It is that time AGAIN! Re-enrollment is when we start making our push for NEXT YEAR’S enrollment.
Traditionally, re-enrollment has been the season where we send out DOZENS of forms with the hopes that parents will return them with money! In reality, this process is time consuming, resource intensive, and an outright pain for administrators and parents alike. Most school support staff spend the next two months trying to get forms back trying to fill lists and seats.
OPT-OUT!
There may be a better way to get a good idea on who is returning. Instead of sending out dozens of copies of forms, send out a simple, post-card sized, OPT-OUT form for parents who will NOT be returning next year. This strategy serves two significant purposes. First of all, you will get a good idea of what your enrollment numbers will look like for the coming year. Secondly, you will have a prime opportunity to engage non-returning parents in a meaningful dialogue about the reasons for not returning.
If a parent cannot afford your school anymore, they may not want to tell you that. However, if parents are not satisfied with the quality of education, social environment, religious viewpoints, or other significant factors, only open conversations can reveal these truths.
Try an opt-out process this year and see if it can help your school move toward greater levels of excellence.