10 Almost FREE Grassroots Marketing Ideas for Schools to Boost Enrollment

When it comes to increasing student enrollment, schools often focus on digital marketing and expensive advertising campaigns. However, grassroots marketing remains one of the most effective and budget-friendly ways to spread the word about your school. By engaging with the local community and building personal connections, schools can attract new families without breaking the bank.

Here are some nearly free strategies to help boost enrollment:

1. Flyers and Posters in High-Traffic Community Areas

Distribute eye-catching flyers and posters in locations where families frequent, such as:

• Coffee shops
• Grocery stores
• Libraries
• Community centers
• Parks and recreation centers: Ensure your materials include essential information about your school, such as enrollment deadlines, key programs, and contact details.

2. Attend Local Family Events

Participating in local fairs, farmers’ markets, and family-friendly gatherings is a great way to increase visibility. Have a small team on hand to distribute:

• Postcards with school highlights
• Stickers with your school’s logo
• Branded pens or pencils These small giveaways keep your school top-of-mind for families considering enrollment options.

3. Set Up an Information Table at Grocery Stores

Many parents visit grocery stores multiple times a week, making these locations perfect for outreach. On weekends, set up an information table outside a local grocery store where parents can:

• Ask questions about your school
• Pick up brochures and enrollment forms
• Learn about upcoming open house events. Be sure to have friendly, knowledgeable staff available to answer questions and engage with the community.

4. Get Involved in Local Fun Runs and Charity Events

Have your mascot, staff, or even students participate in local family fun runs, charity walks, or parades wearing school-branded t-shirts. This builds community goodwill and increases school recognition in a fun, engaging way.

5. Host Virtual Information Sessions

Many parents have busy schedules, making it challenging to attend in-person events. Offering virtual school information sessions in the evening ensures that parents and guardians can easily participate from the comfort of their homes. Use platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live to:

• Provide an overview of your school’s programs
• Answer frequently asked questions
• Introduce the curriculum
• Offer a virtual tour of your facilities or renderings of the new facility

6. Partner with Local Businesses for Cross-Promotion

Team up with family-friendly businesses such as:

• Industry cross-over businesses like engineering for STEM schools
• Daycares and preschools
• Pediatric clinics
• Family restaurants These businesses can help promote your school by displaying flyers, including brochures in their customer bags, or even mentioning your school to their clients.

7. Leverage Parent Word-of-Mouth & Referral Incentives

Happy parents are your best marketers! Encourage them to spread the word by:

• Offering referral incentives, such as a free dress-down day or school-branded merchandise for successful referrals
• Creating social media graphics they can share with friends and family
• Hosting parent-led informational sessions in their neighborhoods
• Giving all new students a welcome kit with a t-shirt and yard sign, encouraging social media shares. 

8. Engage with Local Media

Submit a press release to local newspapers, radio stations, and community blogs about:

• Your school’s unique programs
• Upcoming open houses
• Recent student achievements Media outlets are often looking for positive local stories and may provide free coverage.

9. Host Free Community Workshops or After School Classes

Offer free educational workshops, playgroups, or storytime sessions open to the public. This introduces families to your school in a low-pressure environment while showcasing your teachers and curriculum.

10. Organize a School Spirit Day in the Community

Designate a “School Spirit Day” where current students and staff wear their school gear around town, visit local businesses, and share fun facts about the school. You can even provide small giveaways, like bookmarks or magnets, to community members.

By implementing these almost free grassroots marketing strategies, schools can build strong relationships within their communities and attract more students. Personal engagement and community involvement go a long way in establishing trust and credibility—key factors in boosting enrollment!

If you want more information, request a free 1-hr marketing consultation with our enrollment expert on staff. We know that filling schools with students as well as furniture, fixtures and equipment are important.