Why Events Are the Best Secret in a Charter School's Recruitment Toolbox

We've all been there - walking along the street and someone hands you a flyer. You may look at it, you may not. Maybe you decline it entirely. Nonetheless, when you actively want information, print materials can be helpful. 

When prospective families are actively looking at your charter school, print materials can easily provide clear, concise information about your school. But, does a crowded trifold adequately communicate the culture or unique enforcement of your school? No, it won't because it can't. They say experience is the best teacher and in charter school marketing, that reigns true. This is where events become your new strategic tool. When you attend an event out in your community or host one at your school, your families get to experience firsthand what makes your school unique and what type of day their child will have when they are away from home. Through careful event planning, you can both educate already interested families and attract completely new families to your campus.

When planning an event, there are few things to consider. You'll first need to decide, where the event will be and how much you or your team needs to be involved. This will help guide resources, budget, and timelines.

Different Classifications of Events

At CSP, we like to think of events in 2 simple realms:

1. Off-Site

2. On-Site

For an off-site recruitment event, your school would coordinate with an already established event. This could be a parade, community fair, or holiday event. These usually take less time to coordinate as you need a set of volunteers to table the event and only need some supplies for the booth. Depending on your event, you can theme your booth and incorporate a unique lesson for children to complete. Our CSP Marketing Team are big fans of "make-and-take" activities, such as paper dolls or pipe cleaner ornaments. The team coaches our client schools through their elevator pitch, so school members are prepared to chat up the parents while the team assists kids who are busy engaging with their activity.

The Recipe for a Great Event

Effort, time, and careful planning are major ingredients needed to pull off the second category - on-site events. Schools can make a huge impact on families and their community reputation when they host a community event directly on their campus. These events are best established with a team of volunteers or an event planner. At CSP, we've walked schools through the process of planning successful community events that have become permanent fixtures on their annual calendar, strategically coinciding with enrollment time. While school tours are great and highly encouraged, a community event such as a talent show or pop-up market provide opportunities for families to see how your school operates, what the campus looks like, and why your school culture is strong. 

✅ An Event Expert’s Top Four Tips 

Since on-sites events are a larger undertaking here are some tips our designated event planner has for the planning process:

• Get started early.

Most events need at least 90 days to plan and get the word out. The more lead time in your schedule will give you less stress as the event day approaches

• Your students are your best advocates.

 Find your friendliest and most outgoing students and make them your dedicated "spokes-kids". Give them some coaching ahead of time so they can feel comfortable and confident speaking to a crowd.

• Don't forget safety and security logistics.

 Make a plan for parking, supervision, and first aid. If you have one, check with your SRO to see if they can connect you with an officer to attend an on-campus event for added peace-of-mind.

• Assemble Your Experts.

Working with a dedicated team that has experience in events and working with students is important. Tap into your network of volunteers or partner with a consultant who has that unique blend of experience in both worlds.

When executed properly, events are a significant way to immerse your families in the essence of your school. By pairing an event with your enrollment calendar for maximum impact, you can build your reputation within the community and continually attract new families year after year.

Needing a someone who specializes in events and working with students? CSP could be your ideal partner to consult with. Send us a message for us to support!