Building enrollment is about building connections. That was the key theme of our recent live event, Events, PR, and Partnerships: Engage Your Community and Boost Your School’s Enrollment. Our panelists shared actionable strategies to help schools create buzz, tell their stories effectively, and form partnerships that drive enrollment growth.
Meet the Panelists
Ashley MacQuarrie – Sr. Director, Enrollment Marketing, Grow Schools
Ashley serves charter schools as Director of Enrollment Marketing at Grow Schools. Originally from Los Angeles, Ashley attended San Diego State University, studying English, Film & Media. Ashley has years of experience in education and the digital marketing industry, having gained classroom experience before managing content and social media teams, developing websites, and consulting for startups and large brands. Ashley now leads a passionate and dedicated team in the Enrollment Marketing department, where she gets to see how transformative it can be when families choose the school that best meets their child’s needs. Ashley is devoted to helping schools share their stories and meet their goals through effective enrollment marketing.
Tony Solorzano – Sr. Client Services Representative, Grow Schools
Tony began in the non-profit sector, collaborating to secure funding for STEM education in schools throughout Southern California. His support for educational programs and strong background in business management now informs his work on behalf of charter leaders. Tony is passionate about helping charter schools thrive in their communities and achieve their financial goals.
Jean Shields Fleming – Principal, Fleming Media
Jean Shields Fleming is a global communications consultant – but a teacher at heart. She started her career teaching middle school reading, and went on to lead communications for NWEA and Scholastic. She has worked with a diverse range of large and small organizations including Nike, Estee Lauder, Nikon and the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance. A two-time winner of awards from the Interactive Marketing Association for content and social media programs, she is also founder and editor at Certain Age Magazine. Learn more at WorldChangingCommunications.com.
Key Takeaways
1. Design and Promote Engaging School Events
Ashley MacQuarrie shared insights on creating school events that attract prospective families and strengthen relationships with current ones. From open houses to community celebrations, she emphasized the importance of making events engaging, accessible, and well-promoted.
2. Craft Compelling Stories and Engage with Local Media
Jean Shields Fleming discussed how schools can improve visibility by working with local media. She highlighted the power of storytelling—showcasing student successes, teacher dedication, and community impact—to capture attention and build a strong reputation.
3. Build Strategic Partnerships for Long-Term Growth
Tony Solorzano explored how schools can identify and collaborate with partners to expand their reach. Whether through local businesses, community organizations, or advocacy groups, partnerships can provide valuable support and amplify enrollment efforts.
Watch the Full Webinar
If you missed the live session, you can watch the full conversation here. Don’t miss these valuable insights that can help take your school’s enrollment strategy to the next level!
Want to share?
