

Ideas & Perspective Articles
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The Pandemic’s Disruption: The Changing Labor Market
Volume 47 Issue 7 ● September 1, 2022
Early in the pandemic, the ISM consulting team asked a critical question: Will the pandemic be an event to simply endure, or will it forever change the marketplace for private schools? It is now clear the pandemic is a disruptor, and school leaders, executives, and Trustees must be prepared for significant changes.
READ MOREBuilding Trust Between Division Heads and Teachers
Volume 47 Issue 6 ● June 1, 2022
As a Division Head, you understand trust is a critical component of effective working relationships. In fact, trusting relationships in schools have been shown to increase faculty cooperation, enhance school climate, and improve student outcomes. It is critical to explore which behaviors promote the creation of trust.
READ MORENet Promoter Score Surveys: Is My School’s Score ’Good’?
Volume 47 Issue 6 ● May 1, 2022
ISM has helped thousands of schools conduct surveys to understand what parents, students, and teachers think about their schools. Your parents’ and students’ satisfaction also has a significant influence on whether families decide to enroll year-to-year. One solution for monitoring consumer satisfaction across industries is the Net Promoter Score Survey (NPS®).
READ MOREEnrollment Forecasting for the Coming School Year
Volume 47 Issue 7 ● September 1, 2022
You, as Business Manager of your PK–12 school, are in the initial stages of putting together the first draft of your operating budget for the coming year. With an accurate enrollment projection, you can recommend with more confidence the figures for listed (published) tuition and for overall tuition assistance. Consider the following approach.
READ MOREFree Access to All ISM Webinars
Become an ISM member school and tune in for 50+ new webinars led by ISM Consultants and industry experts each year (this alone is a $6,440 value). Plus watch 200+ on-demand webinars in our content library!
The State of the 2022–23 Private School Market
The Newest ISM Recommendations for Head Support and Evaluation
The Enrollment and Financial Trends You Should Know Now
Why the Five Stages of Strategic Academic Planning Are Critical to Success
I read Ideas & Perspectives religiously each month, and my Board Chair does, too. It’s outstanding. There is always something in there that applies to us, and it prompts good conversation between us and our board.

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Fundraising Essentials: Small Development Shop Series, Part 2 of 4
Date(s): 4/9/2025 ● Time: 3:00pm ET ● Status: Open
Prioritize and implement high-impact fundraising programs that deliver the greatest return on investment for small independent school development offices.
$0.00
For all members & General

Scheduling Ahead: What to Consider and a Tool That Can Help
Date(s): 4/23/2025 ● Time: 12:00pm ET ● Status: Open
Discover practical strategies to streamline your middle or upper school scheduling process and explore how a student-centered solution like ScheduLogic can support your school’s needs.
$0.00
For all members & General

Active Assailant Insurance: Protecting Schools from Emerging Threats
Date(s): 4/23/2025 ● Time: 3:00pm ET ● Status: Open
Understand the coverage essentials, risk mitigation strategies, and financial impact of active assailant incidents for private-independent schools.
$0.00
For all members & General

Supporting Students With Learning Differences in Independent Schools
Date(s): 4/24/2025 ● Time: 3:00pm ET ● Status: Open
Unlock the full potential of students who learn differently by leveraging the strengths of independent schools.
$161.00
General
$0.00 For all members
$0.00 3+ Person

The State of Student Well-Being in 2025: Trend Lines and Next Steps
Date(s): 5/8/2025 ● Time: 3:00pm ET ● Status: Open
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, explore post-pandemic student well-being, learn what the data reveal, and how schools can respond.
$161.00
General
$0.00 For all members

Smart Summer Planning: Small Development Shop Series, Part 3 of 4
Date(s): 5/14/2025 ● Time: 3:00pm ET ● Status: Open
Explore how to maximize the summer months to position your school for a strong year of fundraising and relationship-building.
$0.00
For all members & General

Hot Topics Discussion: Small Development Shop Series, Part 4 of 4
Date(s): 6/18/2025 ● Time: 3:00pm ET ● Status: Open
Engage in a dynamic discussion on small-shop development, with expert guidance and peer insights to refine your fundraising strategies and overcome challenges.
$0.00
For all members & General
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