School Life

I applied to teach at a private school in The Bahamas some years ago. During my interview, the head of school noted that I had a degree in Latin and Greek from McGill University. She exclaimed that she had always wanted her students to learn Latin. I looked at her, somewhat puzzled, and asked why she wanted Latin as part of her school's curriculum; she opined that it would help their SAT scores. I remember being skeptical about this claim, but I was more concerned about what the parents would think about having their children study a dead language. So, the head of the school called a meeting of the parents to discuss her proposed addition of Latin to the curriculum. Many parents expressed their concerns, but the head of the school was compelling in her arguments. As a result, I began teaching Latin to students in Grades 5 through 9.

Selecting a Curriculum

My next challenge, of course, was to select a Latin curriculum. Several courses were available, but I chose the Cambridge Latin Course. It enjoyed a good reputation. It was also very well laid out and organized. I made these choices in the 90s, so we were looking at the first or second edition of that particular curriculum. That was back when there was no such thing as a digital edition. Nowadays, the Cambridge Latin Course has a digital edition and a host of resources available on their website.

Emerging Challenges for Boarding Schools

In the vast and evolving educational landscape, boarding schools have stood as beacons of tradition, discipline, and academic rigor.

• These institutions not only provide quality education but also foster personal development, independence, and resilience in students.
• However, boarding schools are currently navigating a complex maze of challenges.
• The obstacles are multifaceted, from marketing difficulties and rising insurance costs to facility maintenance and recruitment of competent trustees and teachers.

This article aims to delve into these challenges and suggest potential solutions.

Marketing Challenges

Historically, boarding schools thrived on word-of-mouth marketing and their reputations for producing well-rounded, academically accomplished students.

• However, shifting societal norms, increased competition, and the rise of digital media have disrupted these traditional strategies.
• Boarding schools now face the challenge of attracting a diverse student body, both domestically and internationally, while also addressing concerns about the value of the boarding school experience.

To overcome these challenges, schools need to adopt personalized admissions processes that highlight the unique benefits of their institution.

• Furthermore, leveraging digital marketing strategies, such as social media and content marketing, can extend their reach to prospective students and parents.
• Crucially, boarding schools must work to create unique selling propositions that distinguish them from their competition and resonate with today's discerning families.

This video offers suggestions for marketing your school.

Rising

When searching on Google, how often do you venture beyond the first page of results? Do you click on the top-ranking website? Statistics show that 27.6% of people click on the first result they see on Google. So, the burning question is: How can you position your school in that coveted #1 spot?

The answer lies in implementing effective search engine optimization (SEO) techniques for your school to rank highly on specific keywords. SEO involves tailoring your website to meet the criteria that Google considers when ranking websites. SEO is one of the most powerful tools for boosting your school’s enrollment marketing strategy.

First, what is a keyword? A keyword is anything a user searches on Google. When parents search “private school in Los Angeles,” you want to ensure you rank well on that keyword.

You might wonder if you need to be an SEO expert to improve your website's visibility and increase your keyword ranking. Fortunately, the answer is no! A significant portion of SEO can be accomplished organically by having a well-designed website and understanding the basics of what to do and what not to do.

Here are some top SEO to-dos and not to-dos to help reach that coveted #1 spot for school marketers.

1. Content Is SO Important
   
   This cannot be understated. If your site hasn't been updated recently and lacks substantial written content, your first step is to (re) write fresh and engaging content. Google

Navigating Crisis: Best Practices in Public Relations for Boarding Schools

The chances of a boarding school head of school having to handle a crisis are fairly high. That's because of the sheer size of the school community. The typical American boarding school has between 150 and 350 students. Some schools are larger. Some are smaller. So, given the number of people involved, it's simply inevitable that incidents will happen. Minor incidents can usually be handled quickly and without adverse publicity. But what happens when a fire breaks out in the science lab, and three students suffer smoke inhalation? Or worse yet, the school bus carrying the girl's field hockey team blows a tire and crashes?

Handling a crisis at a boarding school requires effective communication and strategic public relations to safeguard the institution's reputation and maintain trust within the community. This article will explore best practices for engaging with the community, parents, and the media during a crisis. Additionally, we will examine examples of successful and unsatisfactory crisis responses and emphasize the perils of stonewalling.

Engaging with the Community

During a crisis, it is crucial to establish open and transparent lines of communication with your community. You can achieve this through proactive measures such as holding town hall meetings, organizing information sessions, and leveraging digital platforms. These efforts demonstrate the school's commitment to addressing concerns and ensuring the well-being of students. In addition, timely updates, clear information, and empathetic messaging are essential to foster

For dance students with dreams of pursuing their art form professionally, the high school years are a crucial time of preparation. Whether they go to dance camps over the summer or attend competitive dance high schools, many students use this time to take important steps to prepare for higher levels of dance. You may be wondering if you’ve outgrown your local dance studio, or whether you want to continue juggling a hectic schedule that requires you to commute back and forth between your school and your studio. If you’re looking for other options, here are five reasons why you should consider attending a boarding school for dance.

Professional training

The top reason to join a dance boarding high school is the rigor of training you’ll receive. The best dance boarding schools have programs specially designed for students who are interested in dancing in college and/or professionally. The boarding school difference is evident in the caliber of the material you learn, the faculty who work with you, and the fellow students who become your peers.

“My local company was somewhat intense, but I definitely felt that I could be pushed more and I could be challenged more,” says Maxwell Pfluger, a junior at Interlochen Arts Academy majoring in Dance. “I wanted to go to a place that could meet my needs.”

Lindy Sloan, a freshman studying dance at Interlochen, explains another major difference: the opportunity to work