Name
Designing the First Yes: The Lower School Admissions Experience
Date & Time
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Speakers
Description
In Lower School admissions, families are not simply evaluating academics, they are discerning belonging, trust, and long-term partnership. Yet many admissions processes remain largely transactional, focusing on steps and timelines rather than the experience itself.
This session introduces an experience-driven approach to PK–4 admissions grounded in the belief that how families feel throughout the process is as important as what they learn. From first inquiry to enrollment decision, each touchpoint offers an opportunity to communicate a school’s values, culture, and level of care.
At the center of this session is The Three E’s: Environment, Experience, and Engagement: a clear and practical model for designing admissions as a cohesive, relational experience rather than a series of disconnected interactions. Participants will explore how physical space, communication, and human connection work together to shape family trust and decision-making.
Drawing on real, transferable systems, including a Lower School enrollment dashboard, research-informed assessment practices, and early childhood student ambassador programs, this session provides practical ways to elevate both experience and alignment.
Participants will leave with a clear model, adaptable tools, and a renewed approach to designing Lower School admissions in a way that strengthens both enrollment outcomes and school culture.
Location Name
Marriott Grand Ballroom 11 (Lobby Level)