During this time of crisis, the advantage of a James River education becomes even more apparent. Now, more than ever, parents are in search of a high quality and highly personal education in a caring learning atmosphere. Whether in person or virtual, James River Day School provides just that. Although our campus is temporarily closed, we are attracting numerous prospective families to the admission process.
The individualized experience James River delivers to our families begins during the application process. Not being able to welcome interested families into the building to see our teachers and students engaged in joyful learning certainly presents a challenge. With the same flexibility and creativity that we focused on distance learning, our leadership team is rethinking and adjusting how we engage prospective parents and students. For example:
- A soon to be launched virtual tour will provide prospective families an opportunity to see our classrooms, labs, and common areas while hearing about our exceptional program when they are unable to physically visit campus.
- While shadowing days are not an option, Admissions Zoom chats are connecting applicants with James River teachers and current students. These fun group meetings provide an opportunity for connection as well as insight, both for the applicant and our admissions team.
- Brainstorming and planning is ongoing for a Virtual Open House, more informal Zoom question and answer sessions, and live virtual tours.
The best and most effective form of marketing our school receives is when our parents, faculty, and staff share information about their James River Day School experiences. These meaningful stories about the impact of a James River education on a child, and more recently the success stories from distance learning, are the greatest tool we have for promoting our school. As ambassadors for James River, our students, their parents, and our employees make all the difference.
As one mother recently said, "I wanted to give a shout out to Rachel Harvey and her amazing videos she creates for the 2nd grade class. She has done such a great job during this time, we are all so lucky to have her!"
Thank you and continue to share the James River story!