As enrollment declines hit districts big and small, leaders are looking for K-12 enrollment solutions. Enrollment follows engagement. When families feel known, trusted, and connected to their child’s school, they’re more likely to stay, and to tell other families about it. Schools that consistently build positive parent relationships see stronger enrollment and community reputation.
We’ve analyzed tons of parent comments to understand what makes families feel connected. Here are 15 family engagement ideas (based on real parent feedback) that help strengthen engagement and boost school enrollment.
1. Build Trust: Host Routine Community Meetings
One Possip partner finds that an open door through weekly community meetings and routine school tours is a great K-12 enrollment solution for them. Hold weekly or monthly community meetings to celebrate wins, spotlight students and staff, and share school updates.
These moments of bringing your people together will build transparency and belonging, the two big drivers of family trust and retention.
2. Increase Retention: Get Parent Input Early and Often
Families feel invested when they’re invited to share ideas. Regularly ask for feedback through short, easy-to-complete surveys like Possip Pulse Checks to hear how families are feeling and what support they need. Parents who feel heard are far more likely to stay enrolled and recommend your school.
3. Strengthen Community: Make Extracurriculars Family Friendly
Open up extracurricular activities to families. Host “family nights” tied to clubs, sports, or performances, such as Freshman Night for the Basketball team or an Exhibition Spelling Bee. Also, invite parents to volunteer or help coordinate events. When parents experience the joy of school life firsthand, they develop stronger ties- and pride- in your community.
4. Promote Shared Ownership: Let Parents Plan Events
A TN Possip partner surveyed their new families. Through this, they found the top source of new families was current families. Your current families have the best ideas for your K-12 enrollment solutions.
Parents have creative ideas and energy to offer. Disengagement in a school community can come from not being able to bring your gifts, talents, and ideas to bear. Dedicate part of the school calendar for parent-planned or co-led events, like cultural celebrations or grade-level gatherings. This shared ownership strengthens both engagement and word-of-mouth reputation.
5. Increase Visibility: Use Social Media to Spotlight Students
Celebrate students publicly! Use school social media to highlight achievements, service projects, and everyday moments of joy.
Featuring students (with permission) helps families see their child valued and visible- a major factor in staying connected and enrolled. Here is an example of how Possip partner Liberty STEAM highlights students!
6. Deepen Learning: Enlist Parents in the Curriculum
Help parents feel part of their child’s learning. Share resources like websites, book lists, and family-friendly guides that connect to classroom topics. Nights like “Family Math Night” or “Science at Home” help families support learning and deepen their connection to the school’s mission.
7. Build Mutual Respect: Invite Parent Experts Into the Classroom
Many parents have professional or cultural expertise to share. Invite them to guest speak, lead a demo, or read aloud during literacy week. These moments build mutual respect and show families that their knowledge and presence are valued.
8. Measure Joy: Keep a Pulse on Student Experience
When students are happy and engaged, their families are too. Tools like Possip’s Student Joy Survey help schools measure how students feel- and signal to parents that you care deeply about their child’s daily experience.
9. Ensure Stability: Create a Family Welcome Committee
Pair new families with a parent ambassador who can help them navigate their first few months. Feeling welcomed and known early reduces anxiety and strengthens long-term connection- and enrollment stability.
10. Build Confidence: Communicate Consistently and Clearly
Parents crave clarity. Use a strong, reliable newsletter or text system for updates, highlights, and upcoming opportunities. Predictable, clear communication builds confidence- and confident parents are more likely to stay and recommend your school.
11. Reinforce Growth: Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection
Share progress stories– whether it’s reading growth, attendance improvement, or student confidence gains. Parents want to know their school is growing, learning, and improving, just like their kids.
12. Drive Word-of-Mouth: Highlight Family and Student Voices
Feature short testimonials, quotes, or feedback in newsletters and social posts. When parents see their peers’ voices reflected, it reinforces a sense of community and shared pride.
13. Prevent Attrition: Check in at Key Moments in the Year
Use targeted surveys during critical times- like re-enrollment or transition periods- to learn what’s going well and what needs support. This proactive listening helps prevent family attrition and builds trust before challenges escalate.
14. Show Respect: Make Events Inclusive and Accessible
Offer events at various times, provide translation, and make sure every family can participate. When schools demonstrate accessibility and inclusion, parents feel respected and represented- key ingredients for loyalty and positive word of mouth.
15. Create Advocates: Celebrate Families as Part of the Team
Make space to thank and recognize families publicly. Acknowledge volunteer contributions, attendance at events, or survey participation. When parents feel seen and appreciated, they become your biggest advocates in the community. Here are some questions to get you started.
Keep Your School Community Close
Keeping enrollment stable, or growing it, is everyone’s job. Your families are one of your top K-12 enrollment solutions. Every interaction- every message, event, and check-in- either builds or breaks family connection. Schools that listen, communicate clearly, and celebrate families create environments where students thrive and parents stay.
Want an easy way to stay in tune with what families think and feel?
Your Next Step: Mastering Family Connection for Enrollment-
