Shield or Sword? Key Updates to Enrollment Agreement to Address Common Problems Facing Independent School Administrators 

Enrollment contracts can be powerful tools to clarify expectations for parent partnerships, navigate complexities with separated families, and address student mental health needs. Well-written agreements provide schools with essential documentation to manage challenging situations effectively. It’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s enrollment contracts. Venable offers key updates for schools to consider.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Directional Signals: A New Analysis of the Evolving Private School Choice Landscape, FutureEd

• Mastering the Art of Delegation, SPARC

• Policy Ideas for AI in Education, TeachAI

• The Most Important Leadership Competencies, Center for Creative Leadership

How Independent Schools Can Build Community Relationships

Strategic community relationships extend far beyond enrollment by unlocking fundraising opportunities, expanding your talent pool, and partnering with other organizations doing good work in your local area. Convergent Nonprofit Solutions shows how schools can set measurable engagement goals, host events that foster genuine connections, and empower parents and staff as advocates to build lasting community support for your school.

Additional Research & Resources:

• Beyond Detection: How Belonging Shapes Academic Integrity in the Age of AI, GOA

• Six Cybersecurity Threats Every School Leader Should Know, NBOA

• The Impact of Recess on Chronic Stress Levels in Elementary School Children, National Library of Medicine

• What Are You Choosing?, Michelle Bostian

The Classroom Isn't the Only Place for Learning

Harvard Graduate School of Education's Designing Learning Paths tool challenges teachers to reimagine where learning happens through four lenses: place as setting, partner, object, and bridge. The key is not about the physical space but about how educators might creatively leverage any environment to deepen student learning beyond traditional classroom walls. 

Additional Research & Resources:

• Advancing Assessment in the Service of Learning, Getting Smart

• Blueprint for Action AI Literacy, EdSafe AI Alliance

• Crafting Data-Driven Narratives About Students, Edutopia

• Teachers Who Collaborate, Learn at Work Are More Satisfied, GALLUP

What Influences How Families Choose Private Schools

Truth Tree studied what drives decisions when searching for a school. Their research reveals what motivates families to make a change, how they navigate the search process, and what works (and frustrates them) on school websites. They also identify reasons for not choosing a school and how much student influence plays a part in the final decision. 

Additional Research & Resources:

• How Can Schools Boost Net Tuition Revenue with Gen X & Millenials?, TADS VentureEd

• How Do You Engage Alums?, Jill Goodman Consulting

• Lessons in Crisis Communication: What School Leaders Need to Know, MoonshotOS

• School Website Content Strategy: A Practical Guide for Enrollment Growth, SchneiderB Media

Timely Challenge Conference

November 10-11 | Atlanta, GA

Attracting and retaining top faculty and staff is one of the most pressing challenges facing independent schools today. The Timely Challenge Conference brings together school leaders to explore innovative strategies for recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

Over two days, attendees will engage in expert-led sessions, peer discussions, and case studies that address topics including building a compelling employee value proposition, navigating generational shifts in the workforce, and creative pipelines for hiring and talent development.

With keynotes from Dr. Carrie Grimes, Vanderbilt University, and Andy Walker, Willis Towers Watson, this conference is designed to provide actionable insights, strategic frameworks, and collaborative problem-solving opportunities to ensure your school remains a destination for top-tier educators and staff.

Upcoming Events:

• Annual Conference, October 19-21, Atlanta, GA

• The Wellness-Retention Connection: Creating Thriving Communities Through Early Care & Support, October 23, 10:00 AM EDT

• AI Exchange: Exploring AI Together - Strategy, Solutions & Stories (Executive Leaders), October 27, 4:15 PM EDT

• Pay With Purpose: Building Compensation Models That Reflect Mission and Market, November 3, 12:00 PM EST

• Blueprint Sprint, November 6-7, Charlotte, NC, and November 17-18, Atlanta, GA

• AI Exchange: Exploring AI Together - Strategy, Solutions & Stories (Academic Leaders), November 4, 4:15 PM EDT