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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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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Creating a Culture of Support and Growth in Private Schools
Academic Leadership // February 28, 2021
Students are encouraged to learn and grow each day, both in and out of the classroom. They are given the tools to become critical thinkers—a gift that will serve them long beyond graduation. Acquiring these skills doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it is achieved when there is an established culture of growth and accountability in all aspects of their independent school.
Read MoreBreaking Down the Financial Aid “Formula” for Private Schools
Business and Operations // February 28, 2021
There is a right way to budget your financial aid program. The proper way ensures that you use it as a tool to advance your school’s mission, while also strategically increasing revenue and enrollment.
Read MoreThree Steps to Building a Strong Foundation for Your Alumni Association
Fundraising // February 21, 2021
Your alumni are some of your school’s most enthusiastic champions. They have matriculated through your programs, experienced your mission at work, and are now members of the community, exemplifying the outcomes your school aims to achieve.
Read MoreLeave 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 MoreHow 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 MoreHow 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 MoreHow 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 MoreBeginning 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 MoreTips for Enrollment Managers Responding to the Post-Covid World
Enrollment Management // February 7, 2021
The private school enrollment landscape was changing even before the pandemic. Over the last 20 years, the number of families who can buy a private education has flattened—even though the number of private schools has doubled.
Read MoreFour 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.
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