How to Market a Private High School

To market a private high school, highlight its most appealing characteristics. Develop promotional materials that can be handed out or mailed to prospective students and their parents. Speak to people in the local community about the academic, athletic and extracurricular aspects of your school.

1. Consider the differentiating qualities of your private school. Examine all your programs to determine how they stand out from other schools. Take into consideration the academic program, extracurricular activities, location, safety and other factors important to high school students and their parents.


2. Develop marketing materials. A school website, brochures and business cards can be useful in getting the word out about your school. Include the selling points in marketing materials. For example, if your school's graduates consistently get into top tier colleges, include this on your brochure or website. If your women's basketball team wins year after year, include it. Any facts that may attract the attention of students should be highlighted.


3. Develop a mailing list. Your list can be both for electronic mail and regular mail. Collaborate with local community groups and organizations that provide activities and services to high school students to generate a list of potential students and families. Mail marketing materials in the local community towards the end of each school year. Most families make decisions about school before the fall semester, so start early.


4. Attend community events. Local street fairs, block parties, sporting events, outdoor concerts and other community activities may be where you can set up a booth and attract attention to the unique attributes of your private high school. For the booth, select school personnel and student representatives who enjoy talking to people and are proud of their school. Highly accomplished alumni also make good school recruiters.