Specialities
Business Operations Management
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How To Uncover & Leverage Your School’s True Differentiators
Every school has at least one — or sometimes many — noteworthy things that they like to highlight and feature when marketing to prospective parents. That thing is often the deciding factor for families choosing a potential new school for their kids — and it can affect or influence so much more, from parents’ loyalty […]
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Can SMS Be The Game-Changer Your Admissions Funnel Needs?
Navigating private or independent school admissions can feel like chasing a moving target. With families bombarded by choices and information, it’s tough for schools to capture their attention. Traditional methods like emails often go unopened, and direct mailers are lost in the shuffle. Schools need a more direct, engaging approach to connect with prospective families. […]
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Mentoring Program for Heads of School in their First Three Years
Now that you are a Head of School, do you secretly wonder what you are supposed to do? With The Gowan Group Heads POD (“Peer Open Dialog”) program, you will be joining a cohort of eight to ten new heads led by an experienced Head of School who will guide you through the challenges of […]
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Case Study: How People and Technology Drove Admissions Growth at the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport
In Connecticut, enrollment declines have led to numerous school closures and consolidations, with the majority of closures affecting elementary grades. For the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport (CAB), which is made up of four elementary schools on four campuses and comprised of 900 students, they were seeing similar consistent declines in enrollment. By 2019, enrollment numbers […]
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Data Driven Decisions – Lessons Learned Through the Pandemic
A HOS and admissions director speak to how Metric Marketing use customized data to make a difference. “Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School and St. John’s-Kilmarnock School – together with Metric Marketing – will share their learnings around growing enrolment through the pandemic. Learn through real world examples how two respected and successful schools in different markets strategically grew […]
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Five Tips for Writing Effective Volunteer Job Descriptions
Once you have published your Guide to Giving and Getting Involved and have identified your school’s volunteer needs, it is time to develop job descriptions for each position. Without job descriptions, you risk matching the wrong person to the job, misusing the volunteer’s time, and having no formal means of giving feedback and celebrating your […]
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How to Adapt Your Enrollment Strategies for Millennial Parents
If marketing to millennials seems to be more difficult, you’re probably right. Not only do millennials have shorter attention spans, but they also have high expectations. Their generation expects your school to supply high-quality academics focusing on well-rounded students, organic lunches free of chemicals and not served on plastic products, comprehensive outdoor education and play, […]
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Boost Engagement and Build Community With Virtual Events
Hosting a community-building event in the wake of COVID-19 may seem like an impossible task, but building community is more important than ever in our current environment. Schoolwide community building helps connect students, parents, teachers, and leaders. These personal connections will foster new school traditions and promote a sense of purpose, inclusiveness, and responsibility. You […]
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Four Steps for a Successful Marketing Communications Audit
Do you know which marketing tactics are working at your school and which ones require your attention? Find the answers with a marketing communications audit. ISM defines marketing communications as how your school develops messages and carries out integrated strategies. Your approach informs the way you promote your school values and nurture constituent relations—their commitment […]
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How to Create a Terrific Case for Support
One of the pillars of an effective fundraising campaign is your school’s Case for Support. The Case for Support communicates with donors and prospects, and begins the process of matching their values and interests with your school’s mission and guiding principles. Here’s how to create a terrific Case for Support. The Case for Support should […]
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Here’s What You Need to Know If You Experienced a Fall Admission Bump
ISM Consultants have worked with many school Admission and Marketing Directors who enjoyed surprising spikes in inquiries and applications during the late 2020 summer months. And, while this may seem like encouraging news, we caution against premature excitement. Keep in mind the bump in enrollment may come from families who are not aligned with your […]
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Six Ways to Use Your “Guide to Giving and Getting Involved” During and After COVID-19
Many schools are engaged in all or partial distance learning. This does not reduce the need for volunteer or philanthropic support. In fact, it is critical to remind parents your school must be sustained through the commitment of time and money from its friends. ISM recommends creating and using a “Guide to Giving and Getting […]