Case Study: School Development (Brick & Mortar School)

Client: First Harvest Academy

Location: North Carolina

Consulting Firm: JAG Consulting

Project Duration: 10 Months

Project Overview

First Harvest Academy is an innovative initiative dedicated to establishing a private school in High Point, North Carolina. The academy aims to cultivate a distinctive educational atmosphere characterized by inclusivity and low student-teacher ratios, ensuring that every child receives personalized attention and support. With a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment, First Harvest Academy is particularly focused on assisting students who require extra support.

As the founders embarked on the ambitious journey of launching a new K-12 school from the ground up, they recognized the complexities involved in this endeavor. To navigate these challenges effectively, they sought the expertise of JAG Consulting, renowned for its guidance in educational development and strategic planning. Together, they are poised to create a nurturing and transformative educational experience for the community.

Challenges

The founders of First Harvest Academy faced several challenges in their mission to establish the school:

• Lack of Experience: The team recognized their limited knowledge regarding the complexities involved in launching a private school, which included navigating regulatory requirements, curriculum development, and facility management.
• Marketing and Website Design: Developing an effective marketing strategy and designing a user-friendly website was essential for attracting prospective families and establishing a strong online presence for the school.
• Market Research: Gaining insights into the community’s needs and potential student demographics was vital to ensuring adequate enrollment and garnering community support.
• Program Development: Crafting a program that aligned with their mission and vision, while maintaining a balance between academic rigor and the unique needs of special needs students in an inclusive environment, presented distinct challenges.

JAG Consulting Solutions

JAG Consulting implemented a comprehensive approach to help First Harvest Academy navigate these challenges and successfully launch within a 10-month timeline.

1. Feasibility Study and Market Research:
   • Conducted thorough market research to assess demand for a private school in Aspen, focusing on potential student demographics and community interest in hockey.
   • Developed a feasibility study to outline the school’s potential for success based on the findings.
   • Crafted a detailed business plan to support the school’s establishment and growth.
2. Regulatory Guidance:
   • Assisted in navigating the regulatory landscape for private schools in Colorado, including obtaining necessary licenses and accreditations.
   • Provided insights into compliance with state educational standards.
3. Curriculum Development:
   • Collaborated with educational experts to design a balanced curriculum framework, ensuring that hockey and other sports could be pursued without compromising educational quality.
4. Financial Planning:
   • Created a detailed financial plan that included budgeting for operational costs, tuition pricing models, and strategies for fundraising and securing sponsorships.
5. Marketing and Enrollment Strategy:
   • Developed a dedicated website and branding kit tailored for educational institutions.
   • Developed a marketing plan to promote First Harvest Academy to prospective families, highlighting the unique dual focus on academics and athletics.
   • Establish social media platforms for promotional purposes.
6. Documents:
   • Developed all necessary documentation for the school, including handbooks, manuals, and required administrative documents.
7. Continued Support:
   • Provided ongoing support to the client for an additional month after project completion to ensure a smooth launch.

Results

Thanks to the expertise and support of JAG Consulting, First Harvest Academy successfully opened its doors in just 10 months. Key outcomes included:

• Enrollment Success: The school achieved its enrollment targets for the inaugural year, attracting students wanting to balance their academic pursuits with their passion for hockey and other sports.
• Community Engagement: The academy is quickly becoming a valued part of the community, fostering partnerships with local organizations and gaining support from parents and community members.
• Positive Feedback: Initial feedback from students and parents highlighted the innovative approach to education and athletics, setting a strong foundation for future growth.

Conclusion

The successful launch of First Harvest Academy exemplifies the transformative impact of expert consulting in education. JAG Consulting’s strategic approach not only facilitated the establishment of a thriving private school but also created a model for providing an accessible and supportive learning environment for special needs students who may otherwise lack the necessary support within the existing education system. This collaborative effort has positioned First Harvest Academy for long-term success in the vibrant community of High Point, North Carolina.