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Thomas Jefferson High School just started implementing the Fifth Sun framework

A Comprehensive School Enrollment & Recruitment Campaign Template

  • Writer: Marco Vargas
    Marco Vargas
  • Mar 11
  • 3 min read

Overview

This template provides a structured approach for schools looking to increase enrollment by optimizing their school website and hosting engaging in-person and virtual campus tours. By leveraging digital tools, community outreach, and evidence-based strategies, schools can effectively attract and retain prospective students.




Goals & Objectives

  1. Increase Enrollment: Convert prospective families into enrolled students.

  2. Enhance Digital Presence: Optimize the school website for recruitment.

  3. Engage Prospective Families: Through informative and interactive campus tours.

  4. Strengthen Community Outreach: Build relationships with feeder schools and local organizations.

  5. Measure Success: Track and adjust strategies based on key performance indicators (KPIs).


Key Strategies

1. Optimizing the School Website for Enrollment

  • Ensure a user-friendly design with clear navigation.

  • Feature a call-to-action (CTA) on the homepage (e.g., “Book a Campus Tour” or “Enroll Now”).

  • Develop an informative Staff Directory with photos, bios, and fun facts.

  • Improve the visual appeal by adding high-quality videos, student testimonials, and success stories.

  • Implement SEO strategies to improve website ranking in search engines.

  • Integrate QR codes on flyers and marketing materials leading to the enrollment page.

  • Ensure mobile-friendliness for easy access on all devices.


2. Hosting Engaging In-Person Campus Tours

  • Pre-Tour Preparation:

    • Establish a fixed tour schedule (e.g., once a month, weekly, or by appointment).

    • Train student and staff ambassadors to lead engaging tours.

    • Provide families with printed brochures and branded school merchandise.

  • Tour Experience:

    • Highlight key programs, extracurricular activities, and student achievements.

    • Showcase modern facilities, classrooms, labs, and common areas.

    • Offer interactive experiences, such as sitting in on a class or watching a student performance.

    • Conclude with a Q&A session and information about the application process.

  • Post-Tour Engagement:

    • Send a follow-up email with enrollment links and additional resources.

    • Collect and analyze feedback to improve future tours.


3. Developing a Virtual Tour Experience


Option 1: 360-Degree Virtual Tour

  • Use a 360-degree camera to create an immersive, self-guided tour.

  • Embed the tour on the school website and share on social media.

  • Include interactive pop-ups with descriptions of each location.


Option 2: Video-Based Virtual Tour

  • Create a professionally produced tour video showcasing key areas of the school.

  • Feature student testimonials and teacher interviews.

  • Upload the video to YouTube and the school website for easy access.


Option 3: Website-Based Virtual Experience

  • Develop an interactive photo gallery with descriptions of campus highlights.

  • Integrate live Q&A sessions with staff for prospective families.

  • Include a virtual chat assistant to answer FAQs in real-time.

Implementation Timeline Example (March - June)

Phase 1: Planning & Preparation (March - April)

  • Conduct a website audit to enhance content and design.

  • Develop or update printed and digital marketing materials.

  • Train staff and student ambassadors for tours.

  • Schedule and promote in-person and virtual tour dates.


Phase 2: Active Recruitment (April - May)

  • Host monthly in-person campus tours.

  • Launch and promote the virtual tour experience.

  • Distribute brochures at local community events.

  • Utilize email and social media campaigns to target prospective families.

Phase 3: Follow-Up & Enrollment Support (May - June)

  • Send personalized follow-up emails to families who attended tours.

  • Offer application assistance sessions.

  • Analyze website traffic, tour attendance, and enrollment data to assess effectiveness.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Website Traffic: Increase in visitors to the enrollment page.

  • Tour Attendance: Number of families attending in-person and virtual tours.

  • Engagement Metrics: Social media growth, video views, and interactions.

  • Application Submissions: Increase in online applications.

  • Enrollment Conversions: Number of students officially enrolled.


Roles & Responsibilities

School Principal

  • Approves and oversees the implementation of the campaign.

  • Supports outreach efforts with community partnerships.


Leadership Team

  • Coordinates school ambassadors and recruitment events.

  • Ensures staff participation and engagement.


Website Designer / Marketing Team

  • Enhances the website’s enrollment pages.

  • Develops and uploads virtual tour content.

  • Manages social media and digital campaigns.


Conclusion

By following this structured enrollment campaign, schools can create an engaging and informative experience for prospective families, increasing their chances of converting interest into enrollment. This template ensures a balance between digital and in-person strategies, maximizing outreach while maintaining a strong school community presence.

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