What NCSC Revealed About the Future of Enrollment

Our Schola team had the pleasure of attending the National Charter Schools Conference this year in Orlando, and there really is nothing quite like it. Being surrounded by over 4,000 educators, school leaders, policymakers, advocates, and solution-providers is both energizing and overwhelming in the best way.

There’s so much to unpack (literally and figuratively), but after all the sessions, side conversations, and shared stories, a few big themes rose to the top.

Here’s what stuck with us most.

1. There is a Sense of Momentum and Urgency in the Air 

There was an unmistakable energy at NCSC this year.  Not just urgency, but momentum. Charter schools are growing, and fast. In fact, public charter school enrollment has increased by over 300,000 students in the last four years alone, even as traditional public school enrollment has declined.

Families are actively seeking out charter options that better fit their values, schedules, and student needs. But with that growth comes pressure: to meet enrollment demand, to differentiate in a crowded landscape, and to ensure that the experience families choose is one worth staying for.

Leaders at NCSC were asking all the right questions:

• How do we keep up with growing interest without compromising quality?
• How do we stand out in a sea of school options?
• How do we make sure the families we attract are the ones we keep?

The growth is exciting and it’s opening the door for innovation, collaboration, and rethinking what’s possible in public education.

2. Everyone's Talking About the Same Challenges

Every community faces its own set of challenges, but nationwide, we kept hearing the same things:

• A declining school-age population
• Increasing competition among schools
• Funding uncertainty
• Pressure to meet enrollment goals and maintain strong academic outcomes
  
  

3. Parents' Voices Are Reshaping Conversations and Schools

One of the clearest takeaways was that families are no longer just part of the equation, they’re leading it. Speakers from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools emphasized that today’s parents are savvy decision-makers. They’re looking for schools that reflect their values, meet their child's unique needs, and offer flexibility and transparency.

Whether it was bilingual programming, after-school care, or transportation solutions, this message echoed: schools that stay closely attuned to parent priorities will out-recruit and out-retain those that don’t.

This ties directly into what we’re hearing called the “unbundling” of education: the rise of modular, à la carte learning experiences that meet families where they are. Families are picking and choosing from a menu of options to create the right fit because they want flexibility, they want voice and choice. And increasingly, they’re willing to build it themselves if schools don’t provide it.

It’s a shift with big implications. Schools that recognize this trend and offer adaptable, family-centered experiences will be best positioned to thrive in this new landscape.

4. Bridging The Gap Between Vision and Implementation 

One theme we heard throughout the week was the importance of stronger alignment across all levels of leadership, from classroom educators to boards, CMOs, and state associations. Everyone is working toward the same goal, but perspectives can vary depending on where you sit.

Rather than seeing this as a disconnect, many attendees framed it as an opportunity: a chance to improve communication, increase transparency, and create stronger systems of support across roles.

We’ve already started deepening our collaborations with associations, CMOs, and boards to help create that shared understanding and ultimately ensure that the strategies being built at the top are fully informed by what’s happening in schools every day.

5. Leaders Are Looking For Connection, Not Just Strategies 

The most impactful conversations weren’t just about marketing tactics or data dashboards (though we know those play a role). They were about trust, culture, and how to build school communities that truly feel like home for students and staff.

That really resonated with us. It’s a reminder of why we’ve made human connection such a core part of how we support schools. No two communities are the same, and the work only really matters when it reflects the values, voices, and experiences of the people inside the building. We always start by listening because meaningful connection is the foundation for anything that lasts.

6. We Love What We Do!

NCSC reminded us why we love this work. Despite the challenges, education is still one of the most hopeful, creative, and purpose-driven industries to be part of, and educators are some of the most fun people to be around. We’re already looking forward to all the conversations we get to continue with everyone we met at the conference!

Why This Matters

All of these takeaways point to the same truth: the landscape of education is changing fast, and schools can’t afford to stand still. Families are more discerning. Enrollment is more competitive. 

At Schola, our role isn’t just to help schools improve enrollment. It’s to be a partner through all this uncertainty, navigating these changes by strengthening their recruitment strategy, streamlining the enrollment process, and building lasting connections with families.

The conversations we had at NCSC only reinforced how urgent this work is. Schools are doing everything they can to serve their communities, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone. At the end of the day, it’s not just about enrollment. It’s about students' futures and creating an environment worth enrolling in.

If we didn't have the chance to connect at NCSC, we'd still love to meet you and hear what you're experiencing at your school.