Running a Private School

AI is fast transforming the way businesses operate. So, I was curious how AI might affect our K-12 classrooms. The inevitable sensational headlines, such as "Will AI replace teachers?" generate tons of speculation by the talking heads on TV and blog writers looking for the next way to scare their readers. However, having been a teacher at both the K-12 and college levels, I can tell you that AI will not replace our teachers any time soon. With that in mind, let's look at some of the ways AI can enhance teaching and the things AI cannot do.

Successful Uses of AI in the Classroom

AI is another tool that can be used successfully by both teachers and students. I look at AI the same way I have viewed slide projectors, televisions, smartboards, computers, and all the other bits and pieces of technology that have appeared in our classrooms over the years, i.e., they help present the material I am teaching. People learn in so many different ways. Depending on the material you are presenting, one of these technologies might spark that "Eureka!" moment we teachers all seek. While our student may not run into the streets as Archimedes did, she will have that look that says, "I got it!" Ultimately, it is always up to us teachers to remember that one size does not fit all. Each student learns in her way. Varied ways of presenting what you are teaching will help make the material understood.

Personalized

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Every school can become a great school. All it takes is great communication, solid academics, inspiring teachers, enthusiastic parents, and a supportive board. Some schools have solid academics and inspiring teachers but don't get the word out about their teachers and what's being taught. In other words, they lack great communication. Some schools have visionary leaders but lack the support of their board of trustees. You need all five attributes present to be a great school. Let's look at them in detail.

Great Communication

Thirty years ago, most schools published an expensive printed catalog that looked like one of those expensive coffee table books. Indeed, that was how it was intended to be used. When parents had their friends over, and your school's beautiful, eye-catching catalog was spotted, the conversation invariably turned to St. Swithin's, how great that school was, and how much their children enjoyed going there. Many schools still produce those lavish catalogs, and they can and do serve a purpose. Truthfully, they have mostly gone the way of the buggy whip.

The other old-fashioned way of communicating was by writing a letter or sending a thank-you note. Catalogs and letters have largely been replaced by email, texting, school communication platforms, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp, as well as social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Nowadays, families expect communications to be timely, transparent, and accessible across multiple channels. Of course, letters still have their place for formal matters such as admissions,

The wave of anti-semitism crashing over the United States in the fourth quarter of 2023 seems to me to have been inevitable.

• I will leave it to far more qualified writers than I to explore the causes and effects of such a vast disturbance.
• However, I recommend that you take the time to read source materials and understand the issues involved.
• I also want to remind the heads of private day and boarding schools that they can and should learn three critical lessons from what we all are experiencing.
• The chief officer of any institution must be a listener, a learner, and a leader.

1. Listen

Overwhelming expressions of opinion don't come out of nowhere.

• It's like you and I putting a pot of water on the stove and turning the dial to high.
• You know the pot could and will boil, but you can continue your business until then. Right?
• Wrong! Before you know it, the pot is boiling uncontrollably all over the place.

Don't ignore issues you hear about on your campus.

• It doesn't matter whether it's a member of your cleaning crew, your physics teacher, or a member of the board of trustees.
• Every voice is important.
• You must listen carefully to each and every one.

Read articles such as Dr. Susan Whitbourne's 10 Qualities of Great Listeners. Understand her very clear advice:

• Listening is a basic social skill, but it takes practice to do well.
• Listening

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

Navigating the complex landscape of private high school admissions requires expertise and insight. This article delves into essential areas that every school should master:

• Inquiry follow-up
• Standing out in a competitive market
• Choosing between rolling admissions and fixed admissions deadlines

Discover effective strategies for personalized inquiry follow-ups that engage prospective families. Learn how to differentiate your school from competitors by identifying your unique selling points. Understand the implications of choosing rolling admissions or a fixed admissions deadline and what it means for your school's operations and appeal. Whether you are an admissions professional or a school leader, this article provides actionable insights to elevate your admissions process.

In 2026, these issues remain especially relevant. The National Association of Independent Schools reports that admissions, enrollment, tuition, financial aid, and financial operations continue to be important indicators shaping the independent school sector. Meanwhile, Private School Review's Enrollment Trends 2026: Private School Admissions Outlook examines current enrollment conditions affecting private schools.

Inquiry Follow-up

Personalized Email Response

Acknowledge each inquiry with a personalized email response. Address the person by their name and answer any specific questions they might have asked. If they didn't ask any specific questions, briefly introduce the school and what it offers.

The National Association of Independent Schools noted in 2025 that families now enter the admissions process through multiple digital and personal channels, making it important for admissions offices to

When searching on Google, how often do you venture beyond the first page of results? Most families rarely do. Recent search behavior data continues to show that the majority of clicks go to the top few search results, making search engine optimization (SEO) one of the most important digital marketing tools for private schools in 2026.

The goal of SEO is simple: help prospective families find your school when they search online. Whether parents search for “private schools near me,” “college prep schools in Boston,” or “Montessori elementary school in Dallas,” your website should appear prominently in search results.

A significant portion of SEO can still be accomplished organically by maintaining a well-designed website and understanding the basics of what to do and what not to do. However, in 2026, Google places even greater emphasis on content quality, mobile usability, page speed, and user experience.

Content Still Matters Most

This cannot be overstated. If your website has not been updated recently and lacks meaningful written content, your first step should be refreshing your pages with useful, informative material.

Google’s algorithms increasingly reward websites that demonstrate expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Thin content, duplicate pages, and generic marketing copy are less effective than ever.

For example, FlexSchool effectively uses homepage content to explain its programs, student support model, and educational mission.

Schools should also regularly publish updated blog content, admissions resources, academic highlights, and student life features. Consistent publishing signals to Google that your site remains active and