Starting Private Schools: Develop a School Management System

Starting Private Schools: Develop a School Management System

Create an effective and supportive school environment

The benefits of a private school are many. A private school can often offer smaller classes, a more individualized curriculum, and frequent parent/teacher interaction. Starting one can seem daunting, but those who take on the challenge will find many advantages along the way.

These tips will help you learn how to start a school.

1. Gather a Committee — One person can't do it alone. A planning committee composed of community leaders, teachers, parents, and concerned citizens should be formed. This committee may need to form subcommittees to focus on individual areas, such as school budgets, employment, enrollment, and facilities. Once the committee has been formed, members can meet periodically to discuss goals and accomplishments along the way. If you want one of the top private schools, the committee should continue to meet after the school opens.
2. Decide on the Type of School — Before a private school can be started, a goal or vision must be set. What type are people interested in? Will the school house kindergarten through twelfth grade, or will it focus only on the elementary grades? Will the school be affiliated with an educational philosophy, such as Montessori, or will it be associated with a church denomination? Will the school be a day school or a boarding school? These questions must be answered before any more planning can begin because these decisions will determine how the school environment is developed.
3. Look at Other Schools — One of the best ways to start a private school is to look at other schools with similar goals and student bodies. Committee members should study several other private school models, paying close attention to areas of success and failure. Also examine how the school administration is set up. Members can then report their findings back to the group. Ideas may emerge from this research.
4. Develop a Plan — Once the type of school has been decided and model schools have been reviewed, it's time to develop a plan for implementation and management. This plan should cover many areas, including the school budget, facility, faculty and staff, and student body. Pay special attention to the budget, keeping in mind that hidden expenses will always pop up at any time. It's imperative that an effective school management system be in place as soon as possible.
5. Check State Regulations — Those in charge of developing and managing a private school must be in constant contact with various state organizations. The state department of education should be notified, and incorporation laws may also apply. The organization or committee should hire a law office to handle the legal questions that will continue to arise.
6. Solicit Funds — Starting a private school can be extremely expensive. However, in many cases, federal funds are available to help with the costs. Private industries may also be willing to adopt the school, providing extra equipment and supplies and donating money for various needs.
7. Recruit Students — Once the school has been established, students must be made aware that its doors will soon open. Advertising and word of mouth are great ways to spread the word. The school should also consider hosting an open house and inviting the community to tour the facilities and meet the staff. Ads should be placed in and around the community, in local newspapers, and in other media. These ads can showcase why students should consider attending private schools — particularly this one.

Finally, before the school is ready to open its doors, the faculty and staff must be ready to meet the students and present a positive and creative attitude that should carry throughout the existence of the school and into the community.