Enrollment Catalyst

AUGUST 21, 2024

In today’s competitive educational landscape, many schools invest in paid search marketing strategies, expecting a significant increase in prospective student inquiries. However, visibility alone doesn’t always translate into actual leads. Too often, schools find themselves with a significant online presence but little to show for measurable results.

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Retention Enrollment Private School Tuition 192

Enrollment Catalyst

JULY 31, 2024

As private school leaders in admissions, marketing, and administrative leadership, understanding the perceptions and experiences of new parents is crucial for continued growth and success. Conducting an annual new parent survey can provide invaluable insights that help refine your enrollment and marketing strategies. Incorporating this survey into your yearly plans is beneficial and essential.

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Retention Orientation Enrollment Private School 130

Enrollment Catalyst

JULY 24, 2024

Your new family onboarding process doesn’t stop at the beginning of the school year. This milestone marks the continuation of your ongoing strategy to integrate and retain new families. Recently, I had the opportunity to present a webinar to nearly 800 school leaders sponsored by Blackbaud. You can access the recording to learn about a comprehensive approach to onboarding new families: Beyond Enrollment–Onboarding K-12 Families for Retention Success.

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Retention Orientation Enrollment Tuition 208

Enrollment Catalyst

JUNE 9, 2024

As a seasonal resident of northern Michigan—my escape from Florida’s summer heat—I recently found myself navigating a new challenge: selecting a dentist. Though far removed from my professional realm, this experience offered pivotal insights into enhancing private school campus visits. Here’s how these observations can be translated into actionable improvements in your school’s admissions and enrollment strategy. 1—Influence of Online Reviews My wife chose this dentist based on glowi

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Campus Tours Private School Enrollment Admissions 174

Enrollment Catalyst

MAY 15, 2024

The right plan can make all the difference in your recruitment and retention efforts. Yet, the reality for many independent and faith-based schools is a lack of a coherent strategy. Instead of strategic planning, they drift from one project to the next, often missing significant opportunities. No matter if your school’s enrollment is overflowing, nearly full, or dwindling, a thoughtfully crafted strategic plan is crucial.

Enrollment 198

Enrollment Retention Financial Aid Tuition 198

Enrollment Catalyst

MAY 3, 2024

Collaborate, learn, and discover a Family Journey framework that will help you prioritize and implement proven recruitment and retention strategies. Join Andy Lynch and Dr. Rick Newberry (a.k.a., the Enrollment Marketing Geeks) this fall for a one-day, in-person workshop! Using the Family Journey framework, you’ll affirm what you’re doing well and close gaps in your marketing and admissions process.

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Enrollment Retention Admissions University 198

Enrollment Catalyst

APRIL 22, 2024

Welcoming new families into your school community extends beyond mere enrollment numbers—it’s about crafting a supportive and engaging environment that fosters long-term retention and satisfaction. The onboarding process is pivotal in starting your retention efforts on the right foot. This is crucial for several reasons. Primarily, your goal is to ease the stress and anxiety for new families transitioning to your school.

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Private School Retention Orientation Transition 204

Enrollment Catalyst

MARCH 25, 2024

Achieving full enrollment is a significant milestone for any private school, symbolizing the culmination of hard work, strategic planning, and a compelling program. However, in the dynamic landscape of educational enrollment and marketing, reaching this point is not a signal to slow down but rather an opportunity to refine and enhance your strategies further.

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Enrollment Retention Private School Education 205

Enrollment Catalyst

MARCH 18, 2024

As another academic year begins to wind down, school leaders must look ahead and plan for the upcoming year. One of the most effective tools at your disposal for strategic planning is the end-of-year satisfaction survey. These surveys offer a goldmine of insights, directly from your school community, that can shape your strategies for admissions, retention, and overall school improvement.

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Private School Retention Enrollment In-State 183

Enrollment Catalyst

MARCH 11, 2024

During the past several years, I have had the opportunity to partner with the team at Tree of Life Christian Schools in Columbus, OH. I have seen their explosive enrollment growth and outstanding work. As they have always focused on implementing innovative strategies, the topic of marketing their school’s affordability has been an important focus. And now, with the latest legislation, most families in Ohio are eligible for a sizeable scholarship.

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Scholarships Private School Tuition Accommodations 40

Enrollment Catalyst

MARCH 4, 2024

In a world where first impressions are crucial, the campus visit can be a deciding factor for prospective families considering your private school. Have you ever considered your campus visit experience from beginning to end? I have experienced many routine campus tours where the conversation is lacking, the campus is uninviting, and the wow factor is missing.

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Campus Tours Private School Enrollment Admissions 184

Enrollment Catalyst

FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Register now for this free webinar on Thursday, March 14, at 1 pm EDT. From Inquiry to Enrollment: Understanding the Admissions Sales Process In today’s competitive educational landscape, effectively managing the admissions sales process is crucial for private school success. “From Inquiry to Enrollment” is a must-attend webinar tailored specifically for private school administrators and staff who are dedicated to optimizing their school’s enrollment strategies.

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Enrollment Admissions Private School Education 214

Enrollment Catalyst

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

As a consultant and advocate for effective private school marketing strategies, I always focus on innovative approaches to enhance word-of-mouth (WOM) marketing. With the ever-changing landscape of school marketing, word-of-mouth remains the primary way a parent discovers your school. While word-of-mouth will occur naturally and organically, I believe that your role is to inspire more of it in your community.

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Private School Enrollment ACT Programs 196

Enrollment Catalyst

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

Welcome to a forward-thinking exploration of AI in education, brought to life through an interview and accompanying graphic both created by ChatGPT. This discussion delves into how artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, is transforming private school marketing and admissions, offering practical insights and innovative strategies. The visual element, designed to complement the conversation, showcases the synergy between AI and educational advancement.

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Private School Enrollment Education Education 194

Enrollment Catalyst

FEBRUARY 5, 2024

In the realm of private school marketing, the power of story cannot be overstated. In my conversations with school leaders and through my experiences with Enrollment Catalyst, I’ve observed a profound truth: relatable, authentic stories are not just content — they are the heart and soul of effective school marketing. I believe in the power of storytelling.

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Private School Enrollment High School Education 211

Enrollment Catalyst

JANUARY 28, 2024

February, the month symbolizing love, is an ideal time for private schools to launch a campaign that showcases the heartfelt connection between the school and its community. This Valentine’s-themed campaign is not just an opportunity to express appreciation but also a strategic move to enhance word-of-mouth marketing. Based on what I have seen implemented in schools, here’s how you can craft and implement this campaign with a focus on community sharing and online engagement. “Why We

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Enrollment Private School Education Education 179

Enrollment Catalyst

JANUARY 22, 2024

The months of January and February are usually focused on school leaders asking parents to re-enroll for another year. However, just because a family is enrolled today, doesn’t mean that they will continue their enrollment next year. Parents continually reflect on their experience in your school and evaluate the decisions they’ve made. Over the years, I have written many blog posts and conducted several webinars and conference workshops on effective retention strategies.

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Retention Transition Enrollment High School 216

Enrollment Catalyst

JANUARY 15, 2024

In the competitive world of private school admissions, effective follow-up with prospective parents is not just a courtesy, but a crucial aspect of a successful enrollment strategy. Your goal is to build a relationship, understand the family’s needs, and demonstrate how your school can meet them. The admissions process is more than just filling seats; it’s about building a relationship and determining the right-fit family.

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Admissions Private School Enrollment Extracurricular 214

Enrollment Catalyst

JANUARY 7, 2024

First impressions are crucial in any marketing effort, but they hold particular significance in private school marketing. When parents and students consider a private school, they are not just looking for an institution; they are looking for a community that reflects their values, aspirations, and expectations. In private school marketing, first impressions are not just important, they are essential.

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Private School Enrollment Programs 193

Enrollment Catalyst

DECEMBER 30, 2023

Now that 2023 is in the rearview mirror, it is always good to reflect on the past year and to look ahead to 2024. In 2023, I had the opportunity to partner with 70 independent and faith-based schools. From my Enrollment Catalyst Program (on-site and virtual) to ongoing coaching, to my School Survey Solutions to my online School Ambassador Training Program , I am thankful for my partnership with school leaders.

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Enrollment Retention Private School Programs 218

Enrollment Catalyst

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Join us in Orlando on January 24-26, 2024, for A Deep Dive into the Admissions Process. Admission is the engine room of enrollment, and you want to make sure your team is firing on all cylinders. In this workshop, we’ll discuss lead generation, open houses, inquiry management, campus visits, admissions presentations, value propositions, follow-up processes, onboarding, and more.

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Admissions Enrollment 130

Enrollment Catalyst

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

In the fast-paced world of school life, it’s a common misconception that once enrollment is full, there’s less need for ongoing marketing efforts. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Recently, some school leaders in which I have coached and connected with, mentioned that they have backed off from their marketing efforts. For example, read the following paraphrased comment: “We have more than enough inquiries and applications to fill our empty seats.

Retention 192

Retention Enrollment Tuition Education 192

Enrollment Catalyst

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

The excitement of a new school year is in the air. Throughout my admissions career, there was always one day that I looked forward to—the first day of school. This day is the reward for your hard work during the year recruiting and enrolling new families when you see them on your campus. It also is a time that closes out one recruitment cycle to begin a new one.

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Enrollment Retention Transition Admissions 208

Enrollment Catalyst

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023

Register for the Enrollment Marketing Geeks first Show & Tell Show on Thursday, September 7, at 1pm EDT. Bridging the Gap From Middle to High School Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw, GA, will Show & Tell their Encounter Week. Encounter Week encourages middle schoolers to continue their academic journey in high school at Mount Paran. The admissions team works with high school leaders to organize a week of events that showcase the high school experience for middle schoolers.

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High School Enrollment Admissions Programs 130

Enrollment Catalyst

AUGUST 29, 2023

Do you ever wonder about how other schools do things? Have you ever seen something another school is doing and thought, “That’s a great idea! I wonder how they pulled that off?” Or maybe you’re just the curious type who loves big ideas, new approaches, and thought-provoking questions. If so, you’ll want to tune into The Show & Tell Show with the Enrollment Marketing Geeks — Dr.

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Enrollment Waitlist High School Admissions 130

Enrollment Catalyst

AUGUST 29, 2023

In 2022, the Enrollment Marketing Geeks — Andy Lynch, President and CEO of North Star Marketing, and Dr. Rick Newberry, President of Enrollment Catalyst — decided to take the show on the road. More than 50 school leaders registered for the first-ever Geeks on the Road workshop. There was lots of learning, laughs, and Florida sunshine! So we’ve decided to double down and host not just one but TWO in-person events.

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Private School Enrollment Admissions 130

Enrollment Catalyst

AUGUST 23, 2023

Developing an enrollment marketing plan for your school may seem like a daunting task. However, it isn’t “rocket science.” It also doesn’t need to be overwhelming. This is why Andy Lynch, president of North Star Marketing, and Rick Newberry, president of Enrollment Catalyst (that’s me!), will be offering our next Geeks on the Road Workshop on this key topic.

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Enrollment Tuition Admissions Programs 194

Enrollment Catalyst

JULY 29, 2023

It’s August and you might be squeezing in the last few days of your summer vacation, catching the sunset over the water, or spending time with your family. With the start of the school year only a few days or a few weeks away, August is one of the most important months in the enrollment marketing cycle. In this month you will finish out the enrollment marketing cycle for 2023 and you will begin a new one for 2024.

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Enrollment Programs 198

Enrollment Catalyst

JUNE 14, 2023

I love to hike. During the summer months, my wife and I spend a lot of our time in northern Michigan hiking and biking on the trails of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park. The views are incredible (the picture is a hike along Lake Michigan to the Treat Fam Trail to the Empire Bluff Trail). In fact, this park was voted as the most beautiful place in America by Good Morning America several years ago.

Retention 205

Retention Enrollment 205

Enrollment Catalyst

MARCH 5, 2023

Please welcome the Denver Christian School team to Enrollment Catalyst! DCS has experienced exponential growth over the past several years, increasing from 565 students in 2019-20 to 865 students in 2022-23. The team is committed to sustaining their growth in the market. Dr. Rick Newberry conducted a three day site visit in February 2023 to begin his Enrollment Catalyst Program with their team.

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Enrollment Retention Programs 130

Enrollment Catalyst

APRIL 2, 2023

In March 2023, Dr. Rick Newberry had the opportunity to conduct a three-day site visit at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School in Washington D.C. to begin his Enrollment Catalyst Program. This site visit included 10 focus groups and assessment meetings to review the enrollment and marketing processes and strategies of the school. St. Pat’s has nearly 500 students enrolled through 8th grade.

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Enrollment Programs 130

Enrollment Catalyst

MAY 31, 2023

Assessments are a regular part of our lives. Whether it is for your annual physical at the doctor’s office or a new home remodeling project, the process begins with an assessment. Let’s take your car as an example. You drive your car all the time, most likely daily. You rely upon your car to provide dependable transportation to get you where you need to go.

Enrollment 189

Enrollment Retention Financial Aid Tuition 189

Enrollment Catalyst

MAY 6, 2023

The right plan can make all the difference in your recruitment and retention efforts. But the reality is most independent and faith-based schools simply don’t have a plan. They move from project to project without a clear strategy. And they’re leaving opportunities on the table. Whether your school’s enrollment is full, nearly full, or in decline, a strategic plan will provide the direction your admissions and marketing team needs to get traction.

Enrollment 194

Enrollment Retention Financial Aid Tuition 194

Enrollment Catalyst

MAY 2, 2023

Have you ever thought about the reasons why some private schools experience enrollment growth and why others decline? School leaders primarily call me because they either want to make sure their school continues to grow (or even remain full), or they need to turnaround a flat or declining enrollment. I address these issues through my Enrollment Catalyst Program.

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Private School Enrollment Retention Tuition 175

Enrollment Catalyst

FEBRUARY 2, 2023

I love football and the season that we are in now. With only a week before the Super Bowl, we can see how teams have performed and succeeded on the field. As it is in most sports, it takes an entire team of skilled players in the right positions working together to win the game. Your school’s enrollment marketing team is no different. It takes a team that is dedicated to your enrollment marketing efforts in order to achieve your goals.

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Enrollment 205

Enrollment Catalyst

JANUARY 22, 2023

Christmas wasn’t supposed to turn out this way. On Christmas Eve, my youngest son, Ben, was scheduled to fly from Milwaukee to Tampa to spend a few days with us over the holiday. As typical, I always check the flight status several times throughout the day. I had noticed that his flight was delayed for a few minutes and then the delay got longer. Then, my son called me late in the afternoon to tell me that his flight had been cancelled.

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Private School Orientation Enrollment 160

Enrollment Catalyst

JANUARY 3, 2023

Advocacy is the final phase of the Family Journey. And, I believe it is the most important one for your school. This is when your parents will share stories from their child’s educational experiences and will refer their friends to consider your school. The more positive the experience, the more powerful the word-of-mouth and the referral. This phase works to build awareness in the community, which you will remember is the foundational phase of the Family Journey.

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Enrollment Programs Education Education 220