What Parents and Students Look for in a School Website as we enter 2025
What parents and students want in a school website is simple: a place that makes life easier. They want a site that’s helpful, easy to use, and full of useful information. A great school website can show families what makes the school special and keep them connected.
This blog will explain what parents and students look for, what every school website must include, and the best practices to make your site stand out.
Why Is a Good School Website Important?
For many families, the school website is the first impression. It’s the place they go to learn about the school, its values, and what it offers.
Parents use the website to check for updates, apply for admissions, or find contact information. Students visit it to download homework, check schedules, or access learning tools.
If the site is hard to use, families might feel frustrated. But a good website can build trust, make communication easy, and even help increase enrollments.
School Website Must-Haves
1. Easy-to-Use Design
Parents and students need a site that’s simple and clear.
- Clear Menus: Important sections like “Admissions,” “Events,” and “Contact Us” should be easy to find.
- Mobile-Friendly: Many people use their phones to browse, so the site must work well on small screens.
- Fast Loading Times: A slow site can be frustrating, so make sure the pages load quickly.
Example: Imagine a parent looking for admission details but can’t find them easily. They might move on to another school.
2. Updated Information
A school website must always have the latest details.
- Event Calendar: Parents should know about upcoming events like meetings or sports days.
- Admission Info: Clear steps and deadlines for enrolling new students.
- Announcements: Newsletters, updates, and other important notices should be easy to access.
When families see up-to-date information, they feel confident in the school.
3. Features Parents Expect on School Websites
Parents want websites that give them everything they need in one place.
Here are some must-have features:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Online Admission Forms | Makes applying easier and faster. |
| Fee Details | Transparency builds trust with parents. |
| Contact Information | Quick ways to reach the school for questions. |
| School Policies | Helps parents understand rules and expectations. |
Why It’s Important: These features save time and make families feel connected to the school.
Features Parents and Students Value
1. Resources for Students
A dedicated section for students can include:
- Homework assignments.
- Study materials.
- Links to helpful learning tools.
2. Photos and Videos
Parents and students love seeing what happens at school. Use photos and videos to show:
- Classrooms and teachers.
- Sports events and cultural activities.
- School trips and celebrations.
This gives families a feel for the school’s community and values.
3. Secure Parent Portal
A login area for parents can make communication easier.
Features of a parent portal:
- Access to grades and progress reports.
- Messaging with teachers.
- Updates on student attendance.
Best Practices for School Websites
1. Keep It Fast and Simple
A website should load quickly and be easy to use. Slow or confusing sites can frustrate users.
2. Make It Easy to Find
Use search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure your website shows up when parents search for schools in your area.
Example: If someone searches for “best schools near me,” your site should appear on the list.
3. Strong Calls-to-Action (CTAs)
Encourage families to take the next step with clear CTAs like:
- “Apply Now.”
- “Schedule a Visit.”
- “Download Our Brochure.”
4. Be Mobile-Friendly
Most families use their phones to browse, so the site must look and work well on all devices.
How a Great Website Helps
When you create a site that gives families what they need, you’ll see big benefits:
- More Enrollments: Families are more likely to apply when the website makes it easy.
- Better Communication: Parents and students can find what they need without calling the school.
- Improved Reputation: A professional website shows that the school is organized and modern.
Conclusion
A school website is the digital front door for parents and students. By focusing on what parents and students want in a school website and including essential features, you can create a platform that serves everyone’s needs.
Does your school’s website need a refresh? Let’s create a site that builds trust and helps your school grow.
