Ways to make retention easy for students in the classroom

We know that retention is one of the most effective strategies for schools, and one of the most worthwhile uses of busy admissions as well enrollment leaders’ precious and limited time. Though we see that the admission management system can make it easy. We know that they are likely already experienced some of the benefits of retention- like creating a tight-knit community as well as a reduction in replacement costs (it is many times more to attract a new idea than it does to keep a current one). Not to mention the result that losing a student or family has on their community — we see that it can be difficult for teachers, students, as well as faculty to see such an integral part of their school family go. We know that knowing exactly how to lower the attrition rates can be tricky, particularly when the methods they have typically employed to increase retention may not work this year as they may have enrolled more non-traditional families- like ones that are using an independent school as a stop-gap until their school goes back in person as well. We know that the retention efforts are not just the job as an admissions or enrollment professional. We are aware that to be truly successful, a person needs everyone at their school to see retention as a whole school initiative and get involved as well. We see that one way to establish a strong relationship between the teachers, faculty, as well as students is to give faculty and staff a list of 2-3 new student profiles and have them connect or reach out before the end of the exam as well. They can also create touchpoints throughout the year so they keep up as well. We see that having faculty make a special effort to remember students’ names, as well as a few key facts about them, can also help them feel at home at their school as well. They must make sure to educate everyone at their school on retention initiatives—from the teachers to the business office and teachers. They must take care to share information about their plans for retention, strategies they’re adopting, who is involved, as well as how they can get more involved. We see that when everyone is on board with their plans and knows their goal, they can help those make those goals a reality as well. They can also focus on hosting an event for their new parents. They must use it as a time for them to build relationships, say thank you to them, celebrate having them at their school, and provide a time of sharing as well. We see that they can do this in person or virtually as well. We see that to add some fun in the case of a virtual event, send them a gift basket ahead of time with snacks as well as a beverage. Their goal should be to get to know them, help them get to know others, as well as build a community that will last. We see that gathering their overall thoughts, feelings, as well as reactions to being at their school as well as hearing likes and dislikes is a great way to help them gauge how families are doing. They must share how their school is doing via an event or even a formal letter as well. We know that families want to know about their school. We see that they’ve invested time, and money, and trusted them with their child. They must unpack where they are at, share more about the health of the school, as well as bring them their exciting news. They must also share when enrollments are up, inform them of new programs as they become available, as well as let them in on new initiatives. We see that if they want to know, as well as the more they know, the more connected they’ll feel to their school at the same time. They must make a point to acknowledge every single student’s birthday throughout the year as well. We see the fees management system as well can help to keep the record in one place.