Bigger is better, right? At least that’s what Texans like to think (except when we Alaskans bring up state geography). There are many people who believe in the principle that if your school is getting bigger, it must be better than it used to be. That is definitely not always true. Some schools grow for other reasons, and if they are not indeed growing better, shrinking is in their near future.
Here at my school we do talk quite a bit about getting bigger, but really, bigger is the wrong word. We talk about growth. Our brand quality is not tied to being bigger and bigger, but instead remaining in a state of perpetual growth. That is what lifelong learning is all about, one of the foundational principles of a Lutheran School. Growth is demonstrated in many ways:
- Additions and improvements to curricular materials.
- Additions and enhancements to programs, both curricular and extracurricular.
- Hiring new staff members to allow us to meet additional needs as well as better meet ongoing needs.
- Facility growth, to physically allow us to help more students and families.
- Embracing and integrating new technologies in constantly changing ways.
- Spiritual growth, as we continue to offer faith instruction, service activities, and worship to help people grow in Christ.
When our brand is tied to growth, what people come to see in our school is a place that will not settle for status quo. This assures (and excites) parents that the school to which they are “hitching their wagons” will not simply stay as good as they have found it, but will continue to grow better.
When what people think of when they hear about our school, our brand, is tied to such growth, the result is very helpful to enrollment. People are eager to choose a school that chooses to grow, and thereby effectively helps their students to grow in their own development through the years.
Here at my school we do talk quite a bit about getting bigger, but really, bigger is the wrong word. We talk about growth. Our brand quality is not tied to being bigger and bigger, but instead remaining in a state of perpetual growth. That is what lifelong learning is all about, one of the foundational principles of a Lutheran School. Growth is demonstrated in many ways:
- Additions and improvements to curricular materials.
- Additions and enhancements to programs, both curricular and extracurricular.
- Hiring new staff members to allow us to meet additional needs as well as better meet ongoing needs.
- Facility growth, to physically allow us to help more students and families.
- Embracing and integrating new technologies in constantly changing ways.
- Spiritual growth, as we continue to offer faith instruction, service activities, and worship to help people grow in Christ.
When our brand is tied to growth, what people come to see in our school is a place that will not settle for status quo. This assures (and excites) parents that the school to which they are “hitching their wagons” will not simply stay as good as they have found it, but will continue to grow better.
When what people think of when they hear about our school, our brand, is tied to such growth, the result is very helpful to enrollment. People are eager to choose a school that chooses to grow, and thereby effectively helps their students to grow in their own development through the years.