critical box, not before you’re financially ready to serve students effectively.
Watch the Whole Conversation Here
