In this episode, Mark Zockoll and Matt George explore the top five questions every Christian school administrator should ask prospective families. These questions help ensure alignment of mission, values, and expectations to foster strong, intentional partnerships with families.
- The importance of mission-aligned inquiry during enrollment interviews
- How to assess genuine motivation for choosing your Christian school
- Questions that reveal family commitment, values, and support needs
- Effective ways to evaluate a family’s understanding of school policies and expectations
- Building trust and honesty through purposeful questioning
- The role of transparency about accommodations and policies early in the process
- How to interpret family responses for long-term retention and success
- Incorporating personal and anecdotal evidence to gauge fit and readiness
- The significance of faith walk and spiritual goals in enrollment conversations
- Bonus tactical questions: understanding reasons for leaving previous schools, personality alignment, and honesty in disclosures
- Lizette Hivert, Los Altos Christian School – Website
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to top five enrollment questions
00:56 – Question 1: Why do families want to join your Christian school?
03:12 – Deeper insight: motives behind enrollment and mission alignment
05:10 – Question 2: What do families bring to the school?
07:36 – Assessing family engagement and support potential
09:03 – Question 3: Who do you believe first—student or staff?
12:44 – Evaluating family honesty and understanding of school policies
14:57 – The importance of faith testimony and spiritual walk
16:44 – Handling disclosures about past issues and honesty
20:01 – Question 4: What accommodations might families need?
22:29 – Clarifying policies and family expectations
24:05 – Question 5: How do families see their walk with God evolving?
27:08 – Bonus questions: reasons for leaving previous schools and personality fit
28:41 – Additional insights on transparency and honesty in enrollment
31:50 – Closing remarks and call to action for listenersResources & Links:Connect with the Hosts:Special Guest:Closing Prayer & Reflection:
Pray for wisdom and discernment in enrollment conversations, seeking families who align missionally and spiritually to build a thriving school community rooted in faith.
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