School Startup

The Capstone Group helps establish small public school academies, independent, private and charter schools. We have the necessary experience to work in partnership with clients during the many stages of establishing a school – from the idea stage to opening the doors and beyond. The process for establishing a school is both complex and challenging. It is important to consider the following for successful school startup. If you would like assistance in any of these areas, please contact us. We would be delighted to help you establish your school.

• What’s Possible:  Today, there are many different kinds of schools.  Take the time to explore all of your options.
• Mission & Vision:  What is the force that will drive your leader and teachers daily?  As a school, what is your ultimate goal for your students?  A compelling mission and vision are essential to guide you through the startup phase and beyond. These will drive decisions and actions in the short-and long-term. 
• Strong Leadership:  The saying, “As the leader goes, so goes the school,” is never truer than it is today.  The complexities of leading a school can be overwhelming. A competent leader is critical to a successful school startup. Regardless of your circumstances, there will be many hurdles along the way. The leader must continue to move the process forward and provide competent, visionary leadership for all involved.
• Feasibility Study:  It is imperative that part of the startup process include a feasibility study.  While it is possible that the feasibility study might lead you to conclude that your new school is not warranted at this time, it most likely will assist you in making good decisions about the next steps necessary in a successful school startup.
• Business Plan:  There is no better reflective exercise for the startup of a new school than the preparation of a business plan.  A business plan will describe your goals, why they are attainable and how you plan to achieve them. A business plan can be used for a variety of purposes such as raising funds, public relations efforts and recruitment at many levels.
• Professional Assistance:  Starting a school requires professional knowledge in many areas, such as curriculum, strategic planning, financial management, real estate, legal matters and marketing to mention a few. If you don’t have people with the necessary expertise in your startup group, it is essential to seek assistance from others.
• Curriculum:  Curriculum selection and development are some of the most important aspects of a new school startup. There are many curricula from which to choose and the selection is just the beginning. Curriculum development is an ongoing process and must begin during the startup phase.  Do not forget the value-add pieces of a curriculum such as women’s leadership or health and wellness.  These will help brand your school.
  
• Facilities:  Whether you’re leasing existing space or building a new campus, the acquisition and development of facilities is a significant undertaking. Begin the search for facilities or the planning for renovation or construction early. The leasing, renovation and construction processes tend to take longer than anticipated.  
  
• School Leader Search:  Exemplary leadership is essential for all schools and critical for new schools. It is crucial for you to conduct as comprehensive as possible a school leader search.
• Excellent Teachers:  Your faculty will determine the quality of your school. Nothing else comes close. Your teachers will be the single most important factor in the quality of your school’s education. That quality will determine your school’s success. Attract and retain first-rate teachers who are passionate about education and compassionate with students.
  
• Marketing:  The design of a high impact marketing plan is critically important in attracting and retaining the kind of students you wish to enroll.   This does not, however, have to be cost prohibitive.  There are many creative ways to get the word out about your new school.  A website is crucial in today’s tech savvy environment.  Also, do not forget about Facebook and Twitter.  Whatever the plan, carry it out with enthusiasm!
  Your New School Opens!