Description:As noted in the NAIS 2016-17 Trend book, describing overall enrollment trends among independent schools is complicated. While facing increased school choices and economic uncertainty, some independent schools have seen dramatic declines in enrollment while others have enjoyed high growth. Admission funnel statistics continue to be strong indicators of enrollment management and there has never been a more important time to track, analyze, and act upon the admission funnel information schools gather every day. Hillbrook School, a JK - 8th grade school in Los Gatos, California, has increased enrollment by more than 10% as part of a four-year strategic growth plan, with targeted growth in our Middle School. Fueled by our innovative Advancement Model, we fostered this growth by creating a research-based synergy among all admission and advancement efforts, with outcomes including increases in inquiries, attendance at admission events, applications, yield, and retention. The number of enrolled students of color also increased. We achieved this growth without adding to our marketing budget or increasing admission personnel.
This session will highlight lessons learned and the importance of admission and advancement collaboration as well as utilizing readily accessible resources such as AISAP and NAIS sources. We will also share immediate, high-impact strategies as well as our plans to continue to build upon our strong funnel statistics for long-term, sustainable growth.
AISAP Standard & Competency: Advance the mission of the school using best practices in admission andenrollment management.
Delivery Method: Interactive web seminar conducted online
Program Level: New to Admissions, Midlevel Professional, Experienced Professional, New to Directorship, Marcom
Presenter: Joe Connolly, Chief Advancement and Enrollment Officer, Hillbrook School
Bio: Joe Connolly is the Chief Advancement and Enrollment Officer at Hillbrook School in Los Gatos, CA and oversees advancement, enrollment/admissions, alumni affairs, communications and marketing, community involvement and support, transportation, and summer and after school programs. Joe has the pleasure of leading the Office of Advancement and Enrollment (OAE) team at Hillbrook consisting of the Director of Enrollment Management, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Director of Transportation, Director of Summer and After School Programs, two advancement and enrollment associates, the Middle School Assistant and the Front Desk and Lower School Assistant. The OAE team is charged with building community at Hillbrook by filling the school and funding the school. Under Joe’s leadership, Hillbrook’s enrollment growth has been fueled by an innovative and collaborative Advancement Model that fosters a research-based synergy among all advancement and enrollment efforts. Before taking on his current role, Joe was the Middle School Head at Hillbrook. Prior to joining Hillbrook, Joe served several roles for independent and private schools, including Dean of Students, Wellness Director, Athletic Director, Coach, and Teacher. After a few years of teaching and coaching directly out of college, Joe enjoyed a 20 year career as a sales and marketing specialist, including cofounding and being CEO of two companies. Joe especially enjoys arriving to school each day with his grandson, a current Hillbrook School student.
Contact Info:
Joe can be reached by email at jconnolly@hillbrook.org