Factors That Affect School Enrollment Growth
Have you ever thought about the reasons why some private schools experience enrollment growth and why others decline?
If you were developing a theory of school growth, what would you propose as the most important factors that influence enrollment growth?
Based on my experiences in working with private, Christian and independent schools throughout the country, I believe that there are multiple factors that contribute to enrollment growth and decline at a school. Let me highlight some of these factors for you:
Leadership – The vision, drive and personality of the leadership (primarily the head of school) will affect the enrollment. In a previous blog post I discuss this issue specifically (see: “Enrollment Rises or Falls on Leadership”). Bennis and Nanus, leadership gurus, believe that “leadership is the pivotal force behind successful organizations” (Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge). The same is true in a private school.
Quality School Experience – One of the most important factors in school growth is the overall quality of the experience. Parents are investing significant resources to provide the very best education for their child and because of this, they expect the best. A high quality experience must be integrated throughout your school in order to grow your enrollment.
Vision and School Improvement – Whether it’s the addition of a new iPad one-to-one initiative or the construction of a state-of-the-art athletic complex, vision and school improvement in strategic areas can have an impact on enrollment growth.
Faculty and Staff – Your faculty and staff should be the primary connection that a family makes with your school. These educators will be the ones to teach and mentor students. When they deliver a high quality educational experience and personally connect with the students in a positive way, this experience will impact enrollment.
Parent Satisfaction – When parents are satisfied, there are at least two primary results that affect enrollment.
If you were developing a theory of school growth, what would you propose as the most important factors that influence enrollment growth?
Based on my experiences in working with private, Christian and independent schools throughout the country, I believe that there are multiple factors that contribute to enrollment growth and decline at a school. Let me highlight some of these factors for you:
Leadership – The vision, drive and personality of the leadership (primarily the head of school) will affect the enrollment. In a previous blog post I discuss this issue specifically (see: “Enrollment Rises or Falls on Leadership”). Bennis and Nanus, leadership gurus, believe that “leadership is the pivotal force behind successful organizations” (Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge). The same is true in a private school.
Quality School Experience – One of the most important factors in school growth is the overall quality of the experience. Parents are investing significant resources to provide the very best education for their child and because of this, they expect the best. A high quality experience must be integrated throughout your school in order to grow your enrollment.
Vision and School Improvement – Whether it’s the addition of a new iPad one-to-one initiative or the construction of a state-of-the-art athletic complex, vision and school improvement in strategic areas can have an impact on enrollment growth.
Faculty and Staff – Your faculty and staff should be the primary connection that a family makes with your school. These educators will be the ones to teach and mentor students. When they deliver a high quality educational experience and personally connect with the students in a positive way, this experience will impact enrollment.
Parent Satisfaction – When parents are satisfied, there are at least two primary results that affect enrollment.