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What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
Check out Community Corner, a free blog from ISM.
We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Is Your School Ready for AI?
School Leadership // August 17, 2023
We have been paying close attention over this past year as Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved into mainstream life. It seems clear that humanity is entering a new era of knowledge and a new age of work.
Read MoreISM CFO/COO Named a 2023 Philadelphia Titan
ISM Announcements // July 14, 2023
Independent School Management (ISM) is pleased to announce Chip Cresswell, CFO/COO, as a 2023 Philadelphia Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Philadelphia’s Top 100 CEO’s & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that inclu...
Read MoreThe Art of Conversation: a Key to Admission Success
Enrollment Management // June 25, 2023
The best way to begin any relationship is with conversation and active listening. As you plan your upcoming school year, consider ways to engage prospective families through intentional and personalized dialogue. Taking the time to engage each family in conversation demonstrates the high value yo...
Read MoreStability Is Key for a Healthy School Culture
School Heads // June 25, 2023
Being a student-centered school means ensuring students are at the forefront of decision-making by adults. But for adults to be able to support students, they themselves need to be well-supported by school leaders who ensure the wellness of all adults on campus. A culture where there is predictab...
Read MoreDevelopment Office Dilemma: Eliminating New Job Jitters
Fundraising // June 25, 2023
Starting a new job can be stressful. Navigating the unknowns while trying to fit in personally and professionally can fray even the strongest nerves! But new Development Directors have a leg up. They can offset the learning curve by transferring many of their skills to their new private school en...
Read MoreISM Expands Its Advancement Consulting Team
ISM Announcements // June 4, 2023
ISM is thrilled to welcome two new full-time Consultants to our Advancement Team. Phil Higginson, IAP-L, joins ISM as a full-time development and fundraising Consultant on July 1. A nationally recognized independent school development leader, Phil brings tremendous experience in annual giving, ma...
Read MoreThe Unexpected Mental Health Benefits of Makerspaces
Academic Leadership // June 4, 2023
No educator needs to be told there’s a student mental health crisis. Many causes have contributed to the drastic decline in student well-being, but a new study in the Journal of Pediatrics takes a different perspective. The study argued that the decrease in time allotted for independent student a...
Read MorePros and Cons of SEO vs. PPC For Your School
Marketing Communications // June 4, 2023
Purposeful marketing can help lead to full enrollment and even waitpools. But setting your budget and allocating expenses requires time, research, and, of course, careful attention to the efficacy of your various campaigns. ISM’s consulting experience suggests schools produce the best results whe...
Read MoreCreating the Universal Learning Classroom: What Does It Mean?
Academic Leadership // May 21, 2023
The concept of Universal Design was first introduced by architect Ron Mace in the 1980s. His theory, based on architectural design, focused on the idea that you could design products and environments that would work for everyone, as well as meet ADA requirements. Consider a sidewalk curb, which i...
Read MoreStorytelling as a Tool to Teach Emotional Literacy in Lower School
School Health and Wellness // May 21, 2023
Classrooms are places for social education as much as they are for academic education. By building classrooms centered on emotional literacy, teachers show students how to establish meaningful relationships with others and, ultimately, how to feel more in control of their lives. That might sound ...
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