PLA Academic Playbook | Page 26

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Retention is Equally Important

Once enrolled, retention is equally important to maintaining a healthy and thriving school environment. Key features that should exist in each school community includes

Keeping a "customer service" mindset when dealing with enrolled families. Treat them how you would like to be treated if you were shopping for a new car or a high-end product. Make them feel appreciated not just when they first enroll, but at every moment you can.

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Keeping families in the loop with their child's activities. Communicate frequently and thoroughly about their child's academic, SEL, and behavior performances, sharing both highlights and areas of improvement that both parties can tackle together.

Continuing to market to current families. The same energy used to recruit them should be used to retain them as there is more competition in the field. Continuously tout the school highlights, send personal letters to families, make phone calls, schedule one on one meetings and more.

Strategies Implemented to Drive Strong Enrollment

1. Advanced and strategic planning and outreach: Recruitment and enrollment is a year-long process that involves relationship building, timely follow up and follow through, and continuous management.

People we have targeted through ads, mailers, and outreach

People who have visited your website or responded to an ad

People who have completed an inquiry form or started an application

People who have completed an application

People who have completed the enrollment process

The new PLA family members! About 50% of inquiries show up!

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