How Daycroft School Grew Enrollment by 99% in Just 5 Years

This episode of the Independent School Moonshot Podcast is sponsored by RG175. Behind every successful school is a great leader—learn more about how RG175 can support your school's next search!

Visit https://rg175.com/ to learn more.

You know that moment when it all clicks? When you finally understand how one decision leads to the next-why does a school that seemed stuck suddenly take off?

That's this episode.

David Lee, Head of Daycroft School, shares the story of how his team rebuilt trust, grew community, and nearly doubled enrollment (a 99% increase) in just five years.

From personal touches in the admissions process to bold, calculated risks, this is a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to turn a school around.

And the impact?

Tuition now covers nearly all operating costs, freeing the school to grow auxiliary revenue and reinvest in facilities, benefits, and programs that make the community even stronger.

This episode is a must-listen if you're trying to unlock sustainable growth.

What You'll Learn from David Lee:

• Enrollment is everyone's job, but the head must lead. David joined every tour, followed up with families, and helped close enrollment conversations. His hands-on approach set the tone for success.
• Community creates Velcro. Focusing on building relationships between families, faculty, and students created a sticky environment where people wanted to stay.
• Hiring with purpose builds culture. Beyond credentials, David recruited educators with unique passions and a team-first mindset.
• Auxiliary programs are more than add-ons. Daycroft's summer camp and after-school enrichment generate 7% of annual revenue and extend the school's brand and culture.
• Bold decisions pay off. Opening during the pandemic and hiring ahead of enrollment were high-risk, high-reward moves that catalyzed growth.

Discussion Prompts

• What is the head’s current role in the admissions process, and should that change?
• How might we create more “Velcro” between families at our school?
• What qualities do we prioritize when hiring teachers? Do we include community-building skills?
• Are we maximizing the potential of auxiliary programming?
• When was the last time we made a bold enrollment decision? What did we learn?