A school's reputation and the experience it provides for students can make all the difference when parents choose an educational institution.

ISM Consultants help schools reveal exceptional stories of student learning, engagement, and outcomes, and illustrate how these can become differentiators that distinguish their school from its competitors.

See below for examples of sessions our Consultants have presented on related to this topic.

Penny Abrahams, IAP-L
Senior Consultant

Elevating the Role of Marketing Communications at Your School
Two decades ago, the position of Marketing Communications Director in private-independent schools was almost nonexistent, with minimal resources dedicated to their responsibilities. Today, schools increasingly recognize the importance of strategic marketing communications in promoting their values, building relationships with their constituents, and enhancing engagement of donors and friends. However, these professionals are less likely than their peers to report to the School Head, and sometimes their contributions are underappreciated. As a result, they sometimes earn less than their peers and receive less acknowledgment for their successes.

Engaging the New Generation of Families: Connecting With Gen Y Parents and Gen Alpha Students
Schools are ushering in a whole new generation of families — Gen Y parents and their Gen Alpha kids — who bring fresh expectations and new ways of engaging with schools. In this session, we’ll explore practical, mission-driven strategies to connect with today’s families through authentic storytelling and relationship-building that speaks to both generations. You’ll leave with actionable ideas to engage and retain families in ways that resonate and last.

Purposeful Digital Marketing: Creating a Strategy That Delivers
With so many digital marketing options available, it’s easy for boarding schools to jump into tactics without a clear plan. A successful approach starts with a big-picture strategy that connects all efforts — website, social media, email, and more — into a cohesive plan that supports your school’s goals. This session will break down the key elements of a well-rounded digital marketing strategy, helping you focus on what matters most and how to measure success.

What to Do When a Crisis Goes Social
In this session, we will explore how to identify and strengthen the weak spots in your school's crisis communication plan, with a special focus on the challenges posed by social media. We will examine the key elements of managing your school's reputation online and understand how to respond to crises unfolding on these platforms effectively. This session will also provide you with practical strategies and real-world examples, equipping you with the skills to handle and mitigate social media crises confidently.