Grow Schools

Strategic engagement with elected officials can raise awareness, build partnerships, and advance the charter school movement. Nina Rees shares five actionable strategies, including: ✅ Partnering with state charter leaders to align on policy goals. ✅ Hosting events like National Charter Schools Week to connect with lawmakers. ✅ Highlighting your students’ achievements to leave a lasting impression. Read Nina's full article for insights that can help your school grow its influence! https://hubs.la/Q02_Cl4j0

“Your voice is what you say—it’s essentially your personality,” says Derek Hollister, Founder and Principal at Boldworld. Derek breaks down how schools can establish a voice that’s consistent, authentic, and impactful. From addressing real questions and challenges to tailoring your tone for different platforms, he shares actionable strategies for fostering genuine connections with families and communities. For tips on developing a strong, clear voice that can boost engagement, build trust, and amplify your mission, watch the full conversation with Derek at the link. https://hubs.ly/Q02ZpQpp0

Nina Rees gives school leaders five actionable strategies for engaging elected officials, strengthening these relationships, and making a bigger impact. Her article is timely read as we set our sights on 2025!

Jonathan Richert, Principal at TSK Architects, has tips for designing schools that are flexible, resilient, and inspiring. From strategic multipurpose spaces to innovative technologies, there are key considerations to keep in mind for a successful future-ready design. 🔸Future-ready schools grow and adapt over time. 🔸Thoughtful designs ease future expansions. 🔸Multipurpose spaces should be strategically designed for optimal use. 🔸Training is vital for leveraging flexible interiors and furniture. 🔸Student well-being is supported through smart design choices. 🔸Resilience makes schools community pillars. Get more tips from Jonathan by reading the full article at the link! https://hubs.la/Q02-nFYB0

Music education is center stage at Washington Heights & Inwood (WHIN) Music Community Charter School. 🎵 Music is the center of the school curriculum, given just as much importance as writing and math. Alongside their core subjects, students take one choir and one orchestra class every day and have the opportunity to take one-on-one lessons with Juilliard-trained instructors. "There is so much about self-confidence and self-respect that naturally happens through the process of learning an instrument," says Executive Director Charles Ortiz. This fall, New York elementary charter school students moved into a new school that includes music-specific classrooms, new instruments, and a state-of-the-art auditorium. Watch the video at the link for a peek inside this extraordinary New York charter school. https://hubs.la/Q02-NtLJ0

The 2024 Grow Enrollment Summit was an unforgettable event, packed with powerful strategies and actionable insights. School leaders, enrollment experts, and education innovators gathered to share their best practices and discuss ways to tackle the ongoing challenge of student enrollment. Here’s a look back at some of the most impactful moments! 🔸Nina Rees, former President and CEO of NAPCS, delivered an inspiring keynote on positioning schools as high-quality, mission-aligned choices within the community. She highlighted the importance of innovation and parental choice as drivers for long-term enrollment growth. 🔸Derek Hollister of Boldworld captivated attendees with a session on creating a cohesive school brand. Covering everything from logo design to email marketing, Derek illustrated how a well-defined brand strengthens school visibility, identity, and community engagement. 🔸Neisha Tweed Bell shared practical insights into crafting social media content that aligns with a school’s mission and resonates with families. Her tips focused on building engagement through authentic storytelling and mission-driven messaging. 🔸Niki Blaker emphasized the importance of a school’s website as a welcoming and user-friendly first point of contact for prospective families. She detailed how effective website design can convert initial interest into enrollments by creating a strong digital presence. 🔸Ashley MacQuarrie, Betsy Roberts, and Jean Fleming led a vibrant discussion on making the most of in-person events. From open houses to community outreach, they shared strategies for showcasing school culture, values, and unique offerings in ways that resonate with families. 🔸Tony Solorzano, Dr. Paul Miller, Yoni Samuel-Siegel, and Todd Harris explored how strategic partnerships with local organizations and leaders can enhance enrollment. They shared success stories on expanding reach, leveraging resources, and creating mutually beneficial alliances to attract new families. Miss the summit and want to dive into what was covered? Check out the recap and access free resources at the link! https://hubs.la/Q02-2pHk0

The football team at San Tan Charter School is excelling both on the field and in the classroom after implementing a phone-free policy during school hours! 📱🏈 Last spring, the players began dropping off their cellphones in the school office each morning. With the distraction of notifications and social media out of the way, the players were able to boost their focus and increase the team's overall GPA from an already strong 3.3 GPA to an exceptional 3.45 GPA. Read more about San Tan's experience with a phone-free policy at the link. https://hubs.la/Q02-MzV_0

Our local team came together at HQ in Portland for a holiday potluck to share delicious dishes, laughter, and a little holiday magic. Here's to more collaboration, community, and making a meaningful impact together! ❄️

"Social media is a place where you can put a message, but it's not the place where you're going to do all the work, though, by a long shot," says global communications consultant Jean Shields Fleming. Listen to the full conversation to learn more about managing communication with your school community in critical moments. https://hubs.la/Q02-pwkv0

54% of families say the school website is the most influential aspect of a school—even surpassing in-person visits, according to a survey by Niche. “At this point, the digital impression could very well be more influential than an in-person tour or visit,” says expert Niki Blaker. Design strategist Niki Blaker has seen firsthand how a well-designed and user-friendly website can make a huge difference for schools—driving enrollments, engaging current families, and showcasing what makes schools special. Get more tips from Niki at the link! https://hubs.la/Q02-3h5S0