5 Proven Strategies to Boost Enrollment in Your Preschool

Ever feel like your preschool should be full by now, but the spots just aren’t filling up? You know your teachers are amazing, your classrooms are full of love and learning, and kids are growing every day. So why aren’t more families signing up? 

The truth is, today’s parents have a lot of options. And standing out takes more than colorful toys and a friendly smile at the door. You’ve got to show families that your school is the one that truly gets them — their hopes, their worries, their kids. Thankfully, you don’t need a fancy marketing plan or a big ad budget. With a little strategy, some creativity, and a whole lot of heart, you can start turning curious visitors into enrolled families. Here are five smart, proven strategies to help you grow your enrollment, build lasting trust, and become the preschool families can’t stop talking about. 

Strategy 1: Strengthen Your Curriculum and Let It Shine 

Parents want to know what their child will actually be doing all day. Not just nap and snack time, but the moments that help them grow. That’s why the importance of curriculum in boosting preschool enrollment is huge. A strong, engaging program builds confidence in families and gives your school a clear edge. 

So what makes your curriculum special? Is it hands-on science? Language-rich storytelling? Creative arts? Early math through play? Lean into the learning experiences that reflect your values and showcase them in a way parents can easily see. 

Take photos, share project stories, and talk openly about what kids are learning and why. Post updates on your website and social channels. Let parents imagine their child right there in the middle of the fun and growth. 

Strategy 2: Make Your Marketing Feel Human, Not Salesy 

Marketing can feel awkward for educators, but it doesn’t have to. You’re not trying to “sell” your preschool. You’re inviting families into a place where their child can thrive. That’s a story worth telling.  

Your marketing should sound like you. Warm, confident, and clear. Use your website to introduce your team, explain your approach, and make enrollment steps simple. Then layer in some local charm. Flyers at neighborhood coffee shops, banners at local parks, and welcome bags for new families can all help spread the word in ways that feel natural. 

If you need help clarifying your message, Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller is a fantastic read. We’ve also shared more tips on connecting with your local community in our blog The Power of Local Marketing: Reaching Families in Your Community. You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to show up where it matters most. 

Strategy 3: Build Real Relationships With Families 

If you’re wondering how to attract families to your daycare, the answer is trust. And trust starts with relationships. Parents don’t just enroll in schools. They enroll in people. So be the kind of school where families feel seen, heard, and welcomed. 

Learn names. Ask how their week is going. Create space for honest feedback and actually act on it. Then go one step further and invite families in. Host a messy art day. Plan a pancake breakfast. Celebrate milestones together. These events aren’t just fun. They help families feel like they’re part of something bigger. 

Schools that focus on community grow stronger, faster. You can find more ideas on how to create that impact in our blog How Preschool Franchises Strengthen Communities. 

Strategy 4: Be Easy to Find and Even Easier to Love Online 

Before parents call or visit, they almost always Google you. What they find online sets the tone for everything else. Your website should feel like a virtual tour. The Google Business Page acts as your digital handshake, so it should be accurate, current, and packed with helpful details that reflect the personality and quality of your school. It should answer their big questions, introduce your team, and reflect the warmth of your real-life classrooms. 

These days, parents aren’t just checking your website. They’re watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Instagram, and reading Reddit threads to see what real families are saying. A quick tour video or a few classroom clips on YouTube can go a long way in showing what your school is really like. Keeping an eye on local parenting forums helps you stay in the loop and part of the conversation. 

On social media, keep it real. Share behind-the-scenes reels on Instagram, birthday celebrations on Facebook, classroom fun on TikTok, and shoutouts for your amazing staff. Stay professional, but don’t stress about perfect posts. Honest, everyday moments build the strongest trust. 

And don’t forget reviews! Ask your happy families to share their experience online. A few glowing recommendations from happy parents can do more than a billboard ever could. 

Strategy 5: Stay Visible in Your Local Community 

Speaking of billboards, some of the best local advertising strategies for preschool franchises aren’t ads at all. They’re relationships. They’re chats with parents at the park, storytime visits at the library, or teaming up with local kid-friendly businesses. Get involved where families already are. Sponsor a kids’ soccer game. Join a festival and hand out branded mini tote bags, kid-sized sunglasses, or snack containers — something parents will actually hang onto and use. Show up in ways that feel helpful and fun, not pushy. 

And if you haven’t already, consider a referral program. A small thank-you to current families who spread the word can go a long way. Most families trust other parents more than they trust ads, and a personal recommendation can make all the difference. 

Start Growing Your Preschool with Purpose 

Boosting enrollment doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means leaning into what makes your school great and making sure families know about it. When your curriculum is strong, your marketing feels genuine, and your relationships are real, growth follows. 

Ready to take the next step? At Creative World School, we don’t just hand you the keys and wish you luck. We support our preschool owners with the tools, training, and marketing strategies they need to grow strong, thriving schools. Discover how opening a preschool franchise can strengthen your neighborhood while building a rewarding business. Contact our development team today to learn how you can bring a Creative World School to your community.