The National Center for Education Statistics reports that charter school enrollments are on the rise.
Between 1999 and 2012, enrollment figures grew from 0.3 million students to 2.1 million students.
The latest figures highlight an enrollment volume of more than 3.5 million learners.
A 2014 report by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools outlines that there are currently 6,400 public charter schools that are vying for student enrollment.
In the 2013 to 2014 school year alone, more than 600 new schools were added to the mix.
That said, another 200 closed their doors. One reason what a lack of enrollments.
Are you worried about your charter school enrollments?
Have you kept a close eye on the bottom line and found that you are not getting the student numbers that you have been hoping for?
It is not too late to turn around a problematic trend with a refocusing of your school marketing.
Honing your message can be a great first start.
- Costs. A large number of parents confuse charter schools with private schools. Your marketing message must emphasize the difference and show that charter schools are even affordable for parents who fall under the poverty line.
- Address special needs. It is not unusual for parents of special needs children to contact a charter school in the hopes of finding one that offers assistance with individualized education plans. If this is a major focus of your school, highlighting this fact in your marketing message is vital. The same is true for schools that cater to children who have been expelled from other learning institutions and require personalized education assistance.
- Extras. Participation in the government’s low-cost lunch program is a factor that may tip a parent’s enrollment decision in favor of your school. Easy access to transportation is another major selling point.
Of course, even the best marketing message cannot help your school increase its enrollment numbers if you do not have a succinct plan for getting the message out.
Excellent outlets are websites that are properly optimized, mobile-friendly websites that allow smartphone users and those with other portable devices to search for you online, and have a comprehensive social media presence.
The latter must include a Facebook page, Twitter account, and also accounts on other platforms that reach the parents of prospective students.
If you are unsure whether your current marketing setup fits the bill, contact SixDegrees Digital Media for assistance.
Sources: http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cgb.asp, www.publiccharters.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/New-and-Closed-Report-February-20141.pdf
