How to Structure a Boarding School Website

Many boarding schools struggle to showcase their presence and reputation through their websites effectively. Conveying values, building trust, and attracting prospective parents and students via a website requires a completely different approach in the digital landscape. 

Here’s a guide on how to structure a boarding school website:

1. Homepage

The homepage should provide an engaging overview of the school and its values. It must be visually appealing and mobile-friendly, offering clear navigation to essential sections.

Key Elements:

• Hero Image or Video: A full-screen image or video that showcases the campus, students, or activities.
• Brief School Introduction: A short, impactful description of the school’s mission, values, and unique offerings (academic excellence, extracurricular programs, community, etc.).
• Call to Action (CTA): Buttons for key actions like "Apply Now", "Schedule a Visit", or "Request Information."
• Testimonials: Quotes or short videos from students, parents, or alumni about their experience at the school.

2. About Us

This section gives a deeper insight into the school’s philosophy, history, and leadership.

Key Elements:

• Mission and Vision: Clear statements that convey the school’s purpose and educational philosophy.
• History: A brief overview of the school’s founding and significant milestones.
• Leadership: Profiles of the headmaster, faculty, and administration with their qualifications and experience.
• Accreditation: Information about any accreditations or affiliations with educational bodies.

3. Academic Programs

Highlight the curriculum and academic structure, showcasing the quality of education offered.

Key Elements:

• Curriculum Overview: An outline of academic programs across grade levels (e.g., elementary, middle, and senior school) with a focus on the holistic development of students.
• Faculty Excellence: Showcasing their expertise and commitment to student success.
• Academic Calendar: Important dates, including term schedules, examination periods, and holidays.

4. Boarding Life

Since boarding life is a major aspect of the experience, this section should address what makes the school’s residential program unique.

Key Elements:

• Dormitory Overview: Descriptions of dormitory facilities, including room types, common areas, and dining halls.
• Daily Schedule: A sample daily schedule for boarders, including study times, extracurricular activities, and leisure.
• Residential Staff: Profiles of residential staff who oversee the well-being of boarding students.
• Health and Wellness: Information about health services, mental well-being programs, and access to medical care.

5. Extracurricular Activities

Emphasize the range of activities available to students, including sports, arts, clubs, and other enrichment programs.

Key Elements:

• Sports Programs: Details of athletic teams, facilities, and competitive opportunities.
• Arts and Culture: Information on visual arts, music, theater, and dance programs, including galleries or performance spaces.
• Clubs and Societies: A list of student clubs and leadership opportunities that foster personal development and community engagement.
• Weekend and Off-Campus Activities: Information on excursions, weekend programs, or opportunities to explore surrounding areas.

6. Admissions

This is one of the most important sections, as it guides prospective families through the process of applying.

Key Elements:

• Application Process: A step-by-step guide on how to apply, including deadlines, required documents, and interviews.
• Tuition and Fees: Clear information on tuition fees, boarding fees, and any additional costs.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid: Information about available scholarships, grants, or financial aid options.
• Virtual Tour: A virtual campus tour or 360-degree walkthrough of the boarding school’s facilities.
• FAQ: Frequently asked questions about admissions, boarding, and academics to address common concerns.

7. Alumni

Showcase your alumni network, which can add credibility and demonstrate the success of your school’s educational model.

Key Elements:

• Success Stories: Profiles or testimonials of notable alumni and their achievements.
• Alumni Events: Information about alumni reunions, networking events, or fundraising campaigns.
• Alumni Giving: An easy-to-find donation button or form for alumni contributions to support the school.

8. Contact Information

Ensure easy access to communication channels for prospective families, current parents, and alumni.

Key Elements:

• Contact Forms: Separate forms for inquiries about admissions, employment, and general questions.
• Location Information: The school’s address, with a map and directions for visitors.
• Social Media Links: Links to the school’s social media platforms for updates and engagement.

9. News and Blog Section

Keep this section updated with school news, events, and blog posts from staff, students, or leadership.

Key Elements:

• School Achievements: Announcements about student awards, academic success, or sports victories.
• Upcoming Events: A regularly updated calendar of important school events.
• Blog Posts: Insightful articles on education trends, student development, or life at the school written by staff or students.
  

Vitals:

• Mobile-Friendly Design: The website must be fully responsive to ensure it works seamlessly on mobile devices, which are often used by parents and prospective students.
• SEO Optimization: Optimize the website to rank higher in search engine results for terms like "best boarding school" or "[Region] boarding schools."
• Fast Load Times: Ensure quick load times to prevent users from leaving the site.
• Secure and Private: Include SSL encryption to protect sensitive information, especially in the admissions or parent portal sections.

This structure ensures the website is both informative and engaging, catering to prospective families while providing essential resources for current students and parents.