Month: October 2023

Effective enrollment marketing is an investment in the long term. It’s comparable to planting a tree; the effort and care you invest early on can result in a thriving canopy of students for years to come. By focusing on strategies that span multiple enrollment seasons, schools can establish a foundation that builds a strong and sustainable school community.

Adopt a strategic marketing tailored to your unique offerings. Enrollment marketing isn’t just about spreading awareness; it’s about communicating why your school is the ideal choice for students and their families. You’ll need to go beyond word of mouth.

Here are some tips for developing a long-term enrollment strategy that helps your school achieve its mission.

Focus on retention.

Focus on both attracting new students and retaining existing ones to create a balanced, long-term enrollment marketing strategy.

Adapt to challenges.

Be sure to stay updated with enrollment trends in the ever-changing educational landscape. Pay special attention to difficulties in regaining enrollment at specific grade levels, such as the third grade, indicating the long-term impact of the pandemic on student retention.

Be thoughtful about your online presence.

Use video content as a dynamic tool for engagement on platforms like TikTok and YouTube to create awareness and interest. For new schools, community engagement and early advocacy are pivotal to building interest and a solid foundation. Ensure your school’s website is compelling, informative, and sparks curiosity among prospective students and their families.

Build a strong Board.

Carefully consider board governance and the composition of your board of directors, especially during the formative stages of a charter school. Having community influencers and parents with significant influence on the board can be a powerful catalyst in promoting your school and fostering community engagement.

Dive Deeper: Watch the Discussion

Ashley McQuarrie and Tony Solorzano joined Michael Barber to discuss these strategies in more depth and touch on social media as a tool for raising awareness. Watch the full video below.

Note: YouTube had an issue with sound for the first five minutes. The speakers were able to recap what they covered once sound was restored.

Reach Your Goals with Digital Marketing

Achieve your enrollment goals through digital marketing. Raise awareness, fundraise, meet enrollment targets, and create a diverse network of champions that will nurture your school over the long term. Check out this free resource here.

Somehow, it’s October already. With all the back-to-school activities, September went by so quickly, and now it feels like the holiday season and a brand new year are just around the corner. And that means new opportunities and, of course, new challenges when it comes to attracting families to your school.

My advice? Don’t wait. The earlier you kickstart your enrollment efforts, the more time you have to connect with families and build those fantastic partnerships. Whether you’re teaming up with external partners or managing things in-house, early planning can make all the difference.

This week, I spoke on YouTube Live about what school leaders can be thinking about right now in terms of enrollment. You can watch that chat below and read on for your tips for October.

Local Engagement and Open Houses

First things first—think local! Engaging with your community is a powerful way to connect with prospective families. Consider hosting open houses, whether in-person or virtual, that give folks a sneak peek into your school’s world. Let them experience your unique educational approach and soak in your school’s warm and welcoming vibe. Your local newspapers can also spread the word about your open houses, and having informative materials ready to go can make sure folks really get what your school is all about.

Community Partnerships

Collaborating with community organizations can be a game-changer. Good options are the Boys and Girls Clubs or YMCA—these organizations have some great networks that can help you reach families you might have missed otherwise. Check out local community-based organizations, too. They’re often hidden gems when it comes to expanding your reach.

Use Video

Videos are your secret sauce, allowing you to authentically showcase your school. You don’t need to be a professional videographer to make videos—simple, genuine, and heartfelt clips can resonate deeply with potential families.

Capture those special moments in your school’s calendar—especially the first day of school—and create video montages that tell your school’s story.

Word of Mouth

Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can learn more about enrollment marketing partnerships here.

Last but not least, think about word of mouth. Positive recommendations from your current school community can carry a lot of weight. Encourage people to share their stories, and consider hosting events where families can invite friends and family to get to know your school better.

Remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. You can learn more about enrollment marketing partnerships here.

Tony Solorzano is passionate about helping charter schools thrive in their communities and achieve their enrollment goals. Learn more about Tony here.