{"id":4722,"date":"2024-09-26T22:11:44","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T22:11:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learn.schola.com\/?p=4722"},"modified":"2024-09-26T22:28:15","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T22:28:15","slug":"11-essential-elements-for-an-engaging-and-effective-school-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/learn.schola.com\/11-essential-elements-for-an-engaging-and-effective-school-website\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Essential Elements for an Engaging and Effective School Website"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Your school website is like the front door to your school\u2019s world\u2014for many families, it\u2019s their first impression of your school. Let\u2019s make sure you wow them and don\u2019t 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Mission and Vision<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s elevator pitch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Why Choose Us<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is where you shine. Highlight what makes your school special\u2014whether it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP:<\/strong> Less is more. We love words, but no one wants to read a novel. Save the long-form storytelling for your school\u2019s blog, not your homepage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. About Us<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Everyone loves a good backstory. Give families a glimpse into your school\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Upcoming Events<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your calendar shouldn\u2019t just be a buried tab. A regularly updated events calendar helps families stay informed and engaged with your school\u2019s activities. Whether it\u2019s parent-teacher meetings, school holidays, or special events, keeping this calendar visible on your homepage encourages ongoing participation and community connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
5. Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Every child is different, and parents want to know if you\u2019ve got something special for their kids. Lay out your programs in a way that helps families see where their child fits. Whether it\u2019s advanced STEM, arts, or something else entirely, make it easy to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Extracurriculars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
School isn\u2019t all about academics. Showcase your school\u2019s after-hours fun: clubs, sports, drama programs\u2014you name it! Photos, videos, and testimonials add a splash of energy and give parents a sense of your school\u2019s community spirit. Extracurricular opportunities is one of the top searches for families based on our years of data! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Mobile-Friendly Design<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most parents are checking out your website from their phones while juggling a million other things. Make sure your site looks fabulous on mobile\u2014otherwise, you\u2019re losing them faster than a field trip permission slip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
8. Online Application Form <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make the application process as smooth as possible by offering an intuitive, easy-to-use online form. A clearly visible \u201cApply Now\u201d or \u201cRequest More Info\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PRO TIP:<\/strong> Keep those calls-to-action clear. \u201cAPPLY NOW\u201d or \u201cREQUEST INFO\u201d buttons should be bold, beautiful, and easy to find. If they\u2019re hunting for a button, you\u2019ve lost them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. High-Quality Photos and Videos <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A picture\u2019s worth a thousand words, and a video\u2019s probably worth even more. Use crisp, high-quality photos and videos to show off your school in action\u2014classrooms buzzing, students excelling, and teachers doing their magic. Bonus points for adding in testimonials videos and quotes with images from those students! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
10. Contact Information and Map<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Your school\u2019s contact details should be easy to find, including phone numbers, email addresses, and a contact form. Display your contact info\u2014phone, email, and maybe even a chatbot\u2014in 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\u2019t obvious!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Parent Resources <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Think of this as the \u201cparent headquarters\u201d on your site. Include newsletters, handbooks, and links to your parent portal\u2014all in one organized, easy-to-find space. Parents will thank you when they don\u2019t have to dig through emails for the latest lunch menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
A Final Word: Keep It Simple and Effective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A school website doesn\u2019t need all the bells and whistles\u2014just 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\u2019s got your back. Let\u2019s make your website the recruitment tool it deserves to be! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Your school website is like the front door to your school\u2019s world\u2014for many families, it\u2019s their first impression of your school. Let\u2019s make sure you wow them and don\u2019t 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":4348,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-school-resources"],"yoast_head":"\n
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