How has the world of student recruitment shifted and how are you adapting?
One of the most significant changes in school admissions in recent years has been the increase in the use of technology. Many families—particularly those moving to Montgomery—use websites and social media as a primary mechanism for getting to know a school. While we always pride ourselves on the personal touch of an in-person tour, we’ve also adapted our approach to revitalize our school’s website and to engage productively in social media channels to celebrate and share all of the aMAzing things happening on our campuses.
How do you manage the competition and make sure your message is heard?
We have great respect for all educators and educational institutions in our area as they seek to fulfill their missions and support the young people of our community. At MA, we simply strive to live out our mission as a school. Our focus on leadership development guides all of our decisions and also inspires our administration, faculty and staff as they approach their work with our young people. To share our message, we focus on sharing authentic moments that capture the essence of what happens on our campus on a daily basis.
What new programs have you launched?
The most significant new effort that we’ve launched on our campus recently has been a new comprehensive approach to personal electronic devices across our school. We have taken the bold step of limiting student access to personal electronic devices across all divisions while also giving students the age-appropriate technological tools that they need to succeed as young learners. We believe this approach allows our students to be the best versions of themselves as they engage in their enduring “pursuit of excellence.”
We’ve also been keenly interested in our community and ensuring that our students are aware of the opportunities and issues facing the River Region. Our “City as Our School” program introduces MA students to various institutions in the Montgomery area. In recent years, students have visited the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Baptist Hospital, the EJI Legacy Museum and Montgomery Whitewater.
To build leadership skills in our Lower School, we’ve also created “Eagle Assembly,” a comprehensive leadership training program for 4th grade students. These students engage in weekly meetings to learn leadership skills and to help plan special events for our youngest learners.
How does Montgomery Academy stand out?
The Montgomery Academy is a unique place. We stand apart from other schools in our commitment to our mission, our core values, our approach to education and above all, our community. It all begins with the community that our youngest students find as they enter the Lower School which continues through Middle School and Upper School, finally culminating when they walk across the stage at Commencement and depart MA for the next stage of their journey. Throughout their time at MA, our students learn the skills and habits of thought that encourage them to engage in an ever-evolving effort to become the best versions of themselves
