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How to Write a Private School Business Plan [Sample Template]

Are you about starting a private school (nursery, primary or high school)? If YES, here’s a complete sample private school business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE. Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a private school.

We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample private school marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for private schools. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

Why Start a Private School?

One of the best things that can happen to anyone is to have a private school. This is one very lucrative business that will continue to rake in money for its owners. As an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business, you should ensure that whatever business you intend to start, you make sure that it is located in an appropriate place.

For example; if you want to start a private school, it will be a wrong business judgment if you decide to site the school close to an industrial area or close to a market. Aspiring entrepreneurs therefore are urged as a matter of necessity to ensure that they carry out a thorough market research and feasibility study of the industry they intend to go into before investing their hard earned money and time.

It is known fact that the demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location. In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools.

If you think starting a private school business sounds like what you want to do. Then you may want to use the business plan below as a guide.

A Sample Private School Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Private schools which is also known in the united states as independent schools, non-governmental, or non – state schools are schools that are not administered by either the local, state or the federal governments; hence, they have the right to select their students and are funded in whole or in part by charging their students tuition fees, rather than relying on mandatory taxation through public (government) funding.

Some private schools have structure in place that offer scholarships to some students, which makes the cost cheaper, depending on a talent such as sport scholarship, art scholarship, academic scholarship the student may be brining to the private school, financial need, or tax credit scholarships that might be available.

The Private Schools industry comprises of primary that is kindergarten through sixth grade and secondary that is seventh through 12th grade) educational institutions that are predominantly funded through enrollment and tuition fees from students and of course from other private sources.

Recent reports released by IBISWORLD shows that the revenue for the Private Schools industry is expected to increase, as the economy continues to recover. The indicated that during the five years to 2016, enrollment decreased, which was a trend attributable to rising costs and competition from charter schools.

However, going forward, in the next five years, household income is anticipated to increase, making it easier for families to afford private-school tuition. Additionally, enrollment declines will lesson, resulting in more stable demand for private schools

In the United States of America and of course in most countries of the world, The Private Schools industry is indeed a large and thriving industry. Statistics has it that The Private Schools industry in the United States of America, is worth $52 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 0.1 percent.

There are about 25,742 registered and licensed (accredited) Private schools scattered all around the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 644,320 people.

Aside from Catholic schools, which is the second largest sector after government schools, with around 21 percent of secondary enrollments, no other private school can boast of dominating the market; every player in the industry can comfortably compete in the industry.

It is important to state that the barriers to entry into the Private Schools industry are high. As a matter of fact, the private school industry is an industry in which it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the private school is of utmost importance, as private schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

With this, it is obvious that a new entrant in to the private school industry cannot offer this. Reputation indeed is imperative to parents’ decisions when shopping for private school for their wards. This is so because the quality of education cannot be assessed until well after it is complete. As a major marketing tool, schools need to show parents a track record of admission to elite colleges and universities.

Even though this might seem like a saturated industry, the industry is still pretty much open for aspiring school proprietors and proprietress to still come in and compete. As a matter of fact, if you conduct your research and feasibility studies very well before starting your own private school couple with impressive profile of your faculty members, you are likely going to struggle less to make headway in the industry.

2. Executive Summary

Rolland Gyros International Private School is an international private school that will be located in a well – populated residential estate in Ashville – North Carolina, United States of America. We are a standard private school that is composed of primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade) educational institution that will be predominantly funded through tuition fees and levies from students and of course from other private sources.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is a client-focused and result driven private school that provides broad-based learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pockets of our clients (students and parents alike).

We will offer standard and professional teaching services in a highly secured and conducive learning environment to all our students that is primary (kindergarten through sixth grade) and secondary (seventh through 12th grade). We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our students’ expectations and educational goals whenever they enroll in our tutorial college.

At Rolland Gyros International Private School, our students’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional educationist cum teachers in various subjects who are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge to students at various learning ladder.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will at all time demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as an educational organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible.

We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our students’ needs precisely and completely. We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our students.

We have plans to offer learning platforms to people with both learning disability and physical disability (especially the blind, the dumb and the deaf). Our overall business goal is to position our private school to become the leading tutorial brand in the educational industry in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina, and also to be amongst the top 30 private schools in the United States of America within the first 12 years of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Ashville is the right place to launch our private school.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is founded by Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros and family. She is an educationist per excellence and she has won many awards in the education sector in the United States. Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros has both the academic qualifications and experience to run a private school that can favorably compete with other leading private schools not only in Ashville – North Carolina, but also throughout the United States and Canada.

3. Our Products and Services

Rolland Gyros International Private School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the scope of the education board in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our private school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education cum private schools industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our service offerings are listed below;

• Teaching basic literacy and numeracy
• Establishing foundations in science, mathematics, geography, history and other social sciences
• Constantly working hard to meet regulatory accreditation standards
• Administering private funding efforts
• Providing access to extracurricular activities
• Retailing of Educational Books and Materials

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive private school that will become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina.
• Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and conducive learning environment to students at different level of learning.
• Our overall business goal is to position Rolland Gyros International Private School to become the leading private school brand in the educational cum private school industry in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina, and also to be amongst the top 30 private schools in the United States of America within the first 12 years of operations.

Our Business Structure

It is a known fact that, the success of any business is to a larger extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available roles in the organization. Rolland Gyros International Private School will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our private school.

We will ensure that we hire competent hands (teaching and non – teaching staff members) to help us build the private school of our dream. The fact that we want to become one of the leading private school brand in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives in record time. Below is the business structure that we will build Rolland Gyros International Private School;

• Head of The Private School(School Proprietress)

School Administrator

Tutors for Various Subjects – Secondary (seventh through 12th grade)

Tutors for Various Subjects – Primary (kindergarten through sixth grade)

• Accountant / Bursar
• Client Service Executive / Front Desk Officer

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Head of the Tutorial College / School Coordinator:

• Responsible for providing direction for the college
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for handling high profile clients and deals
• Responsible for fixing fees and signing business deals (partnership)
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the tutorial college
• Coordinates all arms of the tutorial school (tutorial center, adult education, home tutors and special education)
• Evaluates the success of the tutorial college
• Reports to the board of the tutorial college
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the tutorial school
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for tutors (teachers)
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (parents and member of the school board) to review the effectiveness of the schools’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the private school.
• Effectively teach subject / subjects as assigned by the school administrator
• Accesses the progress of students under their care
• Ensures that students abide by the rules and regulations of the private school
• Contributes his / her quota towards growing the private school
• Receives complaints from parents and channel it to the appropriate quarters
• Handle any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.
• Ensure that students abide by the rules and regulations of the school administrator
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new students, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the school

School Bursar (Accountant)

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Serves as internal auditor for Rolland Gyros International Private School

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes / receive parents and students by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with parents and students (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the parents and students with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with parents and students on the phone, uses every opportunity to build parent’s interest in the schools’ products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to parents and students when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the School Administrator.
• Responsible for cleaning the school facility at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Cleans both the interior and exterior of the schools facility
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator
• Ensures that the school facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the school administrator

6. SWOT Analysis

Rolland Gyros International Private School engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring with bias in the education sector to assist us in building a well – structured private school that can favorably compete in the highly competitive education cum private schools industry in the United States.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Rolland Gyros International Private School. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Rolland Gyros International Private School;

As a private school, our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team with excellent qualifications and experience in the educational sector. We are well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of students from the first day we open our doors and welcome students for enrollment.

As a new private school in Ashville – North Carolina, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance via reputation in the already saturated education cum private schools industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the education cum private schools industry is massive considering the number of parents who would want their wards to perform excellently well in their education and go ahead to be admitted in Ivy league colleges. As a standard and international private school, Rolland Gyros International Private School is ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes her way.

Every business faces a threat or challenge at any part of the life cycle of the business. These threats can be external or internal. This shows the importance of a business plan, because most threats or challenges are to be anticipated and plans put in place to cushion what effect they might bring to the private school.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a private school operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect private schools, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operations and global economic downturn which usually affects spending / purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the private school line of business is that the key to attracting students is the educational performance and the pass rate of their students in national exams. Any private school that has good records will always thrive. The demand for private schools is driven by the fact that most public cum government owned schools cannot accommodate every students or potential students in a given geographical location.

In some cases, students with special needs cannot cope in public schools hence the need for private schools. The economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of education.

The areas you would need to spend heavily on is in ensuring that your school is up to standard, your advertisements, and on insurance policy cover. Lastly, it is trendier to find private schools engaging in extra – curricular activities and as a matter of fact, a private school that thrives in sports can leverage on that to attract students who are sports inclined.

8. Our Target Market

As a standard and international private school, Rolland Gyros International Private School is going to offer varieties of educational services within the scope of the education board in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our private school is to soundly educate people in various subjects and of course to make profits from the education cum private schools industry

Our target market as a private school cuts across people (students) of different class and people from different culture background whether African, White, Caucasian, Latinos, Indians, and Asians. We are coming into the education cum private schools industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the students at different learning stages residing in and around Ashville – North Carolina.

Our competitive advantage

Indeed the private schools industry is highly competitive and the entry barriers are high. As a matter of fact, the private school industry is an industry in which it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves. So also, the reputation of the private school is of utmost importance, as private schools that have a good history of getting students into prestigious colleges often have the best reputations hence good enrollments.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the education cum private schools industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable difference and improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of both students and parents alike.

Rolland Gyros International Private School might be a new entrant into the education cum private schools industry in the United States of America, but the management staffs and owners of the private school are considered gurus. They are people who are core professionals, licensed and highly qualified educationist / teachers at various levels of learning in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees (teaching and non – teaching staff members) will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups private school in the United States) in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Rolland Gyros International Private School is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the education cum private schools industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract students on a regular basis.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will generate income by offering the following tutorial services;

• Teaching High school students various subjects in our private school

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be parents and students who would need the services of private schools to be able to achieve their educational goals and as such the services of private schools will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Ashville – North Carolina and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow the private school and our student base.

We have been able to critically examine the private schools cum education market in the United States of America and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Ashville – North Carolina. Below is the sales projection for Rolland Gyros International Private School, it is based on the location of our tutorial center and of course the wide range of tutorial services that we will be offering;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and natural disasters within the period stated above. So, there won’t be any major competitor (private school) offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there is stiffer competition amongst private schools in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing concerns. Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the private school.

We will also ensure that our students’ excellent results from national exams and other exams speaks for us in the market place; we want to build a standard and first – class private school that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients (both individuals and corporate organizations).

Our goal is to grow our private school to become one of the top 30 private schools in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategy that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Ashville – North Carolina but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Rolland Gyros International Private School is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our private school by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to schools, parents / household and key stake holders in Ashville – North Carolina.
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in schools, libraries and even student organizations.
• Creating a website, allows parents to be able to look you up, and also allows you to post general study tips, giving you an added advantage.
• Use friends and family to spread word about our private school
• Introduce Rolland Gyros International Private School to learning specialists, school coaches, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors especially as they are with students everyday
• Post information about Rolland Gyros International Private School on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Placing a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Using tutorial referral networks such as agencies that will help match students with Rolland Gyros International Private School
• Joining relevant association or body that will enable you network and meet others in same industry.
• Advertising online by using an advertising platform such as Google Adwords, that will allow us place text advertisements alongside on websites with related contents, and along results from search engines.
• Advertise our private school in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant educational expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are aware of the potency of a good publicity strategy hence we have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both parents and students in the whole of Ashville – North Carolina which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our private school. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Rolland Gyros International Private School;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook , twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Ashville – North Carolina.
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Ashville – North Carolina
• Passing general information via our school’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
• Ensure that all our teaching and non – teaching staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Private schools in the United States of America and of course in all the parts of the world charge students per tem / per session and students have the options of either paying their tuitions before resumption or during the school session.

Private schools generally charge students based on loads of factors, locations, services offerings and extra – curricular activities et al At Rolland Gyros International Private School we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our students by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our students at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some students that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such students’ needs.

• Payment Options

At Rolland Gyros International Private School, our payment policy will be all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them. Here are the payment options that we will make available to our clients;

• Payment by via bank transfer
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment with cash

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans with little or no itches.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a private school business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by acquiring a large facility, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are taken care of, and that your private school’s environment is conducive enough for the students to learn.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a private school business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to start Rolland Gyros International Private School in the United of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring a large facility that will accommodate the number of block of closes, playing field, staff offices and parking lots et al (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $350,000.
• Equipping the classes and office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $50,000
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operations: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $15,000

Going by the market survey and feasibility studies conducted, we came to the conclusion that we will need an average of $750,000 to start a small scale but standard private school in the United States of America.

Generating Funding / Startup Capital for Rolland Gyros International Private School

Rolland Gyros International Private School is a family business that will be owned and managed by Dr. (Mrs.) Irene Rolland Gyros and her immediate family. They are the sole financial of the private school which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the private school to just three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 (Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is a known fact that the future of any business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and of course the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Rolland Gyros International Private School is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers (students and parents alike) over is to ensure that we offer nothing less than the best, to offer quality education to all our students so much so that they can favorably compete with students all over the United States and gain admission to Ivy League colleges.

Rolland Gyros International Private School will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

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Here is a free business plan sample for a private school.

If the idea of shaping young minds and establishing a thriving educational community excites you, then launching a private school might be your calling.

In the following paragraphs, we will guide you through a comprehensive business plan tailored for a private school.

As an aspiring educational entrepreneur, you must recognize that a robust business plan is crucial for laying the foundation of a successful institution. It serves as a roadmap, detailing your educational philosophy, operational strategies, and financial projections.

To streamline your planning process, you can utilize our private school business plan template. Our team of experts is also on standby to provide a complimentary review and offer suggestions for improvement.

How to draft a great business plan for your private school project?

A good business plan for a private school must reflect the unique aspects of educational services.

To start, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive overview of the educational market. This includes offering up-to-date statistics and identifying emerging trends in the education sector, as illustrated in our private school business plan template .

Then, you should articulate your educational philosophy and mission. This encompasses your vision, identifying your target demographic (for example, local families, international students, students with special educational needs), and the distinct educational approach of your school (progressive, traditional, Montessori, International Baccalaureate, etc.).

The next section should delve into market analysis. This requires a thorough understanding of local educational options, demographic trends, and parental preferences.

For a private school, particular emphasis should be placed on the curriculum and extracurricular programs you plan to offer. Detail your academic programs, sports, arts, and other activities, and explain how they cater to the needs and aspirations of your student body.

The operational plan is equally important. It should outline the location of your school, the design and facilities of the campus, faculty recruitment, and the student enrollment process.

For a private school, it is important to highlight the qualifications of your teaching staff, educational methodologies, and standards for student safety and welfare.

Then, address your marketing and enrollment strategy. How will you attract new students and retain current ones? Consider promotional methods, community engagement, and alumni relations.

Adopting digital strategies, such as a user-friendly website or active social media engagement, is also vital in the modern landscape.

The financial structure is another critical component. This includes the initial investment, tuition fee structure, operational expenses, and the point at which the school becomes financially sustainable.

In a private school, managing cash flow is essential, as there may be significant upfront costs before tuition fees are received. Therefore, careful financial planning is imperative. For assistance, refer to our financial forecast for a private school .

Compared to other business plans, a private school's plan must pay special attention to accreditation requirements, educational standards, and long-term student outcomes.

A well-crafted business plan will assist the school founder not only in refining their vision and strategies but also in attracting investors or securing loans.

Lenders and investors seek robust market analysis, realistic financial projections, and a clear understanding of the school's day-to-day operations.

By presenting a thorough and substantiated plan, you showcase your credibility and dedication to the educational venture's success.

To achieve these goals while saving time, simply fill out our private school business plan template .

A free example of business plan for a private school

Here, we will provide a concise and illustrative example of a business plan for a specific project.

This example aims to provide an overview of the essential components of a business plan. It is important to note that this version is only a summary. As it stands, this business plan is not sufficiently developed to support a profitability strategy or convince a bank to provide financing.

To be effective, the business plan should be significantly more detailed, including up-to-date market data, more persuasive arguments, a thorough market study, a three-year action plan, as well as detailed financial tables such as a projected income statement, projected balance sheet, cash flow budget, and break-even analysis.

All these elements have been thoroughly included by our experts in the business plan template they have designed for a private school .

Here, we will follow the same structure as in our business plan template.

Market Opportunity

Market data and figures.

The private education sector is a significant and growing market globally.

Recent estimates suggest that the global private schooling market is valued at over 500 billion dollars, with expectations for continued growth as more parents seek specialized and high-quality education for their children.

In the United States, there are over 34,000 private schools, serving 5.7 million PK-12 students, and accounting for 25% of the nation's schools and 10% of all PK-12 students.

These statistics underscore the critical role private schools play in the educational landscape and their substantial contribution to the economy.

Emerging trends in the education sector indicate a shift towards personalized and technologically integrated learning experiences.

There is a growing emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, with schools investing in advanced science labs and computer programming courses to prepare students for the future job market.

Additionally, the rise of digital learning platforms and educational software is transforming traditional teaching methods, allowing for more interactive and student-centered learning.

Environmental education and sustainability are also becoming integral parts of school curricula, reflecting the increasing awareness of global environmental issues.

Moreover, there is a heightened focus on mental health and well-being, with schools incorporating mindfulness practices and social-emotional learning into their programs.

These trends demonstrate how private schools are evolving to meet the educational needs and expectations of a new generation of students and parents.

Success Factors

The success of a private school hinges on several critical elements.

Foremost, the quality of education provided, including the qualifications of teachers and the rigor of academic programs, is paramount in attracting and retaining students.

Innovation in curriculum design and the integration of technology into the classroom are also vital in setting a school apart in a competitive market.

The location and facilities of a school can significantly influence its appeal to potential students and their families.

Exceptional student services and support, including extracurricular activities and college counseling, are essential for fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

Lastly, effective financial management, commitment to sustainability, and the ability to adapt to the evolving educational landscape are key factors for ensuring the long-term success and reputation of a private school.

The Project

Project presentation.

Our private school project is designed to provide a superior educational experience tailored to the needs of students in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Situated in a community with a growing demand for quality education, our school will offer a comprehensive curriculum from kindergarten to high school, with a focus on holistic development, critical thinking, and academic excellence.

The school will feature state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes for personalized attention, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities to promote well-rounded growth.

Our private school aims to be recognized as a leading institution that not only imparts knowledge but also instills values and life skills essential for the success of our future leaders.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of our private school lies in its commitment to fostering an environment where students can excel academically while developing socially and emotionally. We offer a unique blend of rigorous academics, innovative technology integration, and a strong emphasis on character education.

Our dedication to cultivating a passion for lifelong learning and providing a supportive community ensures that each student reaches their full potential. We strive to prepare our students for the challenges of higher education and the global workforce.

By investing in the best educational practices and resources, we are determined to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of our students and their families, setting a new standard for private education in our community.

Project Owner

The project owner is an experienced educator with a visionary approach to teaching and learning. With a background in educational leadership and a commitment to academic excellence, they are passionate about creating a school that reflects the highest standards of education.

Having worked in various educational settings, the project owner brings a wealth of knowledge in curriculum development, student engagement, and community involvement. They are dedicated to building a school that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of students, parents, and the community at large.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, the project owner is the driving force behind this initiative, committed to shaping a future where every student has access to an education that empowers them to achieve their dreams.

The Market Study

Target demographics.

The target demographics for our private school encompass a variety of groups.

Primarily, we cater to families valuing high-quality education and seeking an alternative to public schooling for their children.

Additionally, we serve parents looking for specialized curriculums that focus on individual learning styles and advanced educational approaches.

Our school also attracts families interested in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes character development alongside academic excellence.

Lastly, educators and professionals in the field of child development can become advocates for our institution, recommending it to parents who desire a tailored educational experience for their children.

SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis of our private school project highlights several key factors.

Strengths include a dedicated and experienced faculty, a robust curriculum that exceeds standard educational models, and a commitment to student success.

Weaknesses may involve the higher tuition costs compared to public schools and the challenge of maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.

Opportunities exist in the growing demand for alternative education options and the potential to incorporate innovative teaching methods and technology.

Threats could encompass changes in educational regulations, competition from other private and charter schools, and the economic factors that may affect families' ability to afford private education.

Competitor Analysis

Competitor analysis within the private education sector indicates a competitive landscape.

Direct competitors include other private schools, charter schools, and magnet programs that offer unique or specialized educational experiences.

These institutions compete on the basis of academic reputation, extracurricular offerings, and the quality of their facilities and resources.

Potential competitive advantages for our school include a low student-to-teacher ratio, a strong sense of community, innovative educational programs, and a commitment to holistic student development.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of our competitors is crucial for carving out a niche in the market and ensuring high retention and satisfaction rates among our students and their families.

Competitive Advantages

Our private school's competitive advantages lie in our dedication to providing a comprehensive and personalized educational experience.

We offer a broad and diverse curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, arts, and humanities, all taught by highly qualified educators.

Our focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive community helps students thrive both academically and socially.

We are committed to transparency in our educational practices and policies, which builds trust with our families and ensures a collaborative approach to each student's success.

You can also read our articles about: - the customer segments of a private school - the competition study for a private school

The Strategy

Development plan.

Our three-year development plan for the private school is designed to establish a strong educational foundation and reputation.

In the first year, we will concentrate on building a robust curriculum and recruiting qualified educators, while also focusing on student enrollment and community engagement.

The second year will be dedicated to enhancing our extracurricular programs and integrating technology into our teaching methods to provide a well-rounded education.

In the third year, we aim to expand our facilities to accommodate more students and introduce specialized programs to cater to diverse learning needs.

Throughout this period, we will commit to excellence in education, fostering a nurturing environment, and adapting to the evolving educational landscape to serve our students and their families effectively.

Business Model Canvas

The Business Model Canvas for our private school targets families seeking quality education, personalized learning experiences, and a safe environment for their children.

Our value proposition is centered on providing a superior educational experience, with a focus on individual student growth and preparation for higher education and life beyond school.

We offer our educational services through our campus facilities, supplemented by online resources and platforms to enhance learning.

Key activities include curriculum development, teaching, student support services, and community involvement.

Our revenue streams are derived from tuition fees, fundraising events, and grants, while our costs are primarily associated with faculty salaries, facility maintenance, and educational resources.

Access a detailed and customizable real Business Model Canvas in our school's business plan template .

Marketing Strategy

Our marketing strategy is centered on showcasing the quality of our educational offerings and the success of our students.

We aim to engage with local families through open house events, community partnerships, and showcasing student achievements.

We will also leverage digital marketing, including a strong social media presence and targeted ads, to reach potential new families.

Additionally, we plan to build relationships with local businesses and educational institutions to create a network of support and opportunities for our students.

Our goal is to create a reputable brand that is synonymous with academic excellence and holistic development.

Risk Policy

The risk policy for our private school focuses on mitigating risks related to student safety, academic quality, and financial stability.

We implement rigorous safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.

Academic risks are managed through continuous curriculum assessment and teacher training to maintain high educational standards.

Financial risks are addressed through prudent budgeting, diversified revenue streams, and maintaining a reserve fund for unforeseen expenses.

We also carry comprehensive insurance to protect against potential liabilities. Our priority is to provide a secure and high-quality educational environment for our students.

Why Our Project is Viable

We are committed to establishing a private school that meets the growing demand for personalized and high-quality education.

With our focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and community involvement, we are confident in our school's potential for success.

We are passionate about shaping the future leaders of tomorrow and are prepared to adapt to the educational needs of our students.

We are optimistic about the impact our school will have on the community and the lasting legacy it will create.

You can also read our articles about: - the Business Model Canvas of a private school - the marketing strategy for a private school

The Financial Plan

Of course, the text presented below is far from sufficient to serve as a solid and credible financial analysis for a bank or potential investor. They expect specific numbers, financial statements, and charts demonstrating the profitability of your project.

All these elements are available in our business plan template for a private school and our financial plan for a private school .

Initial expenses for our private school include the acquisition or leasing of a suitable campus, classroom and office equipment, educational materials and technology, renovations to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment, hiring qualified teaching and administrative staff, and costs associated with branding and marketing to attract students and establish our school's reputation.

Our revenue assumptions are based on a thorough analysis of the local demand for private education, taking into account factors such as the quality of public education, the socio-economic status of families in the area, and the unique educational programs we offer.

We anticipate a gradual increase in student enrollment, starting with a conservative number and expanding as our school's reputation for excellence grows.

The projected income statement outlines expected tuition fees and other sources of revenue, direct educational costs (teacher salaries, educational materials, technology), and operating expenses (facility maintenance, administrative costs, marketing, etc.).

This results in a forecasted net profit that is essential for assessing the long-term sustainability and profitability of our private school.

The projected balance sheet reflects assets specific to our school, such as educational equipment, technology, and campus facilities, and liabilities including loans and anticipated operational expenses.

It provides a snapshot of the overall financial health of our private school at the end of each fiscal period.

Our projected cash flow statement details the inflows and outflows of cash, enabling us to predict our financial needs at any given time. This will assist us in managing our finances effectively and preventing liquidity issues.

The projected financing plan identifies the specific sources of funds we intend to utilize to cover our startup and operational expenses.

The working capital requirement for our private school will be meticulously managed to ensure we have sufficient liquidity to support our day-to-day operations, including purchasing educational materials, managing inventory, and paying staff salaries.

The break-even point for our school is the number of students needed to enroll to cover all our costs, including startup expenses, and begin generating a profit.

It will signal the point at which our school becomes financially viable.

Performance indicators we will monitor include the student-to-teacher ratio to ensure quality education, the retention rate of students to measure satisfaction and success, and the return on investment to evaluate the efficiency of the capital invested in our educational venture.

These indicators will aid us in assessing the financial health and overall success of our private school.

If you want to know more about the financial analysis of this type of activity, please read our article about the financial plan for a private school .

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School Business Plan

High demand and a recurring revenue model make starting a school business a lucrative and rewarding profession.

Anyone can start a new business, but you need a detailed business plan when it comes to raising funding, applying for loans, and scaling it like a pro!

Need help writing a business plan for your school business? You’re at the right place. Our school business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A School Business Plan?

Writing a school business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Educational programs & services:.

Highlight the school services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your business. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of school business you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following school businesses:

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Charter schools
• Magnet schools
• Virtual or online schools
• Boarding schools
• International schools
• Religious schools
• Describe the legal structure of your school, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established school, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your school business plan::

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to students. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your school services:

Mention the school services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Education programs
• Extracurricular activities
• Counseling & Guidance
• Special education services
• Transportation services
• Food services
• Testing and assessments

Describe specialized programs:

Student leadership programs, additional services:.

In short, this section of your school plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your school business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your school business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, equipment & software:.

Include the list of equipment and software required for school, such as whiteboards & projectors, student information systems, learning management systems, communication & collaboration tools, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your school business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your school, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your school business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample school business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful school plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our school business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a school business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful school business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your school.

How to get funding for your school business?

There are several ways to get funding for your school business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your school business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your school business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your school business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any school business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your school business plan.

We have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their schools.

Sample Private School Business Plan

Below is a school business plan template to help you create each section of your own education business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Southside Academy, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a private school that has been providing quality education to the community’s school children since 2017. Southside Academy teaches elementary, middle school, and high school students in a wide range of subjects including mathematics, science, and history. We aim to provide a welcoming and inviting environment where every student can reach their highest potential.

We promote academic, artistic, and athletic excellence in a close-knit learning environment, with a challenging curriculum that cultivates intellectual curiosity. Furthermore, we offer a low teacher-to-child ratio, where teachers can build close connections with their students as they help them excel. We develop confident, continual learners by establishing behavioral supports and the social culture needed for students to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

Service Offering

Southside Academy offers a premium private education at an affordable tuition fee. We provide a challenging education where students can explore their true potential and a safe space where they can freely discover and express themselves. Our students range from 1st grade to 12th grade and we teach a wide variety of subjects including:

• Basic Mathematics
• Physical Education

Customer Focus

Southside Academy primarily serves families within a 5-mile radius of the school’s location. The area is home to thousands of middle and upper-class families looking for high-quality education for their children. Before the school was built, the area was underserved and many children had to travel far to attend quality private schools.

Management Team

Southside Academy’s founder is Mike Brown who has been working as a teacher for more than 20 years. Mike has taught at several public schools in the region but saw a great demand for private education. He noticed that the current location of the school was underserved and set out to create a school to serve this population. Mike Brown has successfully led Southside Academy as its principal since the school’s inception and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Mike Brown is supported by a team that has experience teaching students, managing finances, and running businesses. Specifically, our team has solid experience in being effective teachers, connecting to different types of students, and achieving key goals.

Success Factors

Southside Academy is able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Location: Southside Academy’s location is near the center of town, giving members of our community easy access for parents and their children.
• Passionate and Skillful Teachers: Southside Academy hires teachers with strong academic backgrounds who are skillful in handling all types of children.
• Low teacher-to-student ratio: We provide a low teacher-to-student ratio so that every student gets personal attention from teachers to reach their highest potential.
• Affordable, quality education: Most of the schools in the area offer their services at a very expensive price. Our fees will be moderately low so that good education is accessible to all families.

Financial Highlights

Southside Academy is currently seeking additional donations of $600,000 in order to fulfill our mission. The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

• Salaries: $200,000
• School Materials (books, toys, desks, chairs, etc): $180,000
• Administrative Expenses: $120,000 to pay for lease costs, ongoing operational expenses, and marketing.
• Working capital: $100,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for Southside Academy.

Company Overview

Who is southside academy, southside academy’s history.

Southside Academy started as an idea from a group of school teachers, including Mike Brown. The teachers were university pals who are passionate about teaching and children. They have seen the gaps in education in St. Paul, Minnesota, and wanted to create a school that elevates the academic environment for the children of this area.

Their plans to build a school started in 2015, but it was only until April 2016 that they finally completed all the paperwork and met the legal requirements. Since then, Southside Academy has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a location and built the school
• Developed the school’s name, logo, and website
• Determined curriculum
• Hired teachers and other key employees

Southside Academy’s Services

Industry analysis.

Education is an essential foundation for a thriving society. It’s more important than ever before that every child has access to affordable, high-quality education. While public schools are an essential option for many low-income families, the education provided by private schools often results in higher test scores and more students moving on to top-tier universities.

The private school industry has experienced steady growth in the past five years. The key industry drivers are economic growth, the rise in numbers of K-12 students, an increase in the number of families with both parents working, and government initiatives to support education.

According to Polaris Market Research, this growth is expected to continue with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of 6.6% from now until 2030. This shows that Southside Academy has great potential to keep growing and expanding. We will have ample opportunities to grow our curriculum and offer services to students that help them reach their highest potential.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Southside Academy serves the families and children of St. Paul, Minnesota. The area is mostly populated by young couples and new families that have disposable income and can pay a premium for their children’s education.

The precise demographics of the town in which our location resides are as follows:

Customer Segmentation

We primarily target the following three customer segments:

• Young children
• Young couples

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Southside Academy faces competition from other schools with similar profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.  

Waters Independent School

Founded in 1968, Waters Independent School is a non-profit and tax-exempt independent school system. The school is governed by an independent Board of Trustees and offers preschool through eighth-grade programs. WIS is accredited by the state’s Council of Independent Schools (FCIS).

Waters Independent School has small class sizes with low student-to-teacher ratios. Further, WIS’ Programs include a strong academic foundation coupled with programs in the arts, physical education, media/technology, foreign language, and extracurricular areas.  

Hill Preparatory School

Founded in 1923, Hill Preparatory School is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational, college preparatory day school. It offers PK-12 programs in a safe, student-centered environment. HPS supports its students through the challenges of the school year with one-on-one attention from dedicated faculty, robust services like The Learning Center and the College Center, and the most advanced educational technology. The campus spans 28 acres and has a new 60,000+ square foot facility.  

Future Leaders Preparatory School

Founded in 1968, Future Leaders Prep is a private school for PreK3-8th grade. FLPS offers preschool, elementary school, and middle school programs and offers the International Baccalaureate program of study for all students. Teachers are endorsed in gifted education through a master’s level grant with [local University]’s College of Education Gifted Program. In addition to the school, Future Leaders offers community programs such as music, dance, art, and theater lessons through the Community School of the Arts, youth sports in the Community School for Sports, and the 7-week summer camp.

Competitive Advantage

There are many schools in St. Paul, Minnesota but none of them provides the same quality of education that Southside Academy provides, specifically the following:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

The Southside Academy brand will focus on the school’s unique value proposition:

• Providing premium education at an affordable price
• Providing a supportive and challenging place for children to learn
• Giving parents the assurance that their children will reach their full potential

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Southside Academy is as follows:

Social Media

Southside Academy will invest heavily in a social media advertising campaign. The school will utilize social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographics.

Publications

The school will place print advertisements in key local publications, including newspapers, area magazines, and business newsletters. Additionally, Southside Academy will print brochures and place them in specific locations frequented by target individuals.

Website/SEO

Southside Academy will invest heavily in developing a professional website that displays all of the features and benefits of Southside Academy. It will also invest heavily in SEO so that the school’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Direct Mail

Southside Academy will blanket neighborhoods with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on Southside Academy and incentives to enroll.

Southside Academy prices its tuition at a moderate price so our students and their families feel they are getting great value when choosing our school.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Southside Academy.

Operation Functions:

• Mike Brown is the school Principal. He manages the teachers, directs the direction of education, and serves as the head of the school.
• Mike is joined by Amanda Johnson who acts as the Administrative Assistant for the school. She helps Mike with the operations of the school as well as the marketing and administrative functions.
• Mike has hired an extensive team of highly qualified educators. Together, they teach dozens of subjects, including biology, chemistry, social studies, and mathematics. Every teacher that works for Southside Academy is passionate about education and pushing their students to reach their highest potential.

Milestones:

Southside Academy expects to achieve the following milestones in the following six months:

• 3/202X Kickoff of promotional campaign to attract new students
• 4/202X Start donation campaign
• 5/202X Hire new teachers for the upcoming year
• 6/202X Achieve donation/funding goal
• 7/202X Finalize list of incoming students for next year
• 8/202X Start next school year

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Southside Academy’s revenues come from student tuition fees and donations from both individuals and corporations.

The major costs for the company will be staffing, marketing expenses, location maintenance, equipment, and materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Southside Academy is currently seeking additional fundraising and capital of $600,000 in order to fulfill our mission. The breakdown of the funding may be seen below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

• Year 1: 200
• Year 2: 300
• Year 3: 400
• Year 4: 500
• Year 5: 600
• Tuition rate per year: $10,000

Financial Statements

Income statement.

Balance Sheet

Cash Flow Statement

School Business Plan FAQs

What is a school business plan.

A school business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your school business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your School business plan using our School Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of School Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of school businesses, some examples include: private K-12 school, charter school, virtual schools, independent schools, primary school, secondary education, or preschool.

How Do You Get Funding for Your School Business Plan?

School businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a School Business?

Starting a school business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A School Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed school business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your school business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your school business is in compliance with local laws.

3, Register Your School Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your school business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your school business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary School Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your school business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your school business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful school business:

• How to Start a School

Other Helpful Business Plan Templates

Nonprofit Business Plan Template

• New Hamphshire
• Add Your School
• Start a Private School
• Free Resources
• Articles & Resources

Business Plan & Budget

Documenting your vision.

A business plan is an essential part of the planning process, helping identify goals and metrics and your plan to achieve them.

• Starting with your objectives
• Business plan vs. a budget
• Business plan types
• Creating your business plan
• Creating your budget

Planning for Your New School

Your business plan and budget are important tools for two reasons:

First, before you invest your time, energy and money in opening a school, it is important that you have a plan for yourself that you can believe in. Opening any business is hard work and carries risk - schools are no exception! Having a plan can allow you to move forward with confidence.

Second, your plan can be helpful to help others understand how you expect to turn you vision from dream to reality. From recruiting staff to recruiting financial backing, a solid plan allows you to build confidence in others, too.

In this section we look at the fundamentals for school business plans and budgets, and how these are derived from your vision and objectives.

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Starting with your objectives.

As Lewis Carroll so playfully points out: you need to first know where you want to go, and then you can build a plan to get there.

If you’ve not already started with the work outlined in the school identity section of this guide, now is a great time to review the topics on core values and mission. Once your core values and mission are clear, you can begin to set objectives by examining questions such as:

Who are the students and families you want to serve? There are any number of ways you might think about this: are you intending to provide services for an underserved population or a group with particular needs that aren’t being met in your community? Are you wanting to bring together families with a common interest or ideology, whether that is an academic focus, religious conviction, academic philosophy, or opportunity for particular experiences?

What is the ideal size for your program? Even knowing you won’t get there right away, do you ultimately want to remain a small community of 18 or 24, or does your objective require a population of 300 or 500 or 1000 students to support the diversity of programming, staff expertise and varies programs you’d like to offer?

What role do you want to create for yourself? This can be a particularly tricky question, but it is crucial to step back and consider as part of your plan. If your first love is working in the classroom, you should have a plan that allows you classroom time. That may mean splitting time between administrative tasks and a small class workload, or it could mean having a large enough enrollment to bring in a full-time administrator. If you are excited by strategy and operations, and enjoy building a team, recruiting parents, and overseeing the day-to-day running of the school, keep yourself in an administrative role. There are dozens of roles you might choose to play: why not use this opportunity to ensure you put yourself in your dream job?

Once you’ve worked through your objectives (and written them down!) you’re ready to move on and begin planning.

Business Plan vs. Budget

A common misconception is that a well-defined and detailed budget is essentially the same as a business plan. While a solid budget is an important component of a business plan, a true business plan looks beyond just the projected income and expenses to answer questions about both strategy and tactics. 

The Role of a Business Plan

Business plans can seem daunting if you’ve never had to write one before. It is a must-have document, though, as it serves as a road map for your new school. Although there are many things that are going to be a part of the business plan, it is there to explain what you hope to accomplish with your school and how you are going to accomplish it. Additionally, business plans serve as important documentation for financial institutions or investors to see whether your school is worth investing in.

The Role of a Budget

Budgets, on the other hand, are primarily internal documents you’ll use to track your income and expenses and determine where your spending should take place. If you need new textbooks or want to give someone a raise, your budget will guide you through your decisions and help you determine if you have the money to do so, or what you need to accomplish to make it happen.

Business Plan Types

Creating a business plan can take time, but the good thing is that they tend to follow a consistent format – so you can basically work from a template to create yours. There are two common approaches used today:

Traditional "Full" Business Plan

A traditional, full business plan tends to be comprehensive and detailed. Creation of a full business plan can be time consuming but going through the process will help identify areas of planning that you may not have considered, and the resulting plan should provide sufficient details to be used when talking with banks or investors. For full business plans, the US Small Business Administration has a great  step-by-step guide  that walks you through each section of your business plan, along with some examples to look at.

Start-Up "Lean" Business Plan

An alternate approach is the lean start-up plan, which is faster to write and focuses more on high-level plans and a few key elements. Lean plans can be a good place to start, with the assumption you will update and revise the plan frequently.  Particularly if soliciting funding, you may require additional time and detail later. Tim Berry, one of the leading experts on lean business plans, provides a good overview in his  What's a Lean Business Plan  article.

Creating Your Business Plan

There are lots of options for online business plan templates and most share a lot of common characteristics. There’s nothing wrong with picking one based on personal taste. Any of the following are excellent options as a starting point:

growthink (non-profit business plans)

Rocket Lawyer

My Own Business Institute

InvoiceBerry

US Small Business Administration

That there are many internet-based companies that offer business plan writing or editing, specifically. Here are just a few that you might want to check out:

Cayenne Consulting

Go Business Plans

Wise Business Plans

Many of the same companies that provide the business plan templates we highlighted are business consultants, not just business plan writers. Consultants can help you in your overall plans, particularly in areas where you may need guidance.

Professional organizations and associations for private schools, as well as your local chamber of commerce are also great resources for finding business consultants to assist you in creating your business plan and beyond.

Creating Your Budget

Understanding your costs.

The costs you’ll incur as a new school are really dependent on the choices you make in facilities and staffing. You’ll find a lot of useful information in those sections of this guide and they will help you get a clearer picture of the various expenses you’re going to face as you open up your school.

One of the great things about a budget is that, as long as you can easily read and understand it, the format isn’t going to make or break you. That said, staying organized and keeping track of everything takes a good system. One of the most popular methods is using a spreadsheet or system of spreadsheets to plan your income and expenses. Smartsheet has an excellent business budget template that you can modify to meet the needs of your school.

Once you are up and running, insight into actual income and expenses can be generated by your accounting software. Some accounting packages include budgeting tools as well, easing the work of comparing your plan to your actual numbers.

Tools to Assist With Budget Creation

Several excellent resources exist that can help you develop a budget, including:

The American Association of School Administrators has put together a  School Budgets 101  document that outlines common expenses and budgetary considerations for schools

The Guardian published  A beginner's guide to planning and managing school budgets in 2016, which explains several important budgeting principals.

Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters

Guide Quick-Nav

Introduction

We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.

School Identity

There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.

Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.

Legal & Operating Requirements

You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.

Funding & Finance

Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.

Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.

What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.

How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?

Policies & Procedures

Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures

Marketing & Online Presence

Associations

School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their schools.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a school business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a school business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a School Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your school as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a School

If you’re looking to start a school or grow your existing school, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your school to improve your chances of success. Your school business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Schools

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for schools are donations and gifts, tuition, personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for schools.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a school.

If you want to start a school or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your school business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of school you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a school that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of schools?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the school industry.
• Discuss the type of school you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of school you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of schools:

• Private K-12 school : this type of school typically charges tuition, and may be affiliated with a religious organization, or specialize in a particular learning method.
• Charter school: this type of school offers primary or secondary education for a tuition, and may receive some public funding, and/or donations. These schools require their students to take state-mandated exams.
• Special subject school: this type of school specializes in teaching a specific subject, such as driving, first-aid, self-defense, fine arts, language, or general tutoring.
• Preschool: this type of school typically serves children who are aged 3 and 4. These schools prepare young children to enter formal education, and are funded by some combination of tuition, donations, and government grants.

In addition to explaining the type of school you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of students served, the number of students accepted into elite formal education institutions, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the school industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the school industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your school business plan:

• How big is the school industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your school? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your school business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families with elementary-aged children, families with high-school-aged children, families with preschool children.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of school you operate. Clearly, families with high schoolers would respond to different marketing promotions than families with preschoolers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other schools.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes public schools, virtual schools, and families who do homeschooling. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of students do they serve?
• What type of school are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide specialized instruction, either in subject or in method?
• Will you offer courses or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide religious-focused K-8 education, college preparatory courses, or single-subject instruction like driving or fine arts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the courses and/or extracurricular activities you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your school. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your school located in a growing neighborhood, in the city center, or will you operate purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your school marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your school, including answering calls, planning and delivering instruction, applying for grants, fundraising, performing administrative tasks, overseeing instructors, handling discipline, scheduling and monitoring extracurricular activities, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your Xth student, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your school to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your school’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing schools. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in running a school or experience with public school administration or who has served on a public school board.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you enroll 100 or 1,000 students per semester, and/or offer extracurricular activities? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your school, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a school:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your school location lease or a list of elective courses or extracurricular activities you will offer.  

Writing a business plan for your school is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the school industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful school.  

School Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my school business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your school business plan.

How Do You Start a School?

Starting a school is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your School
• Create Your School Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your School
• Secure Startup Funding for Your School (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your School with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your School
• Buy or Lease the Right School Equipment
• Develop Your School Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your School
• Open for Business

Learn more about   how to start your own school .

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your School business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to learn about Growthink’s business plan writing services .

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Starting a Private School

Who in their right mind starts a private school? Starting any enterprise is a daunting project. Yet many parents and teachers are the impetus behind the dozen or so new private schools that appear on the scene each fall. Some schools begin modestly with a grade or two and grow by adding one grade a year. Other schools have much more elaborate plans. Why do these brave parents and teachers start a school? The main reason seems to be that they are passionate about teaching a certain way or adhering to a certain philosophy. Sometimes they do it simply because they want to run their own school and do things their way.

No matter what the genesis of the idea might be, the recipe for bringing a school into existence is straight-forward enough, although there are many ingredients. Staring a school requires equal parts persistence, business acumen, and vast amounts of patience. To those basic ingredients, you add huge lashings of money. Mix thoroughly. As you do, you discover that you will have to add more money regularly as the other ingredients soak up gobs of money.

This video offers an overview of starting a nonprofit organization like your school.

Here is a template for planning and opening your own school. Good luck! I did it. Lived through the experience. I still recall it as one of the best things I ever did.

36 months before your projected opening date

Most school academic years begin in the fall. Usually in September or thereabouts. So you want to start the project at least 3 years out. You may even need an extra year or two more than that. The size and scope of the project and the funding resources at your disposal will determine how early you should start.

Determine what kind of school the local market needs. You may know what you want. But does the market affirm your vision of the kind of school which you are planning?

30-24 months out

Form a small steering committee of talented supporters to begin the preliminary work. Include parents with financial, legal, and management experience. Include people who are not afraid to play devil's advocate. Constructive criticism will clarify your objectives and plans before you get past the point of no return.

18 months out

File incorporation papers with your Secretary of State. You need a legal framework for everybody's protection. That's why you asked some attorneys to be on the steering committee. They know how to protect the about-to-be-hatched school. Listen to them. Do not stint on what they recommend.

Develop a business plan. Your gift may be teaching. But you need to enlist the aid of a successful business person to draw up your business plan. Potential donors will want to see what you hope to accomplish in Year 1, Year 3, Year 5, Year 10, etc., before they will commit significant sums to the project. Your vision will become a reality when guided by a sound, well-devised business plan.

Develop a budget for 3 years. The business plan lays out the steps to realizing your vision. A budget breaks down that vision into an annual financial plan which enables you to project income and expenses.

Locate a facility to house the school or develop building plans if you will be creating your own facility from scratch. Consult a commercial real estate professional to determine what kind of facilities are on the market in your locale. Yes, you need commercial real estate and the zoning which goes along with it for the establishment of your school. Just because an anonymous donor has said that she will give you her baronial estate, you still need to understand that zoning approvals must be obtained and won BEFORE any commitments can be made. Your donor's single car and driver didn't create any traffic. Hundreds of cars arriving in the early morning and late afternoon will attract neighborly attention for sure.

16 months out

Apply for tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. You need this document in order that donations can be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Don't piggyback on some related institution's tax-exempt status. Get your own.

Identify your Head of School and your Business Manager. Once you have the IRS approval in place, then search for your Head of School and Business Manager. These professionals will translate your vision with all its goals and objectives into reality. Hire people who are not afraid of risk. Starting a new school is a leap of faith. Some more timid souls will look at the job as potential career limiting experiences. The candidates with real leadership skills are the ones you need and want to hire.

14 months out

Secure your initial funding - donors and subscriptions. All gifts are welcome. But the money will really start rolling in once you attract a couple of well-known donors. Do your homework and lay the groundwork for fund-raising from the earliest stages. Your enthusiasm will be a powerful tool. But a sound business plan and key professionals will cinch the deal.

Attract skilled faculty by paying them fairly AND with the vision of your new school. Appeal to their entrepreneurial side and emphasis that you are looking for team players. Given the number of job cuts in public K-12 schools, you should be able to attract the talent you need without too much difficulty. This video will help make your first open house a success.

Market your school. Advertise. Promote. Tell the story of your new school through presentations at service clubs and other community groups.

9 months out

Open your school's office. Schedule admissions interviews. Organize tours of your new facilities by service clubs and other local groups. It is so important to create some buzz about your new school. Schedule open houses both for prospective parents and community leaders.

2 months out

There's much to do before opening day. Have faculty in place early in order to get the school ready for opening. Don't leave the teachers out of the picture until the week before your opening. Organizing their classrooms, tweaking their curricula and timetables - these essential tasks take time and lots of energy. You can also build invaluable esprit de corps during the weeks before school opens.

Opening day

Make it a festive occasion. Invite the local dignitaries, members of the city council and state legislature. Lots of positive stories in the local press and television stations will expose your new school to a wider audience.

Welcome your students. Begin to make them understand this is the best thing they ever did. Make them believe, as you do, that this school is going to be the very best. This is a very special opportunity for instilling school spirit. Once students believe in their school, word will spread very quickly about all the special features and unique qualities of your school. After all, isn't that why you wanted to start the school in the first place? You did want to establish a school that reflected your take on education, right? Good luck!

Questions? Contact us on Facebook. @privateschoolreview

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Lomonosov private school

Description of Lomonosov private school

• Location: Moscow, Russia
• Age of students: 8-18
• Type of education: mixed
• Language of instruction: Russian.

Lomonosov School (Lomonosov Private School) is a prestigious private educational institution, which is part of the Lomonosov Educational Holding. It is one of the largest educational organizations in Moscow and includes all levels of education, unites kindergartens, centers of pre-school and additional education for students and students, popular private schools, as well as the International Institute for retraining and advanced education of teachers.

This educational institution today is a recognized leader in the Russian educational market. With a history of more than 25 years, the Lomonosov Private School holds leading positions in many ratings:

• First place among private educational institutions that are in the top 50 best schools of the Russian Federation in terms of graduates' competitiveness (according to RAEX-Analytics)
• The first lines of ratings on the share of graduates who entered the rating universities of the Russian Federation
• Included in the top 200 schools with the best preparation.

The educational institution is justly proud of its graduates who are studying in the elite Russian and foreign universities. Graduate students get one of the best exam results in the country: more than 90% pass 3 exams with a score of more than 220 points in total.

By choosing to study at the Lomonosov school, you can be assured of the high level of professionalism and competence of all school employees. Highly qualified teachers will become the guarantor of a high level of education, allowing them to become students of famous Russian and foreign universities.

The main mission of teachers is to give stuedents all the necessary skills and knowledge, to successfully develop the personal qualities and abilities of students, which will help them to become in-demand specialists. Being a prominent representative of the classical traditions of Russian education, the Lomonosov school identifies 5 core competencies of modern education:

• High-quality, modern theoretical knowledge applied in practice
• The development of the personal qualities of the child
• The growth of the child’s intellectual abilities, an increase in the level of communication between stuednts and classmates, teachers
• Creating a harmonious, effective educational program
• Interaction with students, parents.

Lomonosov school is a place where the interests, goals, desires of students play a primary role in education. Modern equipment, experienced teachers, developed infrastructure will make the learning process interesting for everyone.

Programs and prices, tuition fees in Lomonosov private school

Today, the private school of Lomonosov provides continuous education for its pupils, consisting of 4 interrelated steps:

• Kindergarten, preparatory courses
• Elementary classes (1-4)
• Basic (5-7)
• Senior (8-11).

Primary school (0-4 grade)

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, Saturday - developing day
• Lesson duration: 25 min. (preparatory group), 35 min. (Grade 1), 40 (2-4)
• Meals: 5 meals a day.

Students receive primary education from a preparatory group of 4th grade - during this time, students form their attitude towards learning as an amazing world full of discoveries. Special attention is paid to the development of the students individuality, the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for effective learning. Students expects design and research activities that help develop perseverance, creativity, and analytical skills.

The academic program is built on the basis of educational standards of the Russian Federation and the author’s educational method IntellektT. Considerable attention is paid to the development of the English language: for example, in the 2nd grade, students receive international certificates of knowledge of the language Cambridge Young Learners. A unique system of monitoring the educational success of each student allows you to take into account the characteristics, interests, desires of the sudent, creating an individual curriculum.

Students learn the following disciplines:

• Russian language
• Literary reading
• Basics of Informatics
• Physical Education
• Technology.

The tuition fee per student starts from 1107000 rubles per year (preparatory group), from 1332000 rubles per year for grades 1-4.

Primary school (grades 5-7)

• Mode of operation: from Monday to Friday
• Occupation time: 8.30-18.00
• Lesson duration: 40 minutes
• Maximum group size: 16
• Meals: 4 times a day.

Schoolchildren study in a separate building, where all the necessary conditions for comfortable learning are created and the unique spirit of the teenage community soars.

Children and adolescents have the opportunity to create a personal educational plan, including training sessions, leisure activities. This approach teaches students to think about their aspirations, to relate to study with greater responsibility, allows you to decide for yourself what subjects he wants to study and in what quantity. The plan consists of compulsory and additional areas that can be studied at a basic, advanced level.

Required subjects, divided by educational areas:

• Philology (Russian, English, literature)
• Mathematics (geometry, algebra and the beginning of the analysis)
• Natural science (chemistry, biology, physics)
• Social studies (history, social studies, economic geography)
• Physical Education (Physical Education, Life Safety)
• Technology (computer science).

Additional disciplines:

• Philology (Spanish, German, French)
• Social studies (economics, law)
• Technology (computer science - advanced module).

Through the use of a unique educational "IntellekT" all students will learn how to work with information, effective technologies of its memorization, master the ability to think logically. All disciplines are mastered at different levels - A, B, C, C +, which allows to take into account the abilities of each student. Part of the course is in English.

Students have the opportunity to study at the same time in foreign educational institutions in the form of part-time or distance learning.

Prices for training start at 1,332,000 rubles a year.

High School (grades 8-11)

• Maximum class size: 16

At this stage schoolchildren continue their education according to individual curricula. A feature of this stage of education is its division into 2 parts:

• Pre-Profile Education (Grades 8-9)
• Profile (10-11).

The academic program is prepared taking into account the experience of the best European schools. Studying in a separate building, graduates create a unique university atmosphere. From high school students form the flow, for each of which is responsible curator. Teenagers are given the opportunity of parallel education in foreign educational institutions (external studies or distance education).

High school students get a unique experience by getting acquainted with representatives of various professions during business seminars. Seeing the features of the working day of different specialists, graduates can make an informed choice in the future. As part of the core program, students attend the Boeing Design Center, the Skolkovo Innovation Center, the State Duma, the Moscow City and Arbitration Courts and much more.

The cost of education per 1 student starts from 1,332,000 rubles per year.

Activities Lomonosov private school

A huge number of events, sections, excursions have become a real tradition, transmitted from year to year. One of the most striking, large-scale, memorable events is the Lomonosov Week, timed to the birthday of M.V. Lomonosov: throughout the week students are waiting for numerous exhibitions, exciting thematic classes, social events and more. Fifth-graders on November 19, the birthday of Lomonosov, awaits a solemn ceremony of initiation to Lomonosovtsy.

Bright, fun holiday - Day of the Sun or Day of Orange - is waiting for students in February. Pupils organize a variety of flash mobs, wear multi-colored clothes, rest from the grayness of winter.

For graduates, the highlight of the last year of study traditionally becomes the Ball of high school students, where they are immersed in the 19th century. Antique costumes, ballroom dancing, etiquette - the symbols of this unique holiday.

Maslenitsa is a favorite holiday for stuednts and adults. The trainees are waited by amusing competitions, delicious pancakes, entertainment events.

In addition, students are waiting for a huge number of other events, among which the Day of Personnel, Earth Day, Day of Excellence are of particular importance.

On ordinary days, numerous sections are open for stuednts , operating under the guidance of highly qualified specialists:

• Classes in pop vocal
• Theater Studio "Inspiration"
• Painting workshop
• Choreographic studios where you can learn classical dance, gymnastics, stylized and traditional folk dances, pop dance
• Handicraft Club and much more.

For young athletes running sports club "Lomonosov", an area of more than 1,300 square meters. 5 sports halls equipped with modern equipment for practicing a variety of sports have become an excellent base for working circles:

• Sprint power
• Self defense
• Mini football
• Rope skipping
• Robotics Club

Numerous excursions and trips are also organized for students.

Facilities and equipment at Lomonosov private school

The primary school building is located in the modern, ecologically clean area of the city of Moscow. Playgrounds, children's camps, a sports complex, a labyrinth for competitions, gazebos in which you can chat with friends or dive into school under the guidance of teachers, your own water park are built for pupils of preschool groups and primary classes.

The main building, where students of grades 5-7 are educated, is located in a separate building in Moscow. The building is under constant security, which ensures high safety of students.

Senior classes are educated in a large building equipped with the latest equipment. For teenagers, cozy classrooms and modern laboratories for practical exercises open their doors.

School uniform is a required attribute for students.

Admission dates and extra charges

The price includes:

• Education according to the chosen program
• Study, educational sightseeing trips
• Classes in some clubs, sections, studios
• 5 meals a day in elementary school, 4 meals a day in middle, senior.

To pay for the education of the child, parents can use the maternity capital.

Additional paid some individual and group classes.

Individual (price per lesson per student):

• Lesson in any discipline - from £ 23
• English lesson - from 2800₽
• Vocal - 2600₽
• Classes with a psychologist - 2400₽
• Psychological counseling parents - 5000₽
• In-depth classes with a speech therapist - 2400₽.

Group (price is for one student per month of classes):

• FROM - 3000₽
• Artistic creation - 3000₽
• Musical Theater "Motley Company" - 6800₽
• Chess - 8000₽
• Football - from 4000₽
• Robotics - from 11000₽
• Martial Arts - from 8000₽
• Etiquette - 8000₽
• Mathematical / Philological Club - 6000₽
• Club reading fans in English / French - 6800₽.

Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol

Children are accepted on a competitive basis according to the results of passing the relevant exams:

• Preparatory group, Grade 1 - interview with a speech therapist, a psychologist
• 2-4 - testing in mathematics, English and Russian, literary reading, interview with a speech therapist, a psychologist
• 5-7 - testing in Russian, English, mathematics, interview with a psychologist
• 8-11 - testing in Russian, English, Russian history, mathematics, interview with a psychologist.

For all applicants and their parents, an interview with the director is mandatory, in which the family values and expected results are discussed. In the absence of free places applicants are put on a waiting list.

Institution on the map

Residence permits, citizenship and other services.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision

Review about Lomonosov private school

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Borrowers urged to apply for Navient's private student loan forgiveness 

Lawmakers want automatic forgiveness of these loans.

Private student loan borrowers, cheated by their schools, have a path toward relief. 

There's been much ado about federal student loan forgiveness with little relief directed to students holding private student debt. However, a little-known program directed by private student loan lender Navient is forgiving private loans for borrowers seeking relief on the grounds that their school lied to them.

The Project on Predatory Student Lending (PPSL) launched a campaign to raise awareness of the servicer's "School Misconduct Discharge Application." The application gives borrowers who experienced misconduct at their school the right to apply directly for discharge of private loans, marking a long-overdue recognition of borrower rights, PPSL said.  

In January 2022, Navient entered into a settlement with 39 state attorneys general regarding its lending practices at several for-profit schools and canceled $1.7 billion in debt on the affected private loan. However, the action only impacted borrowers who had already defaulted. Navient began sending its discharge application to borrowers who complained about their loans but had not defaulted.

For nearly a decade, starting in 2000, Navient—then known as Sallie Mae—engaged in predatory loan practices with fraudulent, for-profit colleges in exchange for a steady supply of borrowers. Many of these loans remain in Navient's portfolio. They are eligible for cancellation due to their misconduct and under the Federal Trade Commission's Holder-In-Due-Course Rule, which allows borrowers to raise the same claims and defenses against a loan provider they could raise against the original seller of the good or service. 

"Today we are making a concerted effort to illuminate the pathways to cancellation available to student borrowers with private loans who were cheated by their schools," PPSL Executive Director Eileen Connor said. "Private student loans have always carried basic consumer protections like borrower defense, yet lenders and servicers have obstructed borrower efforts to realize them, individually or at scale. 

"This Navient application is an opportunity for borrowers who experienced misconduct to finally seek relief for their private loans and is a direct result of our clients' persistence," Connor continued. "We're spreading the word to ensure that impacted borrowers—not just those that Navient hand picks—know that there is a path to relief."

Private student loan borrowers can't benefit from federal loan relief. You could lower your monthly payments by refinancing to a lower interest rate. Visit Credible to speak with an expert and get your questions answered. 

BIDEN WANTS TO GIVE HOMEBUYERS $400 PER MONTH: STATE OF THE UNION

Lawmakers want loans automatically discharged

Navient has set aside $35 million in anticipation of liability to cancel these predatory legacy loans. A group of lawmakers led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is concerned that the application process for discharge is too difficult and may leave some borrowers who should qualify for forgiveness out in the cold.

While the PPSL campaign is designed to draw more attention to this program, Navient's 12-page application is complicated and lawmakers are pushing for the lender to automatically provide relief to borrowers using information the company already has about whether borrowers attended schools that would entitle them to relief. Lawmakers want this relief to happen before Navient transfers its 2.7 million student borrower loan portfolio to the Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA) at the end of 2024. 

"Navient should stop making borrowers apply for relief and instead automatically cancel student debt using information the company already has about whether borrowers attended schools that would entitle them to relief," said the senators. "Given MOHELA's failure to follow guidance on canceling predatory federal loans, it is hard to believe that it will behave any better in canceling similar private loans Navient will transfer to them." 

If you're having trouble making payments on your private student loans, you won't benefit from federal relief. You could consider refinancing your loans for a lower interest rate to lower your monthly payments. Visit Credible to get your personalized rate in minutes without affecting your credit score.

HOMEBUYERS GAINED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AS MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES FALL: REDFIN

Federal student loan cancellations hit new high

The Department of Education has wiped out $28.7 billion in federal student loans for more than 1.6 million borrowers whose schools cheated them, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.

Beyond this, President Joe Biden has cancelled roughly $167 billion of student debt for 4.75 million Americans. Forgiveness has primarily come through revamped income-driven repayment plans.

Biden also proposed a new federal student debt forgiveness plan as a follow-up to his initial debt cancellation plan, which the Supreme Court blocked in June . The plan would waive up to $20,000 for millions of borrowers whose balances have grown because of unpaid interest. It would automatically discharge debt for borrowers eligible for loan forgiveness under SAVE, closed school discharge, or other forgiveness programs, even if they are not enrolled. 

Additionally, student debt for borrowers who entered repayment for 20 or more years would be discharged. The plan would also provide relief to borrowers who experience hardship in paying back their loans.

If you're having trouble making payments on your private student loans, you won't benefit from federal relief. However, you could consider refinancing your loans for a lower interest rate to lower your monthly payments. Visit Credible to get your personalized rate in minutes without affecting your credit score.

HIGH HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE RATES SCARING AWAY FLORIDA HOMEBUYERS, OTHER STATES FACE THE SAME ISSUE

Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask?  Email The Credible Money Expert at  [email protected]  and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.

7 Organizational Structure Types (With Examples)

Updated: May 29, 2024, 5:39pm

Table of Contents

What is an organizational structure, 4 common types of organizational structures, 3 alternative organizational structures, how to choose the best organizational structure, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Every company needs an organizational structure—whether they realize it or not. The organizational structure is how the company delegates roles, responsibilities, job functions, accountability and decision-making authority. The organizational structure often shows the “chain of command” and how information moves within the company. Having an organizational structure that aligns with your company’s goals and objectives is crucial. This article describes the various types of organizational structures, the benefits of creating one for your business and specific elements that should be included.

Employees want to understand their job responsibilities, whom they report to, what decisions they can and should make and how they interact with other people and teams within the company. An organizational structure creates this framework. Organizational structures can be centralized or decentralized, hierarchical or circular, flat or vertical.

Centralized vs. Decentralized

Many companies use the traditional model of a centralized organizational structure. With centralized leadership, there is a transparent chain of command and each role has well-defined responsibilities.

Conversely, with a decentralized organizational structure, teams have more autonomy to make decisions and there may be cross-collaboration between groups. Decentralized leadership can help companies remain agile and adapt to changing needs.

Hierarchical vs. Circular

A hierarchical organization structure is the pyramid-shaped organization chart many people are used to seeing. There is one role at the top of the pyramid and the chain of command moves down, with each level decreasing in responsibilities and authority.

On the other hand, a circular organization chart looks like concentric circles with company leadership in the center circle. Instead of information flowing down to the next “level,” information flows out to the next ring of management.

Vertical vs. Flat

A vertical organizational chart has a clear chain of command with a small group of leaders at the top—or in the center, in the case of a circular structure—and each subsequent tier has less authority and responsibility. As discussed below, functional, product-based, market-based and geographical organizational structures are vertical structures.

With a flat organization structure, a person may report to more than one person and there may be cross-department responsibilities and decision-making authority. The matrix organizational structure described below is an example of a flat structure.

Benefits of Creating an Organizational Structure

There are many benefits to creating an organizational structure that aligns with the company’s operations, goals and objectives. Clearly disseminating this information to employees:

• Provides accountability
• Clarifies expectations
• Documents criteria for promotion
• Designates decision-making authority
• Creates efficiency
• Fosters collaboration

Essential Elements of Clear Organizational Structure

Regardless of the special type of organizational structure you choose, it should have the following components:

• Chain of command
• Roles and responsibilities
• Scope of control
• Decision-making authority
• Departments or teams within the organization

Functional/Role-Based Structure

A functional—or role-based—structure is one of the most common organizational structures. This structure has centralized leadership and the vertical, hierarchical structure has clearly defined roles, job functions, chains of command and decision-making authority. A functional structure facilitates specialization, scalability and accountability. It also establishes clear expectations and has a well-defined chain of command. However, this structure runs the risk of being too confining and it can impede employee growth. It also has the potential for a lack of cross-department communication and collaboration.

Product- or Market-Based Structure

Along with the functional structure, the product- or market-based structure is hierarchical, vertical and centralized. However, instead of being structured around typical roles and job functions, it is structured around the company’s products or markets. This kind of structure can benefit companies that have several product lines or markets, but it can be challenging to scale. It can also foster inefficiency if product or market teams have similar functions, and without good communication across teams, companies run the risk of incompatibility among various product/market teams.

Geographical Structure

The geographical structure is a good option for companies with a broad geographic footprint in an industry where it is essential to be close to their customers and suppliers. The geographical structure enables the company to create bespoke organizational structures that align with the location’s culture, language and professional systems. From a broad perspective, it appears very similar to the product-based structure above.

Process-Based Structure

Similar to the functional structure, the process-based structure is structured in a way that follows a product’s or service’s life cycle. For instance, the structure can be broken down into R&D, product creation, order fulfillment, billing and customer services. This structure can foster efficiency, teamwork and specialization, but it can also create barriers between the teams if communication isn’t prioritized.

Matrix Structure

With a matrix organizational structure, there are multiple reporting obligations. For instance, a marketing specialist may have reporting obligations within the marketing and product teams. A matrix structure offers flexibility, enables shared resources and fosters collaboration within the company. However, the organizational structure can be complex, so it can cause confusion about accountability and communication, especially among new employees.

Circular Structure

Similar to the functional and product-based structure, a circular structure is also centralized and hierarchical, but instead of responsibility and decision-making authority flowing down vertically, responsibility and decision-making authority flow out from the center. A circular structure can promote communication and collaboration but can also be confusing, especially for new employees, because there is no clear chain of command.

Organic Structure

Unlike vertical structures, this structure facilitates communication between and among all staff. It is the most complex, but it can also be the most productive. Although it can be challenging to know who has ultimate decision-making authority, it can also foster a positive company culture because employees don’t feel like they have “superiors.” This structure can also be more cost-efficient because it reduces the need for middle managers.

There is no one “right” organizational structure. When deciding which structure will work best for your company, consider the following:

• Current roles and teams within the company. How are job functions currently organized? Does it foster communication and productivity? Does it impede or encourage employee growth?
• Your strategic plan. What are your company’s goals for the short-term and long-term?
• Feedback from employees, leadership and other stakeholders. What do those within your company say about how the company is structured? What feedback do you have from other stakeholders, such as customers and suppliers?
• Alignment. What structure will best support your strategic plans and address any feedback received?

What is the most common organizational structure?

A functional organizational structure is one of the most common organizational structures. If you are still determining what kind of structure to use, this organizational structure can be an excellent place to start.

What is the difference between an organizational structure and an organizational chart?

An organizational chart is a graphic that depicts the organizational structure. The chart may include job titles or it can be personalized to include names and photos.

What are the four types of organizational structures?

A functional—or role-based—structure is one of the most common organizational structures. The second type—the product- or market-based structure—is also hierarchical, vertical and centralized. Similar to these is the third structure—the process-based structure—which is structured in a way that follows a product’s or service’s life cycle. Lastly, the geographical structure is suitable for businesses with a broad geographic footprint.

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Christine is a non-practicing attorney, freelance writer, and author. She has written legal and marketing content and communications for a wide range of law firms for more than 15 years. She has also written extensively on parenting and current events for the website Scary Mommy. She earned her J.D. and B.A. from University of Wisconsin–Madison, and she lives in the Chicago area with her family.

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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

who we are and what we do

ISM is a hub for the international community in Moscow, providing a welcoming private school community for students and families from more than 50 countries. Both our Rosinka and Krylatskoe campuses are secure, inspiring environments, where the world’s best native English-speaking teachers provide the personalised support each child needs to flourish. This – combined with our exceptional British curriculum and rigorous teaching standards – lays the foundations for our students’ outstanding success, which includes 100% pass rates at IGCSE and A-level. Leaving us as well-rounded, academic high achievers, our students go on to study at top 100 universities around the world. 

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

The International School of Moscow (ISM) was founded in 2007. We’re now home to over 700 students from more than 50 different countries.

From day one, we have prioritised academic excellence. We’re the only private school in Moscow where students follow the English National Curriculum from Pre-Nursery all the way through to A-Levels. Widely accepted as the premier route to higher education across the world, our globally respected British qualifications set our students up for success, whatever they choose to do when they leave us.

At ISM, learning takes place on two picturesque campuses. Our Rosinka Campus welcomes children aged 2 to 11. Located in a gated residential community in the north-west of the city, Rosinka is a safe, family-friendly environment that also offers an exciting outdoor programme.

Easy to reach from Moscow’s city centre, our Krylatskoe Campus is situated on the site of the former Olympic Park, which is now a protected area. A spectacular place to learn, discover, and achieve academic, sporting, and creative success, Krylatskoe welcomes students aged 3 to 18.

We joined the Nord Anglia Education family of schools in December 2017. This has brought many benefits, including access to world-class technology, exclusive collaborations with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and UNICEF, and unique learning opportunities on our Global Campus learning platform.

ISM is the only private school in Moscow to be graded ‘excellent’ by the International Schools Inspectorate. We are also accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and University of Cambridge International Examinations.

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Private school fees: how to plan financially

Private school fees have soared – and Labour has promised to introduce VAT. Here are three steps you can take to plan financially.

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Sending your child to private school is a significant financial undertaking and not one many parents enter lightly. A good deal of financial planning is required – particularly given the rate at which costs are going up. 

This topic has been in the news recently thanks to soaring private school fees and the threat of VAT . The latest figures from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) reveal that fees for the 2023/2024 academic year increased by 8%, on average. This was largely driven by inflation , but also changes to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. 

Now, the 4 July general election is fast approaching and Labour is comfortably ahead of the Conservatives in the polls. Keir Starmer’s party has promised to end tax breaks for private schools if they win the election, using the money to fund additional teachers in the state sector. 

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School fees are currently exempt from VAT, which keeps costs down for parents. However, any change in policy under a new government could mean fees increase by up to 20%. 

We analysed the cost implications in a recent MoneyWeek article: “Can I afford to send my kids to private school?” In this piece, analysis from Jason Hollands, managing director at Evelyn Partners, revealed that even households with a six-figure salary could struggle to pay for school fees out of income. 

“Adding to this conundrum is the gradual fading away of the Baby Boomer generation, whose financial support has long facilitated private education for their descendants,” says Alexandra Loydon, director or partner engagement and consultancy at St. James’s Place. 

“As the next generation grapples with fewer financial resources, coupled with increasing life expectancy, the dilemma becomes even more acute,” she adds, pointing out that long-term financial planning becomes even more important against this backdrop.

We look at three steps parents can take to plan financially.

1. Use stocks and shares ISAs

A stocks and shares ISA is a useful investment tool. Over-18s have an annual allowance of £20,000 and you don’t have to pay any income or capital gains tax on any returns generated within the account. 

Imagine you and your partner both opened a stocks and shares ISA shortly after your child was born (each in your own name, as the rules on junior ISAs differ). Let’s also imagine you each agreed to stash an initial £5,000 in your respective accounts, investing it in a stock market tracker at an average annualised return of 8%. 

If each of you was to contribute a monthly sum of £100 thereafter, each of your pots would be worth £32,488 by the time your child was 11 and ready to start secondary school. That’s according to calculations carried out using Hargreaves Lansdown’s investment calculator.

In total, this would create a tidy pot of £64,976 – all of which is tax free. What’s more, this approach would still leave you with a decent amount of your ISA allowance to use for your own financial goals. 

The year your child was born (when you contributed the initial lump sum as well as the regular investments), each parent would still have £13,800 of their annual allowance left to use up. In a regular year, they would have £18,800 left. 

The average private day school now costs £18,063 per year in fees – although this doesn’t include extras like music classes and sports clubs. If this rate were to stay the same (which is of course unlikely given inflation), the total sum of £64,976 that you accumulated through regular saving and investing would cover around three and a half years of fees. 

Of course, that only gets you part of the way there as most children attend secondary school for seven years. There are also lunch fees, school trip fees and uniform costs to consider. If Labour wins the upcoming general election , you could see fee hikes of up to 20% as VAT is added too. 

Average annual returns of 8% aren’t guaranteed either, of course, but over a long-term investment horizon, stock markets almost always outperform cash. And having this pot can help supplement any school-related payments you are paying for out of your income.

“Diversifying an ISA portfolio with a mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets can mitigate risk and potentially yield higher returns,” says Loydon. “It's essential to start early and maintain a long-term perspective to maximise the benefits of compounding,” she adds. 

2. Set up an education trust fund

Similarly, you could consider an education trust fund. “These dedicated funds offer several advantages, including tax benefits and the ability to accumulate savings gradually,” Loydon explains. 

A trust fund is essentially a pot where you can stash money or investments on someone else’s behalf. In this instance, the beneficiary would be your child. 

As with an ISA, the earlier you start investing the more chance you have of benefitting from compound returns . Regular contributions can also help you build a sizable pot over time – and Loydon adds that this can potentially allow the use of additional tax reliefs too. 

Alternatively, grandparents may decide to open an educational trust and stash money into it to pay for their grandchildren’s education. Doing so would reduce the size of their overall estate, which could reduce the inheritance tax bill when they pass away. 

Before making any decisions on this, it is important to seek financial advice to understand whether an education trust is right for you. An advisor can also weigh up the pros and cons of different investment wrappers too – for example, would the ISA or trust route be best for you?

3. Look into scholarships, discounts and the most efficient way of paying fees 

Many schools offer the option of upfront payment. By paying for several years of school fees upfront, you can lock in a lower price before inflation – an attractive prospect if you’ve got the required cash. If you follow the ISA route outlined previously, for example, you could consider using your lump sum immediately to pay up in advance. 

Some parents will be looking into this route ahead of the general election, in case Labour wins and carries out its planned tax reforms. Paying ahead of time could allow them to circumnavigate the sharp fee hike. 

However, it is worth pointing out that a new government could legislate retrospectively to close off this loophole. Many schools offering upfront payment have introduced legal disclaimers to clarify that they cannot be held responsible if this happens. 

There are some other routes parents can go down too, though, particularly if their child has a strong academic record or if family funds are tight. “Scholarships and discounts provided by private schools can significantly alleviate the financial burden of tuition fees,” Loydon explains. 

She adds: “Many private schools offer these opportunities based on merit, financial need, or other criteria. To take advantage of these programs, it’s important to research extensively, meet eligibility requirements, and make sure the application is as strong as possible.” 

“It is also worth investigating applying directly to the school for financial aid and planning well in advance for exams and interviews that may be part of the scholarship application process.”

Katie has a background in investment writing and is interested in everything to do with personal finance and financial news. 

Before joining MoneyWeek, she worked as a content writer at Invesco, a global asset management firm, which she joined as a graduate in 2019. While there, she enjoyed translating complex topics into “easy to understand” stories. 

She studied English at the University of Cambridge and loves reading, writing and going to the theatre.

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How much labour’s private school vat pledge will raise – and how it will work, a report by the institute for fiscal studies found that removing tax exemptions from private schools would raise between £1.3-£1.5bn for the state sector .

Labour ‘s flagship policy to introduce a 20 per cent VAT on private schools has sparked controversy, with debates over how much money it will make the Treasury and how it will impact children.

Proponents of the scheme liken it to a “Robin Hood-style” tax raid , arguing it could raise £1.6bn for the beleaguered state sector. State schools are in crisis, with deteriorating buildings, a mass exodus of teachers, and children’s mental health at an all-time low.

But critics say it will put financial pressure on fee-paying parents and will force thousands of children to move to the state sector, including those receiving support for special needs and disabilities (SEND).

Labour has said it will exempt children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) whose private school places are paid for by the local authority – but questions remain over children who are receiving support without a statutory document that guarantees it.

As the debate rages on, i looks at how much money the policy could really raise for state schools, and how it will actually work.

How much will the tax raise?

Estimations for how much money the VAT raid on private schools have varied.

In 2023, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson told the House of Commons that charging VAT on independent school fees and imposing business rates would raise £1.7bn.

But a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) concluded that removing tax exemptions from private schools would raise about £1.6bn a year in extra tax revenue.

The report, written by leading education economist Luke Sibieta, said: “Combining estimated tax revenues and extra public spending needs, our view is that it would be reasonable to assume a net gain to the public finances of £1.3-1.5bn per year in the medium to long run as a result of removing tax exemptions from private schools.”

Since then, Labour has been using the IFS estimations.

In a recent parliamentary debate, Helen Hayes, shadow minister for children and early years, said the VAT measure would raise £1.3bn.

Other reports have found that the private schools policy might not make as much money as Labour hopes.

Maxwell Marlow, director of research at the right-leaning free market Adam Smith Institute (ASI), wrote a different report which found that it “could raise no money at all”.

His analysis of the policy found that “in a less optimistic scenario, it could end up costing £1.6bn” – while also prompting a “mass exodus to the already overwhelmed state system”.

The ASI report said it “highlights that the IFS’ findings that applying VAT to independent school fees will raise £1.3-£1.5bn is based on evidence they themselves acknowledge to be ‘thin’ and ‘sparse’.”

Mr Marlow, who authored the report, added that we are “dealing with a lot of unknowns” about the impact of the policy.

How will it work?

Private schools are exempt from VAT in legislation due to being education providers and charities – both of which are exempt in legislation that was first introduced by the Finance Act 1972.

VAT relief was first granted for education “provided by a school”, together with “any goods or services incidental to the provision of education”, and the “provision of any instruction supplemental to the provision of any education”.

These core concepts have remained in place for the last 50 years.

Labour's private school VAT plan may not be enough to avoid school budget cuts

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer explained how changing this would work legislatively in a debate against Rishi Sunak on Wednesday night.

He said: “The position at the moment is it’s a tax break so you pay VAT on other services but you don’t pay it for private schools.

“Now, I understand why that’s been in place but it’s a tax break that we are removing, it’s not an introduction of a new tax.

“We’re simply saying we need to find the money to properly fund our state secondary schools.”

The IFS report assumed that the VAT would be imposed on both day and boarding fees, with private nurseries excluded on the assumption they are likely to be covered by the free entitlement to early education and childcare.

Labour has said children with EHCPs will be exempt from the tax. These plans are statutory documents stipulating and guaranteeing the extra support that such children and young people are entitled to.

But only 7,646 of the pupils receiving SEND support at private schools have the plans, according to a census by the Independent Schools Council . The organisation has raised the alarm about the other 103,508.

Sir Keir said removing the tax break on private schools is needed to fund 6,500 subject teachers in state schools.

He told Sky News’ Beth Rigby: “In our state secondary schools we’ve got thousands of teachers missing in the subjects we need. In a state secondary school, let’s take maths, too many students are being taught maths by sports teachers, supply teachers, and that’s not acceptable.

“For those children in state secondary school who don’t have the teachers they need, that is not a one-year problem or a two-year budgeting problem, it is lifelong problem because if they don’t get the qualifications they need at 15 and 16 they can’t go and do what they want.”

Election 2024 Rishi Sunak , Sir Keir Starmer and other party leaders are on the campaign trail, and i ‘s election live blog is the go-to place for everything on the general election . On Monday, the Lib Dems launched their manifesto , followed by the Tory manifesto launch on Tuesday , which included a further cut to national insurance . On Wednesday, the Green Party launched its manifesto, which it hopes will secure them some important seats. Labour’s manifesto launch on Thursday was interrupted by a protester urging for more policies for youth, but Starmer was undeterred as he announced changes to voting age and confirmed his party’s position on tax and spending cuts. i has urged the parties to commit to its Save Britain’s Rivers manifesto to improve our waterways. The Lib Dems became the first to back the campaign , followed by the Green Party .

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‘Punishing hard working Brits!’ Bev Turner erupts at Matthew Stadlen in private schools row

WATCH NOW: Bev Turner erupts at Matthew Stadlen over Labour's plans for private schools

By Georgia Pearce

Published: 13/06/2024

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to charge private schools 20 per cent VAT, as well as end business rate relief

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GB News host Bev Turner has sparked a fiery row with political commentator Matthew Stadlen over Keir Starmer's plans for schools.

Under a Labour government, Keir Starmer has pledged to charge private schools 20 per cent VAT, as well as end business rate relief.

When grilled on the move by a member of the public at the Sky News leadership event on Wednesday, Starmer affirmed he has "nothing against private schools" and "absolutely recognises" that "many parents work hard and save hard to send their children to private schools".

Discussing the latest on Labour's "wealth creation" plans, Stadlen said the party should be focussing on "state education" and making public schools "the best in the world".

Matthew Stadlen and Bev Turner clashed in a heated debate over Labour's plans for schools

Britain's Newsroom host Andrew Pierce highlighted that the new plans will mean "bigger class sizes" and up to "40,000 more children" will be entering state schools as a result.

When pressed by Andrew on the issue of bigger class sizes, Stadlen admitted he "feels for those who will be pulled out of private schools", but argued that Labour "wants to move towards a society where the super rich send their children to private schools".

Bev Turner hit back at Stadlen and argued that is "exactly what will happen" and "only the super rich" will be sending children to private school.

When Stadlen affirmed that it is a "great thing", Bev fumed: "That's a terrible thing. Only the super rich will be able to afford private school, the billionaires! A lot of them living here will be the Chinese, the Russian, the Arabs.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to charge private schools 20 per cent VAT, as well as end business rate relief

"It won't be the hard working British people, they won't be able to afford private school."

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Stadlen responded to Bev and reaffirmed his argument that the move will "benefit" hard working Britons: "The hard working Brits will be sending their children to the schools that 93 per cent of hard working British people already send their children to."

Bev interjected Stadlen, raging: "You're punishing them by taking away that choice!"

Stadlen hit back: "It's not about punishing them, it's about levelling the playing field for children. That's not fair on children."

Bev then told Stadlen: "If you want to close all private schools, switch off that tap - and in an ideal world I would too, we would all have amazing state schools with sports fields and great food and committed teachers, and all children would be given the same start in life. We don't live in that utopian ideal."

Bev Turner said in an ideal world 'all private schools would be closed'

Commentator Sam Lister highlighted that "many on the Labour front bench benefitted from private education" and are now "pulling the ladder up" for other people.

Andrew agreed, and revealed: "When I speak to Labour people about this, they devil up a rictus grin when they talk about this policy, because it reeks of class war envy."

Stadlen slammed Andrew's remark, branding it "absolute rubbish".

Lister then concluded: "The problem with Labour, the bottom line with all of this is Labour has banged on about how everything in Britain is broken, but what they are saying is we haven't got any solutions. We're not going to put up taxes, we're not going to tell you our plans."

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There’s a Program to Cancel Private Student Debt. Most Don’t Know About It.

A nonprofit group is publicizing the relief program that Navient, a large lender, created for students who attended for-profit schools that misled them.

Danielle Maynard took both federal and private loans to attend the New England Institute of Art. Credit... Simon Simard for The New York Times

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By Stacy Cowley

• May 30, 2024

More than a million borrowers who were defrauded by for-profit schools have had billions of dollars in federal student loans eliminated through a government aid program. But people with private loans have generally been excluded from any relief — until recently.

Navient, a large owner of private student loan debt, has created, but not publicized, a program that allows borrowers to apply to have their loans forgiven. Some who succeeded have jubilantly shared their stories in chat groups and other forums.

“I cried, a lot,” said Danielle Maynard, who recently received notice from Navient that nearly $40,000 in private loans she owed for her studies at the New England Institute of Art in Brookline, Mass., would be wiped out.

Navient, based in Wilmington, Del., has not publicized the discharge program that helped Ms. Maynard. Other borrowers have complained on social media about difficulties getting an application form. When asked about the program and the criticisms, a company spokesman said, “Borrowers may contact us at any time, and our advocates can assist.”

So a nonprofit group of lawyers has stepped in to ease the process: On Thursday, the Project on Predatory Student Lending , an advocacy group in Boston, published Navient’s application form and an instruction guide for borrowers with private loans who are seeking relief on the grounds that their school lied to them.

“We want to level the playing field and let people know, instead of having it be this closely held secret,” said Eileen Connor, the group’s director.

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