Messaging Framework to Share Our Montessori Story

The challenge we would like to address is helping the broader Kalamazoo community understand who we are, where we are, and what we do at The Montessori School. We have existing messaging, but many families and community members still don’t know much about Montessori education or what makes our school different. We want our messaging to be more concise, consistent, and easy for anyone on our team to use.

We have tried to raise awareness through marketing, social media, and attending community events. These efforts help, but our message needs to be sharper and more focused to make a strong impression and turn interest into enrollment. Our biggest barrier is capacity. Our small team doesn’t have the time to step back, review what we have, and refine it on our own.

Stronger, streamlined messaging would help more families understand what they are choosing when they choose our school. It would also support enrollment and connect the community to our summer and caregiver education programs.

By the end of this project, the consultant will review our current messaging and deliver a refined, streamlined messaging framework that our team can start using right away. It will include:

1. Messaging review: A short summary of what’s working in our current messaging, what could be clearer, and recommended changes.
2. Core message and elevator pitch: A refined 30-second version and 1-minute version that describe who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
3. Audience key messages: 3 to 5 key messages for each of three audiences: prospective families, employers and community partners, and the broader Kalamazoo community.
4. Frequently asked questions: Clear, friendly answers to the 5 to 8 questions we hear most, such as “How is Montessori different from traditional school?” and “Is Montessori right for my child?”
5. One-page messaging guide: An easy reference that staff and board members can use in conversations, emails, events, and marketing materials.

Organization Mission

The Montessori School’s mission is to inspire children to love learning, create, and make the world a better place. We believe in a holistic approach that fosters good global citizens and forward-thinking problem solvers!