Are your parents truly informed, or are they just being “told” information?
If a new family joined your school tomorrow, how confident are you that they’d know where to find essential updates?
What would happen to parent engagement if every message you sent reached the right person, in the right way, at the right time?
These questions strike at the heart of one of the most important—and often underestimated—aspects of school success: communication. When parents feel connected, informed, and valued, student outcomes improve and school culture thrives. When they don’t, misunderstandings, frustration, and disengagement follow.
Understanding Parents’ Needs
Parents come to the school community with diverse expectations, preferences, and levels of experience. For some, not receiving timely updates about key dates, events, or changes can cause stress and feelings of exclusion—especially for families who are new to the school.
Different parents prefer different ways of receiving information. While some check their email daily, others rely on quick text alerts or phone calls for urgent matters. A one-size-fits-all approach often leaves someone out. Schools that offer multiple channels—and let parents choose the ones that work for them—send a powerful message: We value your time, and we want you to be informed in the way that best suits your life.
New parents often benefit from orientation sessions, regular check-ins, and detailed “how-to” information about school logistics. Experienced parents may prefer targeted updates about academics, extracurricular activities, or program-specific changes. Meeting these varying needs ensures that parents feel engaged rather than overwhelmed.
The Role of Technology in Communication
Technology has opened the door to faster, more accessible communication—but only if used wisely. Email remains an essential tool for school-wide updates, but mobile apps and parent portals have become increasingly popular for instant notifications, calendar reminders, and access to key resources.
Social media can also be a valuable ally. Posting photos, celebrating achievements, and sharing important reminders in an engaging, visual way builds a sense of community. The key is balance: share enough to keep families informed and connected, but not so much that important updates get lost in the noise.
No matter the tool, user experience matters. Platforms should be simple, intuitive, and customizable so parents can choose the notifications and formats they prefer. Technology should reduce barriers, not add to them.
Building Stronger School-Parent Relationships
At its core, effective communication is about relationships. Parents don’t just want to receive information—they want to feel heard. Conducting surveys, hosting parent focus groups, or simply asking during conferences what kinds of updates families prefer can help schools deliver communication that truly resonates.
Two-way communication is essential. It transforms parents from passive recipients into active participants in their child’s education. Whether through parent-teacher meetings, quick check-ins, or informal community gatherings, schools that create space for feedback strengthen trust and partnership.
Implementing Effective Communication Strategies
Strong communication doesn’t happen by accident—it’s intentional. Schools should have clear policies outlining how often updates will be shared, what channels will be used, and what kinds of information will be communicated.
Segmented communication—tailoring messages to specific groups based on grade level, program, or language—ensures families receive only the information relevant to them. This helps parents stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
Regularly evaluating your approach is also critical. Feedback tools like surveys, focus groups, or online polls help schools identify strengths and address gaps. Most importantly, responding to that feedback shows parents that their voices matter.
The bottom line: When schools take the time to understand parents’ needs, use technology strategically, invite feedback, and tailor their messages, they create an environment where families feel connected, valued, and empowered. And when parents are engaged, everyone wins—especially the students.
