Your school website is like the front door to your school’s world—for many families, it’s their first impression of your school. Let’s make sure you wow them and don’t leave them wandering in the digital wilderness? Check out these essential elements to make sure your site is up-to-date, inviting, and user-friendly!
1. Mission and Vision
When searching for a new school for their child, it is important for them to know what you stand for. Clearly showcase your school’s mission and vision so they can decide if your values line up with theirs. Think of it as your school’s elevator pitch!
2. Why Choose Us
This is where you shine. Highlight what makes your school special—whether it’s award-winning programs, glowing stats, or your secret sauce that keeps students coming back. Fun icons, bullet points, and sharp visuals can make all the difference when communicating this info.
PRO TIP: Less is more. We love words, but no one wants to read a novel. Save the long-form storytelling for your school’s blog, not your homepage.
3. About Us
Everyone loves a good backstory. Give families a glimpse into your school’s history, culture, school pride, and teaching style. This section should paint a complete picture of what makes your school unique, offering a sense of belonging to both new and current families.
4. Upcoming Events
Your calendar shouldn’t just be a buried tab. A regularly updated events calendar helps families stay informed and engaged with your school’s activities. Whether it’s parent-teacher meetings, school holidays, or special events, keeping this calendar visible on your homepage encourages ongoing participation and community connection.
5. Programs
Every child is different, and parents want to know if you’ve got something special for their kids. Lay out your programs in a way that helps families see where their child fits. Whether it’s advanced STEM, arts, or something else entirely, make it easy to navigate.
6. Extracurriculars
School isn’t all about academics. Showcase your school’s after-hours fun: clubs, sports, drama programs—you name it! Photos, videos, and testimonials add a splash of energy and give parents a sense of your school’s community spirit. Extracurricular opportunities is one of the top searches for families based on our years of data!
7. Mobile-Friendly Design
Most parents are checking out your website from their phones while juggling a million other things. Make sure your site looks fabulous on mobile—otherwise, you’re losing them faster than a field trip permission slip.
8. Online Application Form
Make the application process as smooth as possible by offering an intuitive, easy-to-use online form. A clearly visible “Apply Now” or “Request More Info” button should be on every key page. The fewer clicks needed to complete the form, the better. This will make the application process quick and stress-free for busy families.
PRO TIP: Keep those calls-to-action clear. “APPLY NOW” or “REQUEST INFO” buttons should be bold, beautiful, and easy to find. If they’re hunting for a button, you’ve lost them.
9. High-Quality Photos and Videos
A picture’s worth a thousand words, and a video’s probably worth even more. Use crisp, high-quality photos and videos to show off your school in action—classrooms buzzing, students excelling, and teachers doing their magic. Bonus points for adding in testimonials videos and quotes with images from those students!
10. Contact Information and Map
Your school’s contact details should be easy to find, including phone numbers, email addresses, and a contact form. Display your contact info—phone, email, and maybe even a chatbot—in a highly visible spot. Include your address and a map to make finding your school a breeze (make sure to clarify where to enter if your front door isn’t obvious!).
11. Parent Resources
Think of this as the “parent headquarters” on your site. Include newsletters, handbooks, and links to your parent portal—all in one organized, easy-to-find space. Parents will thank you when they don’t have to dig through emails for the latest lunch menu.
A Final Word: Keep It Simple and Effective
A school website doesn’t need all the bells and whistles—just the right ones. Your goal is to keep it easy to navigate, visually appealing, and packed with the info families need. If you need help turning your site into a digital wonderland that attracts new families, Schola’s got your back. Let’s make your website the recruitment tool it deserves to be!
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