08/05/2018
Key Issues & Trends Facing Independent Schools in 2019
Higher Operating Costs
Higher wages, rent, and utility costs have cut into the cashflows for many schools. Indirect costs from increasing regulations and compliance have also made finances more challenging. More than ever, schools must operate like an efficient business to succeed.
Rising Competition
With the public-school system showing improving academic results, and providing enhanced services, including full day kindergarten, many parents are opting away from private schools. Public schools and many larger private schools are also investing heavily into digital technology. With less resources, independent schools need to show parents a compelling advantage over their competition.
Millennial Parents Generation
The new generation of parents are connected digitally and are accustomed to online communications. They demand visibility on what their child and school are doing. They are passionate and vocal about their child’s success. These parents perceive schools as being “backwards” if they still use manual paper processes. Yet, these parents are a school’s biggest word of mouth advocates on social media if they are engaged and satisfied.
Jump in Virtual Programs
Many secondary schools are starting to offer online courses. Some of these are hybrid courses within the physical classroom, while others are fully digital. The use of online teaching tools enables students to learn remotely and offers tremendous new growth opportunities for schools.
The Importance in Building Resilience
This generation of students face unique pressures and anxiety caused by social media and perceived competition. Many students lack the ability to overcome physiological barriers to success. The result are growing incidences of teen depression and academic underperformance. Educators and parents are seeking programs on how to build resilience in their kids.
Smart Technology that Administrators & Educators Actually Use
While there has been an explosion in technology options, it’s become a nightmare for many school administrators to learn and manage all these different tools. In many cases, new and expensive, technology tools have been put in place but not used. Schools must be smart in choosing tools that are easy to use and able to solve many of their key issues on a single system.