Mindful School Marketing

On this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Jen Danish, head of Grace Episcopal Day School, who brings over 30 years of experience in independent schools. Jen’s commitment to fostering nurturing and inclusive school communities is at the heart of her work at Grace. In this episode, she introduces us to Grace’s pioneering Community Tuition Model, designed to make independent education more accessible and welcoming. We explore how this model redefines traditional financial aid, allowing families to pay tuition based on their means, fostering a balanced and inclusive school environment. Jen also shares the research and strategy that support this innovative approach, offering a roadmap for other schools looking to embrace inclusivity and affordability in their tuition models.

To learn more about Community Tuition at Grace: https://geds.org/admission/tuition/

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with Nicole McDermott, an independent school leader with over two decades of experience. Nicole shares insights into her work as a facilitator and certified leadership coach trained in Brene Brown’s ‘Dare to Lead’ program. We dive deep into how courage, vulnerability, and clarity play a critical role in educational leadership. Nicole shares how integrating mindfulness and leadership principles can positively impact school communities, from supporting teachers to strengthening relationships with parents. We also explore how schools can better market their unique approaches to stand out.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we sit down with James Riley, a former high school math and statistics teacher of 20 years who now runs Forward Dataworks, a company with a goal to address the growing need for schools to make data-driven decisions. James brings some fascinating insights on how independent and private schools can tap into the power of data for smarter decision-making, especially when it comes to admissions and strategic planning. We dive into everything from quick surveys and demographic analysis to targeted marketing strategies.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we speak with Scott Butterworth, principal of Fine Point Communications, about the importance of strategic messaging for independent schools. Scott draws from his crisis communication experience to advise school leaders on preparing for and navigating crises, stressing transparency, understanding community needs, and student-centered communication. He shares practical steps for crisis planning, mindfulness in tough situations, and avoiding common pitfalls to ensure clear, trusted communication during challenging times.

In this episode of the Mindful School Marketing Podcast, we are joined by Dale Seabury to discuss the critical importance of tuition pages on school websites. Dale shares insights on why this page is highly visited and provides strategies on showcasing the school’s value proposition. The conversation covers effective ways to present tuition information, the role of social proof, and the importance of financial aid transparency. Dale also offers practical tips on engaging prospective families, optimizing user experience, and making the information easy to access and understand. 

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we chat with Jenny McKee, an astrologer with Sky Whisperers Astrology and a practicing lawyer for over 30 years. Jenny shares her passion for helping people align with their authentic selves through astrology. Despite astrology’s mixed reputation, Jenny discusses its practical applications, especially in educational settings, and how understanding astrological signs can enhance interpersonal relationships. The conversation delves into the nuances of astrology readings, overcoming skepticism, and the potential for meaningful change. 

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we speak with Rebecca Drobis, a passionate photojournalist specializing in educational photography. Rebecca shares her insights on capturing authentic and impactful images for independent schools and she emphasizes the importance of strategy, composition, diversity, and effective lighting in school photography. Rebecca also offers practical tips for schools taking their own photos and discusses the significance of managing and organizing images thoughtfully. Throughout the conversation, the importance of mindfulness in her photography practice is highlighted, underscoring the value of being fully present to capture genuine moments. 

In this special episode, we share attendee and speaker experiences from the National Small Schools Conference held at the Crefeld School in Philadelphia this past June. This conference, known for its warm and supportive atmosphere, provided attendees with a wealth of knowledge through excellent speakers and engaging topics. We had the pleasure of interviewing 13 individuals to gather their insights and key takeaways from the event. Tune in to hear these conversations and learn more about what made this year’s conference so impactful.

https://www.nationalsmallschoolsconference.org

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we’re thrilled to have Steve Bristol with us, a seasoned independent school veteran with over 35 years of experience. From his roots as a boarding school triple threat teacher, coach, and dorm head, to roles in administrative leadership such as Director of Athletics, Assistant Head for External Affairs, and Director of Enrollment Management, Steve’s expertise spans all facets of independent school management. Now a senior consultant for Triangle Associates, Steve will share insights on faculty sustainability and its impact on school marketing. Join us as we explore how maintaining an engaged and committed faculty can enhance a school’s reputation and drive enrollment success.

In this episode of Mindful School Marketing, we welcome Melanie Norton, founder and CEO of a boutique nonprofit fundraising and strategic planning consulting firm in Indianapolis, Indiana. Melanie shares her extensive experience from banking, higher education, and consulting, offering invaluable insights into the art and science of fundraising. The discussion delves into key considerations for small independent schools planning a capital campaign, the importance of starting with strategy, and effective ways to engage alumni. Melanie also highlights the critical role of mindfulness in fundraising, emphasizing focus and prioritization to achieve successful outcomes. Tune in for practical advice on setting realistic fundraising goals, leveraging board members’ strengths, and engaging your community for maximum impact.