Help One Hundred Schools

1. Why Families Choose Olney Friends School
Christian shares that families instinctively feel their children will belong at Olney Friends School.

The school welcomes students who may not fit into traditional public or private schools, offering them a nurturing and accepting environment.

Many prospective students recognize that Olney is the right place for them even before completing their interview process.

2. The Unique “Olney Friends Spirit”

The “Olney Friends School Spirit” means different things to different people:

3. The Captivating History of Olney Friends School

The school has faced and overcome significant challenges, including burning down three times and being rebuilt without disrupting classes.
Christian sees this as a powerful metaphor for resilience—no matter the hardships, the school remains standing and grows stronger.

4. Community-Centered Education

The school emphasizes community as a central pillar of its philosophy. In a world that often prioritizes materialism and individualism, Olney instills the values of collaboration, mutual respect, and social responsibility.

Christian shares a story of a friend who initially questioned his choice to lead Olney Friends School, only to understand its significance after spending time with the students and faculty.

5. The Mission and Vision of Olney Friends School

6. Who Thrives at Olney Friends School?

Have you ever experienced a school with a spirit like Olney’s? Share your thoughts on our social media platforms!

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In this episode, Karl Boehm sits down with Mattingly Messina, founder of ThroughLine, to discuss the crucial relationship between enrollment, marketing, and development in independent schools. They explore how schools can bridge the gap between these departments to create long-term financial stability and better community engagement.

1. The Importance of Relationship-Based Work in Schools

Mattingly shares his journey from tech and legal negotiations at Google to working in advancement and development for independent schools. He discusses how relationship-building is at the heart of successful fundraising and enrollment strategies.

2. The Enrollment & Development Divide: Why It Matters

• Many schools treat enrollment (recruiting families) and development (fundraising) as separate silos.
• Mattingly explains why these teams should collaborate on strategy, data, and shared goals.
• Schools that integrate these departments see better financial outcomes and stronger community engagement.

3. Budgeting & Revenue: Thinking Beyond the Fiscal Year

• Independent schools are facing an inflection point in financial sustainability.
• Mattingly advises schools to take a long-term view of revenue, combining tuition strategy with fundraising goals.
• He suggests that enrollment and development directors should be involved in financial planning together.

4. Data & Marketing: Creating a Shared Strategy

• Schools often underutilize donor and enrollment data—but these insights can help target the right families.
• Development teams track wealth and philanthropy trends, while enrollment teams study demographic data—sharing this information can drive better decision-making.
• The key: joint quarterly meetings between enrollment and development teams to align efforts.

5. The Future of School Advancement Models

• Some schools are adopting an advancement model, where enrollment, marketing, and development are housed under one leader.
• While promising, Mattingly warns that success requires strong leadership and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Schools need leaders with expertise in both enrollment and fundraising to make this model effective.

• Connect with Mattingly Messina: ThroughLine Consulting
• Find Mattingly on LinkedIn: Mattingly Messina
• Visit the Podcast Website: Help100Schools.com

Listen to the Full Episode: Click here to play

What challenges have you faced in bridging enrollment and development? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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In this episode of Help 100 Schools, we shine the spotlight on Virginia Beach Friends School, a remarkable institution that blends values-based education with a strong sense of community. Join us as we speak with Anna Facemire, Advancement Director and parent at the school, to explore how their unique approach to education nurtures both academic and character development in students from ages 2.5 through eighth grade.

Guest: Anna Facemire, Advancement Director at Virginia Beach Friends School

Anna shares her unique perspective as both an administrator and a parent of three students, discussing the school’s mission, values, and the sense of belonging it fosters among families and staff alike.

Founded in 1955, Virginia Beach Friends School is celebrating nearly 70 years of providing a distinctive Quaker education. Their mission is to graduate students who are mindful of their choices, actions, and responsibilities while fostering happiness and community.

To learn more about Virginia Beach Friends School, visit their website or connect with them on social media:

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Help 100 Schools. If Virginia Beach Friends School’s story inspired you, consider sharing this episode to spread awareness about their incredible work. Visit help100schools.com to learn more about our mission to elevate deserving schools and subscribe to never miss another inspiring story.

Together, we can make a difference—one school at a time. See you in the next episode!

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Why You Should Listen:

In this insightful solo episode, Karl Boehm answers a listener’s burning question: How can private schools effectively use YouTube? As one of the most powerful and underutilized platforms in education, YouTube is explored as a must-have tool for enhancing school visibility, connecting with potential families, and building long-term digital engagement.

What’s Covered:

Karl’s Pro Tip:

“Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Your school’s story is evolving, and it’s better to start cataloging it now than to wait for the ‘perfect’ setup.”

Join the Conversation:

Share your thoughts, ask questions, and let us know how you’re using YouTube for your school. Like and subscribe for more episodes that help your school thrive.

Resources & Links:

Stay tuned for future updates!

Featured Guest:

Host:

Episode Highlights:

Call to Action:

Closing Thoughts:

Welcome to the fourth episode of the Elevation Feature series on the Help One Hundred Schools Podcast, where we highlight exceptional private schools. In this episode, we explore NOVA Middle School, a unique institution in Olympia, Washington, dedicated to nurturing highly capable students in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us as we delve into their inspiring story and innovative approach to education.

In This Episode:

Featured Guests:

“We make sure the middle school years are the transformative years, not the lost years.” – Tiffany Price

Host:

Episode Highlights:

Introduction to NOVA Middle School:
Tiffany Price introduces NOVA Middle School, focusing on its mission to provide a safe and inclusive space for highly capable students. She discusses the school’s commitment to making the middle school years transformative and positive for students.

Why Families Choose NOVA:
Tiffany explains why parents choose NOVA for their gifted children, highlighting the school’s unique ability to support the emotional, social, and academic needs of middle school students. She shares testimonials from parents who credit NOVA with reigniting their children’s passion for learning and restoring their confidence.

Captivating School Story:
Discover the history of NOVA, founded in 1992 to fill a gap in the Olympia area for a school that challenges students academically while meeting their social and emotional needs. Tiffany shares how the school has grown while maintaining its commitment to fostering a close-knit, supportive community.

Unique Aspects of NOVA:
Tiffany describes the small, personalized environment at NOVA, where students and teachers develop strong relationships. She highlights the school’s unique programs, including class trips, clubs like the Aerospace and Rubik’s Cube clubs, and a focus on helping students find their “tribe.”

Mission and Vision:
Learn about NOVA’s mission to foster the joyful pursuit of intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Tiffany emphasizes the school’s vision to inspire lifelong learning for a more compassionate and engaged world, preparing students to be change-makers and leaders.

How to Learn More:
Tiffany provides information on how to learn more about NOVA Middle School, including their website and Facebook page. She outlines the three-part application process, which includes an online application, cognitive abilities testing, and a class visit.

“At NOVA, every child is engaged, challenged, and motivated to learn in a way that works best for them.” – Tiffany Price

Call to Action:

If you’re inspired by today’s episode and want to learn more about NOVA Middle School, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Consider scheduling a tour to see how NOVA can provide a nurturing and challenging environment for your highly capable student.

Closing Thoughts:

Join us as we continue to explore and support schools like NOVA Middle School, which offer unique and impactful educational experiences. Until next time, keep striving to be the change in education. Farewell for now.

Episode Title: Elevation Feature: The Edison School | Elevation Feature Ep. 3

Host: Karl Boehm
Guest: Dr. John Wilson, Head of School, The Edison School

Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of the Help 100 Schools Elevation Feature, Karl Boehm sits down with Dr. John Wilson, Head of The Edison School in Madison, Tennessee. Located just outside of Nashville, The Edison School offers a unique educational environment designed for students with diverse learning needs, including those with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, and other learning differences.

Dr. Wilson shares heartfelt stories of how the school builds strong, personal relationships with students who often come with traumatic past experiences from previous schools. He emphasizes the school’s mission to create a nurturing, individualized learning environment where every student feels valued and respected.

Listeners will hear about the school’s unique approach to education, including personalized learning plans, non-traditional seating, and the emphasis on building trust with students before focusing on academics. Dr. Wilson recounts a touching story of a student who, after years of distrust, finally felt respected and understood, showcasing the life-changing impact The Edison School has on its students.

Key Highlights:

• The Edison School’s commitment to building relationships with students before focusing on academics.
• A compelling story of a student who learned the true meaning of respect through her time at the school.
• How The Edison School celebrates learning differences and offers individualized support for students with autism, ADHD, and other challenges.
• The school’s vision to help all students thrive in life through personalized teaching and a supportive community.

Connect with The Edison School:

• Website: theedisonschool.com
• Contact: Dr. John Wilson | Email: [email protected]
• Schedule a tour or talk with the admissions team via the website.

Call to Action:
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with others. Your support can help connect more families with schools that provide the nurturing and personalized education their children need. For more stories and to get involved, visit Help 100 Schools.

Subscribe:
Don’t miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to Help 100 Schools to stay informed on more inspiring stories of schools making a difference in the lives of students with learning differences.

Thank You:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Help 100 Schools. Together, we can light up the path for a better educational future, one school at a time.

Episode Description:

Welcome to the second episode of the Elevation Feature series on the Help One Hundred Schools Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on outstanding private schools. In this episode, we feature the Premier Academy of Fine Arts of North Texas, a unique institution dedicated to fostering artistic talent and strong Christian values. Join us as we explore their inspiring journey and innovative programs.

In This Episode:

Featured Guests:

Host:

Episode Highlights:

Key Quotes:

Call to Action:

If you’re inspired by today’s episode and want to learn more about the Premier Academy of Fine Arts of North Texas, consider supporting or subscribing to their programs. Visit Premier Academy’s Website to sign up for auditions or to learn more about their unique offerings.

Contact Information:

For more information about the Premier Academy of Fine Arts of North Texas:

Closing Thoughts:

Join us as we continue to explore and support schools like the Premier Academy of Fine Arts of North Texas, which provide innovative and impactful educational experiences. Until next time, continue to be the change in education. Farewell for now.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Elevation Feature series on the Help One Hundred Schools Podcast, where we shine a spotlight on outstanding private schools. This episode features Friends Meeting School in Southern Maryland, an institution celebrated for its dedication to inspired independent thought, strong leadership direction with a Quaker-based education and community values.

“It’s about knowing that your child matters, that they are thriving not just academically but as a person.” – Presley Belmont

“Our founder started from humble beginnings, collecting soda cans for funds, driven by a vision for a better world through education.” – Chris Kimberly

Join us as we continue to explore and support schools like Friends Meeting School, which provide innovative and impactful educational experiences. Remember, by engaging with and sharing our podcast, you help broaden the reach of schools making a genuine difference.