Lessons and Laughter: Insights from Nearly Five Decades in Education [S4:E3]

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Manoj Thomas, Cornell University's Sabanci Professor of Management and Marketing and Associate Dean of New York City Initiatives. A leading behavioral scientist, Manoj explores how unconscious mental processes shape consumer decisions, from pricing psychology to the subtle cues that influence how we perceive value. We discuss his research on behavioral economics and pricing strategy, and connect these insights to independent school strategic enrollment management. Drawing on his expertise as both a scholar and engaging educator, Manoj offers a fascinating perspective on the psychology of decision-making and what it means for independent schools navigating questions of affordability, value, and perception. EMA members can access the full report, An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability, and dig deeper into the results on the accompanying data dashboard by logging into EMA's Community: community.enrollment.org.

​In this episode, we sit down with Mark Mitchell, Vice President of Access and Affordability at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and Amada Torres, Vice President for Studies, Insights, and Research at NAIS. Together, Amada and Mark bring deep expertise on various factors influencing independent schools today, and they are both authors of How Parents Pay School Costs: 2023 NAIS Financial Aid Parent Survey. This episode is part of a mini-series inspired by EMA's latest research report, An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability. Guest co-host Ari Betof, Co-Founder and Partner at Mission & Data, will join me throughout this mini-series. While the survey populations and methodologies differ, together, the EMA and NAIS reports offer a more comprehensive view than either does alone.  

EMA's 2025 report, An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability, offers a large-scale analysis of how families across the socioeconomic spectrum perceive the value and affordability of independent school education. The report provides critical insights into the complex factors shaping families' decisions to enroll their children in independent schools. This report was a collaboration between EMA and Mission & Data, EMA's strategic data partner. Join us as we explore some of the highlights from EMA's latest report with Ari Betof, Co-founder and Partner of Mission & Data, and Sarah Enterline Roch, Institutional Research Consultant at Mission & Data and Director of Institutional Research at St. Mark's School (MA). EMA members can access the full report, An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability, and dig deeper into the results on the accompanying data dashboard by logging into EMA's Community: community.enrollment.org.

​In this episode, we sit down with Carolyn Gorowski, Dean of Admission at Lake Forest Academy (IL); Laurel Baker Tew, Assistant Head of School for Enrollment at Viewpoint School (CA); and Victoria Muradi, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Durham Academy (NC). Together, they share practical, actionable strategies for leveraging insights from EMA's special reports to drive strategic decision-making in independent schools. This episode is part of a mini-series inspired by EMA's latest research report, An Independent School Education: Family Perceptions of Value and Affordability. Guest co-host Ari Betof, Co-Founder and Partner at Mission & Data, will join me throughout this mini-series. Stay tuned for more episodes in this mini-series coming this spring and summer!    

Brendan Schneider, Founder and CEO of SchneiderB Media, helps independent and private schools boost enrollment through digital marketing. He is the creator of the MarCom Society, SchoolMarketingCRM, and the author of School Marketing the Right Way. Brendan is also the opening keynote speaker for EMA's virtual Marketing Symposium, which will take place on April 8, 2025, and EMA's EMLC Spring Seminar in Dubai on May 1, 2025.  Join me for a conversation with Brendan as he shares insights and actionable strategies from his new book on the latest marketing techniques schools can use to stand out in a competitive landscape. Resources: EMA's Marketing Symposium: Register Here EMA's Enrollment Management Leadership Council (EMLC) Spring Seminar: Register Here School Marketing the Right Way  

In December 2024, United Educators (UE) released their latest Top Risks Report for independent and charter K-12 schools. This survey shows the self-reported most pressing risks across the UE independent and charter K-12 membership and highlights changes they see when comparing the results to previous reports from 2020 to 2024. Join me for an insightful conversation with Hoda Hussein, Senior Risk Management Consultant at UE. We'll explore emerging trends, dive into the importance of scenario planning, and share practical tips on leveraging the data from this report. Link to United Educators website: www.ue.org Link to United Educators Report: Top Risks Report: Insights for Independent Schools  About United Educators (UE): United Educators is a member-owned captive insurance company that focuses solely on education. With a large and diverse membership ranging from large university systems to small, independent K-12 schools, UE is committed to providing the coverage and tools needed to allow our members to confidently operate their campus while managing education-specific risks. Since 1987, we've strived to provide peace of mind so members can focus on what's important – delivering a high-quality academic experience.  

With nearly five decades of experience in independent schools, Jeff Escabar has a collection of amusing and insightful stories to share. In his book Laugh Your Apps Off, he shares a delightful collection of anecdotes from the world of independent schools. Join me for a conversation with Jeff that's sure to make you smile—and maybe even share a few laughs.  Resources: Laugh Your Apps Off        

Independent school leaders are forging innovative partnerships to expand opportunities for their students and communities. In March 2024, Wayland Academy (WI) and Ripon College unveiled a groundbreaking pilot program guaranteeing admission and financial aid to Wayland's international students who meet specific academic requirements. Join us as we discuss this transformative initiative with Jason Warnick, Head of School at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  

Join us for a special live episode of the Enrollment Spectrum Podcast, recorded at EMA's Annual Conference (AC24). This session features a dynamic lineup of EMA's podcast hosts and a special appearance by Heather Hoerle, EMA's Executive Director and CEO. Together, we explore the past decade's evolution in strategic enrollment management and share insights into its future. With audience questions and perspectives woven throughout, this engaging discussion captures the voices and vision of those shaping the field.  

In this episode, we will hear from Keith Chicquen, Founding Headmaster of TASIS Portugal, and Aimee Gruber, Assistant Head of Enrollment Management and Marketing. Keith and Aimee share their incredible journey of moving from Canada to Portugal in 2019 to establish the fourth TASIS school. Join us as we dive into their backgrounds in education and leadership, the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and their insights on building a school from the ground up. It's a conversation full of inspiration and valuable lessons in resilience and innovation.