On this episode of Tuesday Tips, Tabatha Zilio Martins, VP of Asset Management at Grow Schools, joined us to discuss lease negotiation strategies that help schools secure favorable terms and operational flexibility.
Here are this conversation’s top 3 tips:
- Look at the full financial picture, not just rent. Consider property expenses, utilities, security, repairs, and ongoing maintenance to avoid budget surprises. Align lease terms with conservative enrollment forecasts rather than optimistic projections. Ensure your lease term reflects your growth goals and includes options to extend when needed.
- Negotiate flexibility for future growth from the start. Build expansion language into your initial lease rather than renegotiating later. Consider rights of first refusal for additional space in the same building, early termination clauses, and assignment/sublease rights. Plan for modular classroom additions and phase out your expansion schedule to avoid constant renegotiation.
- Align space with your educational mission, not just location preferences. An art school needs open studios, while a sports program requires fields and locker rooms. Consider classroom sizes, specialized rooms, drop-off/pickup flow, outdoor areas, and safety requirements. Remember that cheap rent becomes expensive if the space doesn’t serve your instructional needs.
Watch the Whole Conversation Here
