Stay current with the latest private-independent school news.
What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
Sign up to receive Community Corner, a free newsletter from ISM.
We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
Join more than 30,000 private-independent school administrators and have Community Corner delivered right to your inbox.
Search
See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Five Ways to Make a Big Deal About Student Acceptances at Your School
Enrollment Management // April 18, 2021
Your congratulatory letter to students who have been accepted to attend your school probably sounds similar. A letter is an excellent way to document acceptance. But what happens after students take you up on your offer? Sometimes, nothing. And it's a missed opportunity to do so many things that can benefit your organization.
Read MoreTen Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Cyberattack on Your School
Business and Operations // April 18, 2021
Cyberattacks are expected to occur every 11 seconds in 2021—and unfortunately, K–12 schools are increasingly at risk, thanks to distance learning Some of the biggest threats are ransomware and funds transfer fraud. Threats commonly occur via the entry point of email, also known as "business email compromise."
Read MoreUnderstanding Gen Z and How to Help Them Succeed
Academic Leadership // April 18, 2021
Gaining a better understanding of the way your students have been raised and the world they live in is critical to connecting with them and educating effectively. With a grasp on their background and perspective, you can improve their engagement and academic success—not to mention generating accolades for your school.
Read MoreEight Steps to Transforming School Culture: Real Talk on Race and Diversity
School Leadership // April 11, 2021
For some schools, 2020 was the year that leaders got honest about diversity in their schools. Whether it was the first time your team dealt with challenging conversations, or another year of continuing progress, use these concrete steps to transform your school’s culture.
Read MoreSchool Spotlight: How Serviam Girls Academy Supports Its Students With Strategies From ISM
School Spotlight // April 11, 2021
Serviam Girls Academy is rooted in the rich tradition of the Ursuline Education Network. Their mission is to cultivate the potential of young women through a challenging, holistic education. This is a tuition-free private middle school in Wilmington, Delaware, providing an exceptional, holistic education to under-served students.
Read MoreQuestions About Your Enrollment, Marketing, and Advancement for Next Year? Help Is on the Way!
Enrollment Management // March 30, 2021
The impact of COVID-19 has irrevocably changed how schools interact with constituents, recruit and retain families, and fundraise. Now is the time to learn the latest methods to help you meet your goals. Each year’s curriculum offers new learning opportunities and is refined to deliver a uniquely individualized experience, allowing for maximum team collaboration and deep engagement.
Read MoreHow to Find (and Manage) Agents for Your International Student Program
International Student Programs // March 28, 2021
With normal travel impeded and educators feeling challenged around the globe, International Student Programs have faced a unique set of struggles and trials over the past year. Looking forward, these programs not only have the ability to survive—they can flourish and grow. Whether a school is loo...
Read MoreYou Are NOT Your Target Market: Three Steps to More Effective Communications
Advancement // March 28, 2021
When working on advertising materials and donor stories, sometimes a specific headline or case study piques your interest more than the others. However, when you show it to a parent representative you trust, they don’t react to it as strongly as you had hoped or anticipated—thus changing the course of your prospective marketing or advertising campaign. This example illustrates the need to have quantitative data to back up your marketing decisions. You, as the administrator of a private school, are not (necessarily) your target audience; neither is every family with a school-aged student or every philanthropic business person in the neighborhood. To ensure the solicitation of mission-appropriate donors and prospective families, you must put yourself in your audience’s place while identifying (and acknowledging) personal bias.
Read MoreForget Morning Coffee—Growth Coaching Is Your New Perfect Blend
School Leadership // March 21, 2021
Academic success is not measured solely by test scores and report cards. To get the full picture of a child’s development, you take into account the entire student experience. Teachers go through a similar assessment. Quantitative data is measured via an evaluation process, while qualitative information is revealed—and nurtured—through a comprehensive growth plan.
Read MoreThree Cyberthreats to Your School and Smart Solutions
Business and Operations // March 21, 2021
Schools have faced cybersecurity risks for some time now, and cyberattacks have increased significantly during the pandemic. Even long after COVID-19 is behind us, educational institutions will remain vulnerable because they are online—as schools expand their online presence, criminal activity will become more threatening. Avoiding cyberthreats is essential.
Read More