As your school moves into the new year, it’s time for small schools to start thinking about their admissions strategies for the upcoming cycle. However, with so many changes happening in the world of small school admissions, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and figure out what will work best for your school.
What the Admissions Process Will Look Like This Year
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many schools operate, and the admissions process is no different. This year, small schools will need to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of their applicants.
Many parents and students are still uncertain about what their plans for the fall will be, so it’s important to give them multiple options for how they can apply to your school. For example, some families may be interested in applying to your school online, while others may prefer to submit a paper application. It’s important to offer both options so that all families have a chance to apply.
Another change that small schools will need to make is offering virtual tours and information sessions. With many students still not comfortable traveling, it’s important to give them the option to learn about your school from the comfort of their own homes. You can use video conferencing platforms like Zoom to give virtual tours and hold information sessions.
Try These 6 Admissions Strategies to Increase School Enrollment
Since the admissions process will look different this year, your small school may need to try something new. Here are six school admissions strategies you can try out to increase your small school enrollment:
#1: Get creative with your marketing
Small schools need to get creative with their marketing to stand out from the crowd. You can’t rely on traditional marketing methods like print ads and direct mail anymore. Instead, you need to focus on digital marketing. This means creating a strong social media presence and using targeted online advertising. Social media is a great marketing strategy for school admissions.
#2: Reach out to your local community
One of the best ways to increase your small school enrollment is by reaching out to your local community. Let them know about your school and what makes it unique. You can do this by attending community events, setting up information booths, and sending out flyers and brochures.
#3: Offer flexible admission options
As mentioned before, many families are still uncertain about what their plans for the fall will be. To accommodate them, you need to offer flexible admission options. This means giving families the option to apply online or submit a paper application. You should also offer virtual tours and information sessions.
#4: Simplify your application process
The admissions process can be overwhelming for families, so it’s important to keep it simple. You can do this by only requiring the essential application materials, such as transcripts and test scores. You should also consider using a rolling admissions policy so that families can apply when it’s convenient for them.
#5: Provide financial aid
One of the biggest barriers to small school enrollment is the cost of tuition. Many families can’t afford to pay for a private school, so they choose public schools instead. To make your school more accessible, offer financial aid and scholarships. This will help families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
#6: Keep in touch with families
The admissions process doesn’t end when a family submits their application. You need to keep in touch with them throughout the entire process. This means sending out regular updates and reminders about important dates and deadlines. You should also provide families with a point of contact if they have any questions or concerns.
By following these six admissions strategies for schools, you can increase your small school enrollment and create a more diverse and inclusive student body.
Have You Tried Starting a School Referral Program?
Another great way to increase your small school enrollment is by starting a school referral program. This program allows families who already have students enrolled at your school to refer other families to your school.
If you’re interested in starting a school referral program, there are a few things you need to do:
#1: Set up an online system
The first thing you need to do is set up an online system where families can submit referrals. This can be done through a simple form on your website.
#2: Offer incentives
To encourage families to participate in your referral program, you need to offer incentives. This could be a discount on tuition or a gift card. There should always be a reward system in place.
#3: Promote your program
You need to promote your referral program to ensure that families are aware of it. You can do this by sending out flyers and emails or by creating a social media campaign.
By starting a school referral program, you can increase your small school enrollment while also building a stronger sense of community.
Increasing your small school enrollment can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. You need to focus on marketing your school to the right families and making the admissions process as simple as possible. You should also consider offering financial aid and starting a referral program. By following these tips, you can easily increase your enrollment!
SchoolCues is an all-in-one school management system for small schools with limited budgets and resources. Our solutions include admissions and enrollment, online payments, student information system, gradebook, communications, parent engagement, donations and fundraising, alumni management, and more. Schedule a demo with us today.