How do you find out what parents really think about your school? Or why families didn't re-enroll? Or where the gaps are in your school's ability to succeed over the long term? An ISM survey gives you the data you need.

What We Do

We tailor our surveys to uncover what you want, and need, to know. You may wish to survey one, all, or some combination of the following groups.

Standard Research Instruments

• Student Culture Profile II:
  The SCP II is appropriate for students in grades 5 and above. This instrument measures students’ attitudes about the aspects of your school that ISM research has shown to be correlated with high student performance, satisfaction, and enthusiasm.
• Faculty Culture Profile II:
  A positive, growth-focused faculty culture is the strongest predictor of student performance, satisfaction, and enthusiasm. This research-based instrument (FCP II) examines the qualities that matter most in the lives of students.
• Strategic Board Evaluation:
  Position-specific surveys are directed to your School Head, the Board of Trustees and its President, the Business Manager, the Admission Director, and the Development Director. In addition, all faculty members will complete the Faculty Culture Profile II (see description above). The results of the completed surveys are tabulated and ranked according to ISM’s Stability MarkersTM, our research-based indicators of a school’s continued success and viability.

All standard research instrument services deliver both the Student Culture Profile II and the Faculty Culture Profile II instruments. Detailed analysis and reporting is available but is not included with the Standard Research Instrument products or packages.

Customized Surveys

• Parent Satisfaction:
  In terms of sustained enrollment, your school is only as good as parents think you are, and worth only what they feel they’re getting for their investment. This survey unveils what parents really think you’re doing well, where you stand to improve, and gauges whether you are effectively communicating your school’s value.
• Student Satisfaction:
  Learn what your students think about specific programs in your school, including delivery of mission, curriculum, schedule, pedagogical techniques, athletics, co-curricular programs, social environment, and more.
• Faculty/Staff Satisfaction:
  While the FCP II examines the culture of your school based on what we know to be the primary predictors of student satisfaction, performance, and enthusiasm, this survey is designed to gauge faculty and/or staff job satisfaction, as well as to gain important insights about your school’s particular programs, student life, and school culture.
• Applicant:
  Learn how families found out about your school and how they experienced the application and admission process. Examine why your new families chose your school and/or why other admitted mission-appropriate students declined to enroll. Discover perceptions about your school and gain insight in the areas of marketing, admission, and your competition.
• Attrition:
  Parents frequently tell schools during exit interviews that they “simply can’t afford it,” ISM research shows that cost is very rarely the primary cause for attrition. An anonymous third-party survey gives you a more accurate picture of why students leave so that you can address any potential issues and take back control of your enrollment.
• Young Alumni (up to five years out):
  What was your value-added? Get feedback from graduates and/or their parents about how your school’s program contributed to their decisions, opportunities, and experiences after graduation, and whether they feel their investment paid off in the end.

All surveys are performed electronically. Our objective, third-party status ensures you get the highest response rate possible because the respondents’ anonymity is protected. After analyzing the survey responses, we give you a comprehensive report on the findings and offer advice.

For more details on the process: Surveys FAQ

Download ISM Survey Services Fact Sheet Here

Benefit to You

ISM has conducted more than 3,100 on-site consultations and over 280 surveys with schools. Our solid background in private-independent schools and all facets of their management enables us to identify assets and pinpoint liabilities, and share trends with you. Each of our surveys provides confidentially gathered data and a detailed analysis in a written report that guides you in institutional decision-making.

To find out more about ISM Surveys, e-mail Pat Kisielewski, ISM's Consulting Coordinator, or call 302-656-4944 (ext. 117.

We contracted our survey of parents, faculty, staff, and students with ISM. We recognized the importance of having a professionally prepared survey in order to produce information that would be non-biased and a true measure, and ISM fulfilled that need. We are very pleased with the entire process—well worth the investment. We now have valuable information for our improvement.

Ellen Cavanaugh, Head of School
Oakcrest School, VA