Re-enrollment is a great way for small schools to keep their attendance numbers up and for parents to feel like they are making an informed decision about their child’s education. Here is everything you should know about re-enrollment.
What is Re-Enrollment?
So, what is re-enrollment? Re-enrollment is the process of returning to school after an absence. Also, re-enrollment can refer to the act of enrolling in a different school after attending one previously. It can happen for various reasons but is most often related to a change in circumstances, such as a move to a new district or state.
A student who re-enrolls at your school after being gone for a semester or more is typically required to follow a different set of rules and regulations than those who have never left. The re-enrollment process can be confusing and time-consuming, but it does help with retention and building relationships again with families and students.
How Re-Enrollment Helps With Retention
Here are four ways that re-enrollment can help with retention:
#1: Provides an Opportunity to Welcome Back Students and Families
When students and families return to your school after an absence, making them feel welcome is essential. The re-enrollment process is an excellent opportunity to do this. By reaching out and connecting with them, you can show that you’re happy to have them back and that you value their presence. This can go a long way in making them feel like they belong at your school.
#2: Gives You a Chance to Address Any Concerns
The re-enrollment process is also a great opportunity to address any concerns that may have led to the student’s departure in the first place. When you take the time to talk with the family and student, you can get to the bottom of any issues and address them head-on. This can help to prevent the student from leaving again in the future.
#3: Allows You to Update Student Records
Use the re-enrollment process as an opportunity to update your student records. This includes making sure that the contact information on file is up-to-date and that any changes to the student’s status (such as a change in address or guardianship) are reflected in the system. This will help to ensure that you can easily get in touch with the student and family in the future.
#4: Gives You a Chance to Promote Your School
Finally, the re-enrollment process allows you to promote your school. This includes sharing information about any new programs or initiatives you have in place and highlighting the things that make your school unique. By doing this, you can show the student and family why your school is the best place for them to be.
Use the re-enrollment process to your school’s advantage by following these tips.
How to Incorporate the Perfect Re-Enrollment Strategy into Your Small School
Now, here is how to incorporate the perfect re-enrollment strategy into your small school:
#1: Keep It Simple
The first step is to keep the process simple. You don’t want to make it so complicated that families get frustrated and give up. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for them to re-enroll.
#2: Start Early
Ensure that you always get a headstart. This means starting the conversation early on, even before the school year is over. By getting a jumpstart, you can ensure that families have plenty of time to decide and that all parties are not rushed when it comes time to finalize the details.
#3: Personalize It
When reaching out to families, be sure to personalize your communications. This means using the family’s name and addressing any specific concerns that they may have. This will show that you’re paying attention and that you care about their situation and really want them to re-enroll in your school.
#4: Make It Convenient
Make re-enrolling as convenient as possible for families. This means offering multiple enrollment options and giving them the ability to enroll online. You should also offer payment plans to families who may be struggling financially. By making it easy for them, you’ll increase the likelihood that they’ll actually go through with it.
#5: Follow Up
Finally, don’t forget to follow up. This means staying in touch with the families and updating them on the process. It also means following up after they’ve enrolled to make sure that they’re happy with their decision and that everything is going well.
By following these tips, you can create a smooth and seamless re-enrollment process for your small school.
The re-enrollment process is a great opportunity for small schools to bring back former students. It is important to keep the process simple and convenient while also personalizing communications and following up with families. Doing this can increase the likelihood that families will re-enroll in your school.
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.
