The break-point situation worsens when it's combined with parents' own financial "breaking point"—their ability to pay tuition in this shaky economy. As they weigh their options, they may be thinking:
- "Hannah has built a great foundation. She'd probably get along fine in public school now."
- "That science charter school has a really good reputation, and it doesn't cost a thing."
- "Jason loves sports and there's no football program here."
- "We'll never get Lori into Aegis Academy's upper school if we don't move her now."
- "It's a big tuition jump from kindergarten to first grade."
Schools have created dozens of strategies for holding students across break points. Check out the tips below. Which ones are in place at your school? What would you like to add?
- Elect next year's class officers prior to the end of the current school year.
- Avoid raising tuition across break points.
- Start a project that "pays off" during students' first year in the new division, such as fund raising for a class trip or planning a social event.
- Keep your internal marketing strong so that parents are aware of the strengths in all divisions, not just the one their child attends.
- Set up traditions for the first year in each division that students won't want to miss.
- Keep students in touch over the summer by setting up "buddy groups."
- If your school has a Facebook page, let students know that you'll be posting photos taken at end-of-year events throughout the summer.
- Hold a "move-up day" when students visit the next division and get to know students and teachers.
