Enrollment and Communications

Optimizing Marketing Reach

From social media to student recruitment, charters require effective strategies to attract and retain both families and community stakeholders. Showcasing their unique programs, educational philosophies and academic achievements helps to differentiate them from traditional district schools and other competing institutions. In addition, ongoing communication is essential for building trust and maintaining positive relationships with parents, students, staff, and the wider community.

Moreover, the time for attention to marketing has never been greater. After a steady increase in K-12 enrollment between 2011 and 2018, Colorado’s public school enrollment declined in 2020 and 2021, setting state-wide enrollment back to 2015 levels. While the state’s charter school enrollment is at a historic high, many charters are finding they must adjust their marketing and communication strategies to ensure full enrollment. We believe every charter school is uniquely positioned to meet market demand with the right approach. 

CONNECT Cohort

Designed for communications staff, marketing teams and registrars, our CONNECT Cohort provides the first step in accessing ongoing training opportunities and best practices in the broader areas of charter school marketing, communication and community engagement. Offering ample networking and collaboration, the focus is on creating an active learning community for discussing and sharing best practices on a variety of pertinent topics, including brand awareness, community outreach, student recruitment, communication and family retention programs. 

The CONNECT cohort meets on the second Thursday of each month from 12-1 PM, including 9/12/24, 10/11/24 (at the Leadership Summit), 11/14/24, 12/12/24, 1/9/25, 2/13/25,  2/27-2/28/25 (at the Annual Conference), 3/13/25 (open office hours), 4/10/25 and 5/8/25. See our full list of sessions and descriptions here. For questions, email [email protected].

In addition to virtual lunch and learns, we offer the opportunity to convene in person twice yearly. Join us from 12-5 PM at the 2024 Leadership Summit for lunch, two guest speakers, happy hour and networking. You'll also have the opportunity to attend the keynote address. This event is free to CONNECT members.

Workshop Series

This hybrid series of community engagement, school recruitment and continuous enrollment workshops is the next step in development for both school leaders and site-based owners of enrollment and community engagement. Because enrollment is a responsibility that can and should be shared across teams, this session will help attendees set a new vision and norm for school recruitment across their school, while deep-diving into a wealth of practices, tools, and frameworks that can be adapted to any context. Focusing on a top-down approach, our goal is to drive best practices that help schools grow, expand and meet enrollment goals. Each session will provide ample work time for attendees to start putting ideas into motion while developing policies, procedures and strategies that can exist beyond changes in staff. 

Custom Consultation
Cost: Varies

For those schools that require additional support beyond what can be gained from participating in our CONNECT cohort and annual workshop series, we offer individualized consultations and brainstorming sessions in the areas of marketing, communications, enrollment, and community engagement. Understanding the intricacies of how these areas intersect, we can deep dive into particular areas of concern, providing advice and best practices tailored to any school’s unique circumstance. From a simple phone call or series of emails to the utilization of outside, contract-based consultants we are here to help.

Crisis Communications
Cost: Free to member schools

Has your school received a call from the media about a negative story that’s brewing? Has something happened that you’re afraid could end up in the media? Because negative press can spin out of control quickly, swift action is required. We are available to assist you and your legal team with urgent crisis communications responses to the media. 

Please use the interest form on the right to begin the process for custom services.