Enrollment Management

Admissions

Admissions vs. enrollment management
While admission traditionally focuses on recruiting students, enrollment management takes a more holistic view, encompassing various aspects such as student success, financial aid, and institutional goals. Shifting toward an enrollment management model helps institutions better align their recruitment efforts with long-term objectives, optimize resources, and improve the overall student experience. Enrollment management allows for a more comprehensive understanding of enrollment trends, enabling institutions to adapt their strategies effectively to meet changing demographics and market demands. Ultimately, the move to enrollment management fosters a student-centered approach, driving success both educationally and institutionally.

How can Ashley|Rountree help?
Through a deep-dive examination of historical admission data and reports, Ashley|Rountree can help lay the foundation for crafting a robust strategic plan for future enrollment. We can uncover invaluable insights regarding recruitment trends, applicant demographics, yield rates, and the efficacy of previous strategies, and identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement to inform strategic decisions aimed at enhancing enrollment outcomes. As we gain a nuanced understanding of the institution’s unique challenges and opportunities, we can offer tailored solutions to attract, enroll, and retain a diverse and qualified student body. Leveraging past data to inform future enrollment strategies empowers institutions to make data-driven decisions, optimize resources, and cultivate a competitive edge in today’s private school market.


Financial Aid

Financial aid objectives should be reviewed and updated annually to reflect the school’s current enrollment goals, and our team will support the school in developing a process to create financial aid plans that align with these strategic objectives. Additionally, it’s critical to equip admission professionals with the skills to effectively engage with families and third-party agencies to ensure a smooth and transparent enrollment process. By empowering admission staff with the tools to navigate these crucial aspects of the enrollment process, institutions can improve the family experience and promote accessibility to the school.

Ashley|Rountree can provide comprehensive training to enable the admission staff to build trust and rapport with families as they guide them through the complexities of financial aid options. This training covers not only the development of financial aid policies and procedures but also communication strategies to address families’ concerns. Moreover, admission professionals will learn to work seamlessly with third-party agencies, establishing strong partnerships to ensure the timely and accurate processing of financial aid applications.


Implications of Legislation

School vouchers continue to be a debated topic in education. Many states are moving closer to letting voters decide about school voucher programs. Navigating vouchers as a private school requires careful consideration. Private schools must adhere to state regulations and accreditation standards while maintaining their unique identity and educational philosophy. It’s crucial to communicate the value proposition of the school clearly, highlighting its academic excellence, extracurricular offerings, and values. Developing transparent admission procedures and financial aid options can also help broaden accessibility while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Additionally, building strong relationships with voucher-granting authorities and actively engaging with the community can facilitate a smoother integration of voucher programs into the school’s operations.

Ashley|Rountree can support schools’ successful navigation of vouchers, balancing educational integrity with financial sustainability and inclusivity. Our team will work with private school admission and enrollment management offices to develop processes and procedures around school vouchers while maintaining the core values and mission of the school.


Marketing & Communications

A concise marketing and communications plan is essential for schools and educational entities to effectively communicate their mission, values, and offerings to various stakeholders. By articulating a clear and compelling message, schools can attract prospective students, engage current students and parents, garner support from the community, and attract partnerships with businesses and other relevant organizations. Our team will help you develop a well-defined marketing and communications plan that differentiates your school in a competitive landscape, highlighting your unique strengths and attributes. Your plan will ensure consistency in messaging across different channels, including social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, and other communications vehicles, maximizing impact and engagement.