Think Outside...and Inside

     I hesitate to say "Think Outside the Box," because some may say that that sounds trite.  I hesitate to say "Think Inside the Box," because that's what causes isolation and sometimes stifles creativity.  You need to think "both."

     First - outside.  I've spoken with many schools who are trying to attract new students by putting brochures for their schools in their Narthex, or are contacting other churches that surround them to attract students from that congregation.  The problem is that much of this is equivalent to "preaching to the choir."  Remember that Jesus told us to "Go out into the world and spread the Good News."  We are an evangelization people.  So let's evangelize.  Put those brochures in places in your community to attract new students and new families.  The top four places: supermarkets, doctors' offices, gyms and hair/nail salons.  These are places where young mothers "wait."  Capitalize on that.

     Second - inside.  Take a look at what is unique and remarkable about your school.  Make sure that is in your brochure.  One school has a "buddy" system in place where older students are paired up with younger students to put responsibility and care for the community into action.  One school doesn't have a gym for a basketball team, but has created a jump-rope team for heart health and physical fitness.  It also functions as a marketing vehicle for the school as they tour locations throughout the community.  One school has a high school student come in to teach sign language to elementary school students so that they're certified in ISL when they leave the school.  Remember - you may think something is not remarkable, but if you ask your parents, you might find out that it is what keeps them a part of the school community.

     And keeping them in your school is the first step to growing your enrollment.

     © Michael V. Ziemski, SchoolAdvancement, 2009 (Original Publication Date: 20090309)

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