Community Corner
Community Corner

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.

Leave the Stress Behind to Make Your Next Hire a Success

School Heads // February 21, 2021

Hiring the best candidates in any industry can be challenging, especially during a pandemic. The stress and time-consuming nature of finding and hiring the right person for a specific role too often leads to settling for an “adequate” placement—not a “best hire.”

Read More

How to Tell If Your School Is Ready for a Schedule Change

Academic Leadership // February 21, 2021

If there's ever been a school year where the typical plans, schedules, and procedures have been completely thrown out the window, it's this one. Leading during the COVID-19 pandemic has been trying. It's also created opportunities to rethink systems you always thought were set in stone and completely unchangeable.

Read More

How Schools Can Respond to the Black Lives Matter Movement

School Leadership // February 14, 2021

In recognition of Black History Month, we’re highlighting a webinar focusing on how schools can respond to the Black Lives Matter movement, originally held last summer. We think it is an important topic to revisit—addressing one of our generation’s most crucial issues.

Read More

How to Cultivate Relationships With BIPOC Students and Alumni

School Leadership // February 14, 2021

It’s clear that there is much to do to build and sustain diverse and inclusive communities within private schools for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students and alumni. Even as schools become more intentional in their efforts, many still struggle with attracting and retaining BIPOC students.

Read More

Beginning the Journey of Self-Reflection in Racism

School Leadership // February 14, 2021

Many school leaders aren’t aware of their own unconscious biases or the damage they cause—even when they have the best intentions. Vital work to dismantle racism in society today starts with self-reflection—this is the beginning of evoking the changes necessary for society’s evolution.

Read More

Four Tips to Improve Student Retention With Your Welcome Packet

Enrollment Management // February 7, 2021

Once a new student enrolls in your school, you may be tempted to take a breather—but it’s time to think about retention. How parents and children experience your school from the get-go can impact their choice to stay in the long-term. Nothing creates a great first impression like a well-designed welcome packet.

Read More

How to Create a Successful Volunteer Program

Fundraising // February 7, 2021

Private schools rely on motivated and engaged volunteers to support fundraising initiatives, engage new families, participate in parent and alumni associations, and much more. Recruiting volunteers who make a difference can feel like an overwhelming task—but is vital to your school’s overall success.

Read More

How to Set Mission-Driven Tuition Post Pandemic

Business and Operations // January 31, 2021

Tuition setting is the cornerstone of your school's sustainability—acting as a compass and charting the course for your long-term viability. Consider all the essential variables to your sustainability. Price yourself according to those variables and the mission-driven program you want to deliver.

Read More