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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?
Check out Community Corner, a free blog 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.
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The De Facto Mission Statement
Board of Trustees // April 5, 2020
We’ve highlighted how vital your school’s mission statement is to the culture and decision-making processes in your school. But there’s also another mission statement—the de facto mission statement. The de facto mission comprises well-understood—but rarely codified or written—sets of principles or practices observed throughout the school. If the de facto mission statement exists, it’s often because the institutional mission statement may have become a poor match with actual practice.
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How to Manage Re-Enrollment in the Midst of COVID-19
School Heads // April 5, 2020
For most private-independent schools, the COVID-19 crisis hit in the middle of re-enrollment season. And while many schools have reported to ISM that their retention rate is strong despite the pandemic, still others tell us that the rate of return on their re-enrollment contracts is alarmingly low. Whether you feel cautiously optimistic or deeply concerned about your school’s current retention picture, ISM offers these tips to improve your re-enrollment outlook for the 2020–21 school year.
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Private Schools and the CARES Stimulus Package: What You Need to Know (Part 1)
School Heads // March 30, 2020
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) into law. This bill is a $2 trillion economic stimulus law intended to provide immediate relief for individuals, nonprofits, businesses, and state and local governments. Below is our current understanding of what this law means for independent schools.
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Fundraising As COVID-19 Continues: Seven Actions You Can Take Now for Annual Giving
Advancement // March 29, 2020
As a development professional, your challenge as the COVID-19 pandemic continues is to find new ways to be present for your school community, build and maintain critical personal relationships, and, ultimately, meet your revenue goals for the current year. How do you do that during this crisis? Here are a few suggestions.
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Graduation and Other Year-End Events: How to Plan During the COVID-19 Pandemic
School Heads // March 29, 2020
As the end of the school-year draws ever closer and campus buildings remain shuttered, there is an increasing urgency for school administrators to decide how best to handle traditional activities like commencement and honors ceremonies. School leaders need to create a delicate balance between appropriately honoring their students, while still managing the challenges and realities of the situation. ISM offers the following advice as you consider your year-end events and traditions.
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Five Elements of Successful Remote Meetings
Academic Leadership // March 29, 2020
Holding remote meetings requires careful planning to ensure you use the time wisely and action steps are planned and taken. We recommend using the following tactics.
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School Spotlight: How Sanford School Is Fostering Community During COVID-19
School Heads // March 29, 2020
Almost every school is facing the reality of a new normal—managing student education while faculty, staff, and students work and study at home. It’s difficult for any school. However, we noticed that Sanford School, located just a few miles away from our home office, is receiving kudos from parents on the way it is managing the transition. We think you may find some inspiration for your strategies and tactics.
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Six Recommendations for Independent School Business Officers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Business and Operations // March 22, 2020
As we find ourselves in the early part of this pandemic, the Business Officer has a crucial role in helping his or her school weather this storm.
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How Private Schools Can Prove ROI to Families
School Heads // March 22, 2020
Enrollment management for private school leaders has become twofold—leaders must demonstrate value to bring new families into the school community while also engaging with current families. We recommend using the following steps to prove the value of your educational experience to families.
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Five Tips for Setting Up a Virtual Admission Office
Advancement // March 22, 2020
There is a belief among Admission and Enrollment Management Officers—“If we can get a family to visit our campus, we can ‘close the deal.’” But what now? As schools around the world close their physical campuses to combat the spread of COVID-19, how can Admission Offices remain “open for business...
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