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New School Business Plan

Step 1: school overview, step 2: executive summary, step 3: school services.

• Literacy services
• Numeracy services
• Meeting accreditation standards
• Foundations in science and mathematics
• Foundations in geography and history
• Giving extracurricular activities
• Giving books and school materials

Step 4: Mission Statement and Vision Statement

Step 5: job description, step 6: swot analysis.

• Strengths – What is the ace of your school against your competitors?
• Weaknesses – On what aspects are your school lacking?
• Opportunities – Where does your school excel in teaching?
• Threats – What can make a student leave your school?

Step 7: Market Research

Step 8: sales plan, step 9: publicity plan, step 10: school budget, share this post on your network, file formats, word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates, you may also like these articles, 5+ sample investment company business plan in pdf.

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Home » Sample Business Plans » Education » School

How to Write a Language School Business Plan [Sample Template]

Do you want to start a language school and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a sample language school business plan template & FREE feasibility report. English is the official language in the United States and there are migrants and students who intend working or studying in the United States who would need to first enroll and pass through a language school before they can be fully integrated into the society, hence the viability and profitability of language schools in the United States of America.

If you want to start a language school, it would be a wrong business judgment if you decide to site the school close to an industrial area or close to a market. Aspiring entrepreneurs therefore are urged to ensure that they carry out thorough market research and feasibility study of the industry they intend to go into before investing their hard earned money and time in it.

A Sample Language School Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Generally, players in the Language Schools industry offer language instruction ranging from conversational skills for personal enrichment to intensive training courses for career or educational opportunities. Schools teach foreign languages, sign language and English as a second language. Please note that the Language Schools industry does not include language instruction software.

Over the years, per capita disposable income and international travel by US residents have grown, thus providing remarkable growth for the Language Schools industry. Going forward, the industry will build on its success in the online, corporate and international markets to fuel growth.

So also, steady immigration levels will aid long-term demand for English-language courses in the domestic market. Demand for language training will also grow as the US population becomes more diverse and businesses attempt to target the new demographic markets. Nevertheless, competition from language instruction software continues to pose a threat to the industry.

The Language Schools industry is indeed a large and thriving industry. Statistics has it that the Language Schools industry in the united states of America is worth billion, with an estimated growth rate of 1.3 percent within 2012 and 2017.

There are about 13,324 registered and licensed Language Schools scattered all around the United States of America and they are responsible for employing about 36,078 people. Alexander Language Schools, Berlitz, Language Leaders Franchising and Rosetta Stone Inc. are the market leaders in this industry, they have lion market shares in the industry.

A report released by IBISWorld shows that as with most industries in the education sector, wages, which include salaries and benefits, account for the largest cost to industry operators. This industry requires instructors, researchers and program developers, as well as employees who perform administrative and management duties.

The report also shows that in 2017, wages are estimated to account for 35.3 percent of revenue. Language schools usually deliver training on a face-to-face basis in small groups, which is highly labor-intensive. On the other hand, establishments can expand facilities and purchase equipment according to need, thereby reducing the level of capital needed to successfully operate in this industry.

Small local operators may even hold language classes in community centers, schools or residential homes. Even though there are loads of players in the Language Schools industry, the industry is still pretty much open for aspiring school proprietors and proprietress to still come in and compete.

As a matter of fact, if you conduct your research and feasibility studies very well before starting your own language school, coupled with impressive profile of your faculty members, you are likely going to struggle less to make headway in the industry.

2. Executive Summary

Kings International® Language School is an international private language school that will be located in a well – populated residential estate in Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach – Florida, United States of America. We are a standard and government accredited language school that will be predominantly funded through tuition fees and levies from students and of course from other private sources.

Kings International® Language School is a client-focused and result driven private language school that provides broad-based learning approaches and experience at an affordable fee that won’t in any way put a hole in the pocket of our clients (students and parents alike).

We will offer standard and professional language teaching services in a highly secured and conducive learning environment. We will ensure that we work hard to meet and surpass all our students’ expectations and educational goals whenever they enroll in our school.

At Kings International® Language School, our students’ overall best interest would always come first, and everything we do is guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hire professional educationists cum teachers in various languages who are well experienced and passionate in imparting knowledge to students at various learning ladder.

Kings International® Language School will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as an educational organization, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our students’ needs precisely and completely.

We have plans to offer learning platforms to people both online and offline. Our overall business goal is to position our language school to become the leading language school brand in the educational industry in the whole of Delray Beach – Florida, and also to be amongst the top 20 language schools in the United States of America within the first 10 years’ of operations.

This might look too tall a dream but we are optimistic that this will surely come to pass because we have done our research and feasibility studies and we are enthusiastic and confident that Delray Beach – Florida is the right place to launch our language school.

Kings International® Language School is founded by Dr. Jenkins Adolphus and his immediate family members. He is an educationist par excellence and has won many awards in the education sector in the United States. Dr. Jenkins Adolphus has both the academic qualification and experience to run a private language school that can favorably compete with other leading language schools not only in Delray Beach – Florida, but also throughout the United States.

3. Our Products and Services

Kings International® Language School is going to offer varieties of learning and instruction services within the scope of the language schools industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our language school is to soundly educate people in various languages and of course to make profits and we will do all that is permitted by the law in the US to achieve our aim and business goal.

Our service offerings are listed below;

• Foreign languages (French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin and Arabic et al)
• English as a second language
• Career language training
• Sign language
• Retailing of language books and training materials (DVDs, and CDs et al)

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to build a highly competitive language school that will become the number one choice for students in the whole of Delray Beach – Florida. Our vision reflects our values: integrity, service, excellence and teamwork.
• Our mission is to provide professional and conducive learning environment to students at different levels of learning as it relates to the language of their choice.
• Our overall business goal is to position Kings International® Language School to become the leading language school brand in the language school industry in the whole of Delray Beach – Florida, and also to be amongst the top 20 language schools in the United States of America within the first 10 years of operation.

Our Business Structure

It is a known fact that the success of any business is to a large extent dependent on the business structure of the organization and the people who occupy the available roles in the organization. Kings International® Language School will build a solid business structure that can support the growth of our language school.

We will ensure that we hire competent hands (teaching and non – teaching staff members) to help us build the language school of our dream. The fact that we want to become one of the leading language schools in the industry in the whole of the United States of America makes it highly necessary for our organization to deliberately build a well – structured business from the onset.

We will work hard to ensure that we only attract people with the right mindset to help us achieve our business goals and objectives. Below is the business structure that we will build at Kings International® Language School;

• Head of School (School Proprietress)

School Administrator

Tutors for Various Languages

• Accountant/Bursar
• Client Service Executive/Front Desk Officer

Security Officers

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Head of School/School Coordinator:

• Grows management’s effectiveness by employing, selecting, positioning, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Produces, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing school fees and signing business deals
• Accountable for providing direction for the business
• Creates, interconnects, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• In charge of signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the language school
• Design job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for tutors (teachers)
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders (students and member of the school board) to review the effectiveness of the schools’ Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversees the smooth running of the daily activities of the language school.
• Teach subjects as assigned by the school administrator
• Establishes foundations in various languages as assigned
• Accesses the progress of students under their care
• Ensures that students abide by the rules and regulations of the school
• Contributes his/her quota towards growing the language school
• Receives complaints from students and channel it to the appropriate quarters
• Handles any other duty as assigned by the school administrator

Marketing Executive

• Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new students, and business opportunities et al
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding sales
• Documents all customer contact and information
• Represents the company in strategic meetings
• Helps to increase sales and growth for the school

School Bursar (Accountant)

• In control of preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• In authority of developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Kings International® Language School
• Serves as internal auditor for Kings International® Language School

Client Service Executive

• Welcomes / receive students by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with parents and students (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the students with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with students on the phone, uses every opportunity to build student’s interest in the schools’ products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR and Admin Manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the schools’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to students when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels/documents for Kings International® Language School
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the School Administrator
• Responsible for cleaning the school facility at all times
• Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
• Cleans both the interior and exterior of the schools’ facility
• Ensures that the school facility is secured at all time
• Controls traffic and organize parking
• Gives security tips to staff members from time to time
• Patrols around the building on a 24 hours’ basis
• Submits security reports weekly
• Any other duty as assigned by the school administrator.

6. SWOT Analysis

Because of our quest for excellence, Kings International® Language School engaged the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring with bias in the education sector to assist us in building a well – structured language school that can favorably compete in the highly competitive language schools industry in the United States.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Kings International® Language School. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Kings International® Language School;

As a language school, our core strength lies in the power of our workforce. We have a team with excellent qualifications and experience in languages. We are well positioned in a community with the right demography and we know we will attract loads of students from the first day we open our doors and welcome students for enrollment.

As a new language school in Delray Beach – Florida, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance via reputation in the already saturated language schools industry; that is perhaps our major weakness.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the language schools industry is massive considering the number of student cum migrants who would want to learn new languages. In the United States, intensive language and cultural training will remain a popular service. As a standard and international language school, Kings International® Language School is ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

The fact that language instruction software is becoming popular, this has resulted to increase in external threats for this industry.

Some other threats that we are likely going to face as a language school operating in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies that might affect private language schools, the arrival of a competitor within our location of operation and global economic downturn which usually affects spending/purchasing power.

There is hardly anything we can do as regards these threats other than to be optimistic that things will continue to work for our good.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the language school line of business is that the keys to attracting students are educational performance and the pass rate of their students in national exams. Any language school that has good records will always thrive.

The demand for the services offered by language schools are driven by the fact that migrants, businesses people, tourists and students would need to learn the language of their host country if they truly want to integrate fully in the country or community.

Economic downturn hasn’t really affected this industry, especially in countries that believe in the efficacy of education. The areas you would need to spend heavily on is in ensuring that your school is up to standard, on advertisements, and insurance policy cover.

Lastly, it is trendier to find language schools leveraging on technology to reach out to students beyond the location where their school is located. With the aid of technology, a language school in the United States of America can enroll and tutor students in any part of the world via online study programs.

8. Our Target Market

As a standard and international language school, Kings International® Language School is going to offer varieties of language instruction services within the scope of the language schools industry in the United States of America. Our intention of starting our language school is to soundly educate people in various languages and of course to make profits from the language schools industry.

Our target market as a private language school cuts across people (students, migrants, tourist, diplomats and business people) of different classes and cultural background whether African, Caucasian, Latinos, Indians, and Asians. We are coming into the language school industry with a business concept that will enable us work with the students at different learning stages.

Our Competitive Advantage

Indeed, the language school industry is highly competitive and the entry barriers are high. As a matter of fact, it is pretty difficult for new entrants to establish themselves in the language school industry. So also, the reputation of the language school is of utmost importance.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the industry means that you should be able to deliver consistent quality service, your students should be able to experience remarkable improvement and you should be able to meet the expectations of both students and parents alike.

Kings International® Language School might be a new entrant into the language schools industry in the United States of America, but the management staff and owners of the school are considered gurus. They are licensed and highly qualified educationists/teachers at various levels of language learning in the United States. These are part of what will count as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

Kings International® Language School is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the language schools industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to attract students on a regular basis. Kings International® Language School will generate income by offering the following language tutorial services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be students who would need the services of language schools to be able to achieve their educational goals and as such the services of language schools will always be needed.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Delray Beach – Florida and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from the first six months of operation and grow the language school and our student base.

We have been able to critically examine language schools in the United States of America and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Delray Beach – Florida.

• First Fiscal Year: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $450,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $750,000

N.B: This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown within the period stated above. Also, there won’t be any major competitor (language school) offering same additional services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions amongst language schools in the United States of America; hence we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing concerns.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited base on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall goal of the language school. We will also ensure that our students’ excellent result from national exams and other exams speaks for us in the market place; we want to build a standard school that will leverage on word of mouth advertisement from satisfied clients.

Kings International® Language School is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients;

• Introduce our language school by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to schools, corporate organizations and key stake holders in Delray Beach – Florida
• Print out fliers and business cards and strategically drop them in schools, libraries and even student organizations
• Use friends and family to spread word about our language school
• Introduce Kings International® Language School to learning specialists, school administrators, teachers, guidance counselors especially as they are with students everyday
• Post information about Kings International® Language School on bulletin boards in places like schools, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Place a small or classified advertisement in newspapers, or local publications about Kings International® Language School.
• Use tutorial referral networks such as agencies that will help match students with Kings International® Language School.
• Join relevant association or body that will enable us network and meet others in same industry.
• Advertise online by using an advertising platform such as Google AdWords, that will allow us place text advertisements alongside on websites with related contents, and along results from search engines.
• Advertise our language school in relevant educational magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• Attend relevant educational expos, seminars, and business fairs et al.
• Engage direct marketing approach.
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied students.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We are aware of the potency of a good publicity strategy hence we have been able to work with our brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for students in the whole of Delray Beach – Florida which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our language school. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Kings International® Language School;

• Place adverts on both print (community based newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events/programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our brand
• Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Delray Beach – Florida
• Engage in roadshows from time to time in targeted neighborhoods in and around Delray Beach – Florida
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around Delray Beach – Florida
• Passing general information via our school’s social media handles like twitter, Facebook, Google hangouts etc.
• Ensure that all our teaching and non – teaching staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles are well branded with our schools’ logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Language schools in the United States of America and of course in all parts of the world charge students per tem/per session and students have the option of either paying their tuitions before resumption or during the school session. Language schools generally charge students based on loads of factors, locations, services offerings and extra – curricular activities et al.

At Kings International® Language School, we will keep our fees below the average market rate for all of our students by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance.  In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our students at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some students that would need special assistance, we will offer flat rate for such services that will be tailored to take care of such students’ needs.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Kings International® Language School is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulations of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Kings International® Language School will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via Point of Sale Machine (POS)
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for the purchase of our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up a language school business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by acquiring a large facility, then you would need a higher amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are taken care of, and that your language school’s environment is conducive enough for students to learn.

The materials and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked. As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a language school business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money.

However, this is what it would cost us to start Kings International® Language School in the United of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750 .
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring a large facility that will accommodate the number of block of classes, staff offices and parking lots et al (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $350,000 .
• Equipping the classes and office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, pens and pencils, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $50,000
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• The budget for the payment of salaries for the first three months of operations: $120,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $15,000

Going by the market survey and feasibility studies conducted, we came to the conclusion that we will need an average of $750,000 to start a medium scale but standard language school in the United States of America.

Generating Startup Capital for Kings International® Language School

Kings International® Language School is a family business that will be owned and managed by Dr. Jenkins Adolphus and his immediate family members. They are the sole financiers of the language school which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the school to three major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our startup capital;

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $250,000 ( Personal savings $200,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $500,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is a known fact that the future of any business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and of course their business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting Kings International® Language School is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers (students and parents alike) over is to ensure that we offer nothing less than the best.

Kings International® Language School will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Securing a standard facility large enough to accommodate our design: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of The Language Schools’ Logo: Completed
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the Needed furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the School: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the language school in Delray Beach – Florida: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the education industry: In Progress

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Business Administrator

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Michael Davison

Mr. Davison has worked as a School Business Administrator/Board Secretary since 2010.  He brings a wide array of experience, having worked at a K-6, K-8, K-12, and a Jointure Commission.  Mr. Davison is an experienced administrator who has managed the fiscal and business operations of school districts while considering short and long-term planning in ways that provide the best possible educational services with the financial resources that are available.  As School Business Administrator, Mr. Davison has been responsible for all business functions of the districts, facility management, technology infrastructure and system management, transportation services, and food service operations.  He has overseen insurance plans which include worker's compensation, property and casualty, as well as health, dental, and vision insurances.  Mr. Davison is also a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations (SFO®), which is one of the profession’s most prestigious designations. 

Prior to his work in education, Mr. Davison worked in the financial services industry both on the client side as well as in the compliance department.  Mr. Davison holds his Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law School and has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Rutgers School of Business.

Mr. Davison spends his time outside of work with his family and enjoys spending time outdoors.   

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Ms. Susan Sorbera

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Mrs. jacqueline kropp.

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Mrs. jo ann marucci.

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Vocational School Training Business Plan Template

Explore Options to Get a Business Plan.

Are you interested in starting your own Vocational School Training Business?

Introduction

Global market size, target market, business model, competitive landscape, legal and regulatory requirements, financing options, marketing and sales strategies, operations and logistics, human resources & management.

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How To Start a Vocational School

Steps to consider before starting a vocational school

Vocational schools serve a distinctive purpose as they provide short-term training that prepares students to enter the workforce in a field in demand in their local community or region. These schools are often referred to as technical schools and are usually fully accredited, which allows students to receive financial aid when attending if they qualify. If there's a need in your community or region for certain skills or trades that aren't currently taught, you can establish a school to teach them if you know how to start a vocational school.

Determine what programs you will offer.

‍ One of the first things that you must do is establish what programs and classes you will teach at your vocational school. While you may have some notion of what you want to offer, it's always best to consult with local businesses to determine what programs they would find beneficial. Not only does this generate support for your vocational school, but some businesses may be interested in monetarily sponsoring a particular program since essentially it will be training their future employees.

Find a facility.

‍ The facility size for a vocational school depends upon the number of programs and classes you will offer as well as how many students you will serve. Once you've determined what programs will be part of your school, you can then determine how much space will be needed to adequately teach and train students in each program. By adding the space for each program together along with space for the office and administrative sides of your vocational school, you can work out what type of facility to lease, purchase or build. ‍

Establish your school as a private or public institution.

Public vocational schools get funding from the local or state government to supplement the cost of their programs while private schools must raise the funds themselves. In order to be considered a public school, you'll need to get approval from the Board of Regents or other higher education authority in your state. Otherwise, you will be considered a private institution.

Hire staff and faculty.

‍ A number of people will be needed to run and operate your vocational school as many tasks will need to be done on a daily basis. Faculty will be needed to teach in the classroom and in each program, while support staff will be needed to recruit students, help students with the financial aid process, collect payments, buy supplies, and much more.

Buy equipment needed for each program .

You will need to purchase equipment for the different programs you will be offering at your vocational school so students have the right tools to learn. For example, for an auto mechanics program at your vocational school you will need to provide car lifts, power tools, parts to repair vehicles and diagnostic tools.

Get accreditation.

‍ It is important that your vocational school is fully accredited in order for your students to qualify for and receive financial aid. There are regional accrediting organizations throughout the United States that can accredit your school and your programs. Generally, the accreditation process is completed by three to five appointed individuals who come to your school, visit with students and faculty, and review the curriculum.

Advertise and market the vocational school. Once you've got everything in place at your vocational school, you can advertise and market the training and education you provide. ‍ ‍

These are some of the steps that I recommend:

Prepare Your Program Curriculum:

‍ It’s not enough to have an idea and a general plan. To start a successful vocational school, you need details – lots and lots of details. Every week, every day, and every hour must be accounted for in your curriculum:

-What subjects are you teaching?

-What are the learning objectives for every subject and week?

-How are those subjects taught? (lecture, labs, a combination. What are the required learning materials?)

-How do you assess student progress?

-What’s the split between lecture and lab time?

-How is lab time credited and supervised by staff?

-What skills are tested as practical application vs. written?

-What’s the best order in which to teach all the topics? Why?

-How many total hours is the program? Is this amount enough to award a certificate or a diploma in the area of study?

-How does each subject you teach prepare graduates for getting and keeping a job?

All these answers are required for approval to operate as a school in most states, but drilling down the details also helps you get organized for when things start to get messed up – because, trust me, they will go off the rails a few times, especially with the first couple of start dates. The more organized you are with the Program Curriculum, the better prepared you’ll be. ‍

Prepare Your Business Plan:

The curriculum details what’s being taught, how you deliver it, and why it’s important to the students’ career path. The business plan is basically everything else: facilities, staffing, staff training, marketing, enrollment benchmarks (and how you’ll meet them), operational procedures, safety, growth and improvement plans, etc.

When starting a trade school, a good business plan will help you get funding as well as help you realize all of the things you haven’t thought about yet (I’m not kidding). You will need to plan for everything from desks to lab equipment; from phone lines to advertising copy; from spare pens to fire extinguishers. Some states require such plans be submitted for initial approval to operate, but if your state doesn’t, make one anyway. It will prepare you for the future.

When starting your own trade school remember: you will always forget something. That’s why you have to plan. Speak with people who run their own schools and ask how they got started, what did they learn, etc. An extra month or two of quality research will save you years of bad decisions.

Design Your Course Catalog

The course catalog is sort of the nightmare of all vocational schools. It contains not only program and curriculum information, but all of your academic, student grievance, and student conduct procedures. For vocational schools, it’s more than just a schedule of classes. It serves as both the information and rule book for students (schools are required to give a copy to all students when they enroll).

The standard operating procedures for vocational schools must be clear. And yes, creating them is very much jumping through hoops, but it’s a way for new schools to prove to the state and federal agencies that you’re serious about creating a good school and not just getting money from students. Creating your course catalog also forces you as a person starting a trade school to think about things you never do in normal life like what to do if a student disrupts class, dress codes, and what the procedure should be if a student has a problem with a member of staff.

Find Industry Partners.

You need industry partners for two main reasons:

1. Ensuring your curriculum is up-to-date and applicable to current practices.

2. It helps with job placement.

In most states, and for all federal accreditation, states are required to not only publish their job placement rates, but meet a minimum standard as well. If you don’t place your graduates, then the governing bodies assume you are not providing a quality education. I always categorized costs of working with industry partners as marketing, but it’s also a vital aspect of maintaining job placement for your graduates on an operational and student services basis.

Come Up With Your Start-up Capital.

This is true of almost all small businesses: they never start with enough money. Just because you open a school does not mean that all of a sudden you will have students. At minimum, I always recommend at least three months of market saturation to advertise a new school in a region: local papers, radio, TV spots, streaming media spots, search engine marketing, etc. You. Must. Advertise. If. You. Want. Students.

A huge percentage of your start-up capital should be going to marketing. No students = no school. If you don’t make yourself known as a new school… no one knows about you.

Once you’re up and running and have regular enrollments, then you can decrease to the more standard level of re-investing 12-15% of revenue into marketing.

Apply For a State License:

Most states require that a school’s curriculum, staff, and operations plan be approved by the applicable agency BEFORE the school opens. Some don’t even allow schools to advertise until they’ve been approved. Once your application is submitted there is generally a site visit to make sure your facilities are adequate, and, if there are problems, you can’t start classes, which is why a lot of the footwork mentioned above prepares you for getting approval from your state.

Once approved you always have to be re-approved, so this is a constant process that happens anywhere from every 2 to 5 years.

Additionally, this is not federal accreditation, which is what is required in order for your programs to be eligible for FAFSA funding. That’s at least two years down the road after you start your first class.

Here is a list of Required Documents by “New York State Education Department – Adult Career and Continuing Education Services” (ACCES):

Application Fees

Per NYS Education Law 101 all fees listed below are non-refundable.

• New school application fee $5,000 (LPCS and ESL)
• Candidate school application for an LPCS fee $5,000 (If you are filing to be a candidate school, you will need to file for candidacy at the same time and pay an additional $5,000 non-refundable application fee)
• 2nd School location application fee $2,500 (schools apply under the same ownership that has a valid certification or licensure only)
• Director application $100.00
• Agent application $200.00*
• LPC school only
• Teacher application $100.00
• Curriculum applications $100 – $250 (Additional fees may be required for external evaluations) see Part 126.4 of the Commissioner's Regulations
• ESL schools only
• ESL Teacher application – $0.00
• ESL Program application – $0.00

*A director holding a valid director permit or license is entitled to an agent certificate without incurring the agent application fee at the school their director permit or license is valid at. The director still must complete the agent application and satisfy the requirements for certification as an agent.*

Application Process

Step 1: As the applicant, you first need to decide what type of school you are going to apply for - ESL or LPCS - and review the registration and licensure requirements.

For LPC schools only: decide, in addition to licensure, if you are applying for a one-time-only candidacy. If you are applying for candidacy, please review the candidacy school requirements (in addition to the licensure requirements).

Step 2 : If you do not already have a personal My.NY.gov account, you will need to create a personal account with My.NY.gov as shown in the application instructions .

Step 3 : Locate the BPSS tab in My.NY.gov and register with BPSS as shown in the application instructions.

Step 4 : On the public application screen, you will be able to file a new school application by selecting the “Apply for School Licenses” tab. You can return here to start a new school application or continue an application that is not yet filed.

Step 5:  Select the type of school (LPCS or ESL) and click "next".

Step 6: For LPCS only, indicate whether or not you are applying for candidacy.  Please ensure that you read the candidacy requirements and limitations before selecting “yes”.

Step 7: Complete the school information screen by adding the school information.  In the school name filed, you must use the name exactly as it is approved on the school ownership papers.

Step 8:   Add the school’s address information.  (LPCS applying for candidacy must complete this section). For all others, BPSS suggests that you do not lease a facility until you are close to being licensed. If you do, you will incur rent, but not be able to operate the school until it is licensed. The licensing process takes about eight months.  You do not need to have quarters to file the school application at this time, but if you already have them, please complete this portion of the application.

Step 9: Verification of your contact information. Please review and verify your contact information. If any of your contact information is incorrect, you will need to update/edit as needed.  For instructions on updating your information, click on the help link and select the “Update Personal Information” instructions from the dropdown.

Step 10 :  Add ownership information.

Step 11: Add the stakeholders’ information. BPSS is often is asked if this information is required and the answer is “yes”. This includes personal information and social security numbers.

If your corporation has board members, please list the board members first.

If your business has more than eight owners, please list the top eight.

Step 12 : The system will now display a basic list of required ownership documentation that will be uploaded on the next page.  If you have not already done so, please collect this information and make PDF files of those documents for uploading.

The original Secretary’s Certificate must be mailed to the Albany Bureau office using registered mail (i.e., USPS, UPS, FedEx or other) with a cover letter which states the name of the school under which you are filing.

Step 13 : Uploading of ownership information. Please review documentation required for your specific type of owner listed below under "detailed information."

• Select the green "add files" tab;
• Select the ownership file on your computer that you want to upload and click "open";
• After you have selected the file, a category dropdown list will appear.  In that dropdown, select "ownership".
• A description dropdown box will appear.  In that dropdown, select the corresponding file name of the document you are uploading.
• Then click the "start" button to prepare the download.
• Continue to upload ownership documents as needed.
• Click "next".

Step 14 : The system will now display a basic list of requirements for administrative forms, financials, quarters and personnel.  Please review and print if needed.            

Step 15: On the required school document page, please upload any and all required documents you have ready for review. Please review documentation required for your specific type of school, including templates, which are listed below under "detailed information".

• A description dropdown box will appear. In that dropdown, select the corresponding file name of the document you are uploading.

Step 16 : Answer the new school information questions.  Any answer of “yes” requires an explanation to be written in the explanation box.

Step 17 : Attest to the application.

Step 18 : Pay the new school application fee.  An evaluation cannot be made without an application and a non-refundable fee. Once the evaluation is performed, the fee is earned regardless of whether the application was approved, denied or withdrawn.

• ESL school application $5,000*
• LPC school application $5,000*
• LPC school application with candidacy application, total $10,000 ($5,000 for licensure and $5,000 for candidacy)

*2nd School location licensure application fee is $2,500 and can only be paid by voucher (schools apply under the same ownership that has a valid certification or licensure only)

Credit card: If you are paying by credit card, you can make a payment and immediately log out and back in to receive administrator rights to the school and continue the application process.

Checks: If you are paying by check, you will need to print a voucher at the end of the application and mail the voucher, with the check, to the address on the voucher. You will not be able to continue the certification or licensure process until the application fee is received and processed, this can take 2-4 weeks.

Step 19: After the fee has been processed, and you have logged out and back in , BPSS recommends filing of the school curriculum or program application(s) next.            

Please select your type of school for specific instructions related to your school.

LPC schools – Curriculum Requirements

ESL school - Program Applications

Step 20: Filling of School’s Personnel Applications.

All BPSS schools are required to have a director, agent, and teacher.  One individual can be the director, agent, and teacher, if they satisfy the requirements for each. The school could be required to have more than one. For example, if the school has two classes running at the same time, the school will need to have at least two teachers, one for each class.

To complete an agent or director application, the applicant will need your permission to apply. This permission is granted by you providing the applicant has an employee verification code that allows them to start an application under the name of your school.  Even if you are completing the application yourself, you will still need to create a code for each application. (Please note, teachers do not need an employee verification code.)

For instruction on generating an employee verification code for agent and directors:

· please login;

· select the "school administrator" role;

· Select "Generate Employee Verification Code";

· Select from the dropdown the type of application you would like an employee verification for and give that code to the applicant.

For an applicant to file an application, they will need their own My.NY.gov account. For more information, see " Qualifications, instructions, and personnel applications ".

Please note, the administrative form catalog cannot be approved without the personnel listed in the catalog being approved first.

Step 21: Respond to requests for documentation and complete the licensure process in the time frame provided per Policy Guideline 3-0800.

Additional documentation can be uploaded under the administrator role using the "Manage Documents" and "Manage Enrollment Agreements" tabs. Detailed instructions can be found under the "help" link.

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This page provides an overview of the state and national standards that are used when developing business education content. These standards should be reviewed when developing local curriculum, when preparing programs for NYSED approval or re-approval, or when establishing procedures for standards-based grading in business coursework.

New York State Standards 

The New York State Learning Standards for Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) were developed by a curriculum and assessment committee comprised of K-postsecondary educators, school administrators, community and business representatives, and parents. The CDOS standards lay out the foundation for a system designed to deliver career planning, integrated/applied learning, and basic life and work skills to all students. They also provide standards/performance indicators for programs of study in six different career cluster areas. Students who elect to study a specific career cluster acquire the career knowledge and skills necessary for immediate employment and/or continuing study in a postsecondary program.

The specific standards/performance indicators for business/marketing careers are contained in CDOS Standard 3b: Career Majors: Business/Information Systems. New York State standards support the national standards for business education and marketing education developed by other organizations, and which can be found on the web sites listed below.

The New York State Education Department, with the assistance of many educators from across the State, also developed a Career Development and Occupational Studies Resource Guide to serve as a companion document to the learning standards.

Both the CDOS learning standards and resource guide are available on the CDOS web site .

National Standards

Note: accessing the following websites will take you out of the New York State Education Department business and marketing education website. Use your browser's back button to return to our site.

The following are a list of national standards that can be used for business courses. They may also be used when implementing standards-based grading practices.

Career Cluster Framework

• Business Management and Administration
• Information Technology

Common Career Technical Core

MBA Research Standards for Business Education

National Business Education Association Standards (NBEA membership required for access)

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School Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

School Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their schools.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a school business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a school business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a School Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your school as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a School

If you’re looking to start a school or grow your existing school, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your school to improve your chances of success. Your school business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Schools

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for schools are donations and gifts, tuition, personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for schools.

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How to write a business plan for a school.

If you want to start a school or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your school business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of school you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a school that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of schools?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the school industry.
• Discuss the type of school you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of school you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of schools:

• Private K-12 school : this type of school typically charges tuition, and may be affiliated with a religious organization, or specialize in a particular learning method.
• Charter school: this type of school offers primary or secondary education for a tuition, and may receive some public funding, and/or donations. These schools require their students to take state-mandated exams.
• Special subject school: this type of school specializes in teaching a specific subject, such as driving, first-aid, self-defense, fine arts, language, or general tutoring.
• Preschool: this type of school typically serves children who are aged 3 and 4. These schools prepare young children to enter formal education, and are funded by some combination of tuition, donations, and government grants.

In addition to explaining the type of school you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of students served, the number of students accepted into elite formal education institutions, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the school industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the school industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your school business plan:

• How big is the school industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your school? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your school business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: families with elementary-aged children, families with high-school-aged children, families with preschool children.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of school you operate. Clearly, families with high schoolers would respond to different marketing promotions than families with preschoolers, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other schools.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes public schools, virtual schools, and families who do homeschooling. You need to mention such competition as well.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of students do they serve?
• What type of school are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide specialized instruction, either in subject or in method?
• Will you offer courses or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a school business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of school that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide religious-focused K-8 education, college preparatory courses, or single-subject instruction like driving or fine arts?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the courses and/or extracurricular activities you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your school. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your school located in a growing neighborhood, in the city center, or will you operate purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your school marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your school, including answering calls, planning and delivering instruction, applying for grants, fundraising, performing administrative tasks, overseeing instructors, handling discipline, scheduling and monitoring extracurricular activities, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to enroll your Xth student, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your school to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your school’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing schools. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in running a school or experience with public school administration or who has served on a public school board.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you enroll 100 or 1,000 students per semester, and/or offer extracurricular activities? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your school, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a school:

• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your school location lease or a list of elective courses or extracurricular activities you will offer.  

Writing a business plan for your school is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the school industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful school.  

School Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my school business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your school business plan.

How Do You Start a School?

Starting a school is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your School
• Create Your School Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your School
• Secure Startup Funding for Your School (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your School with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your School
• Buy or Lease the Right School Equipment
• Develop Your School Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your School
• Open for Business

Learn more about   how to start your own school .

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your School business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to learn about Growthink’s business plan writing services .

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Starting a Vocational School: Your Comprehensive Guide for Success 

Disclosure: Small Business Philippines strives to provide relevant and accurate information in all its articles. However, some information in our articles may differ or might be outdated from what you can see or read directly from the establishments’ or businesses’ websites. Please get in touch with us directly for any discrepancies.

A vocational school, also known as a trade school or career school, is an institution that offers specialized education and training to prepare individuals for specific careers. Unlike traditional academic institutions, vocational schools focus on practical skills and hands-on learning, ensuring students are job-ready upon completion of their courses.

1. Meeting Market Demand

2. fulfilling a purpose, 3. financially rewarding, market research, economic conditions, legislation and regulations, choosing the right location, facilities and infrastructure, leveraging technology, 1. create a business plan, 2. legal and regulatory compliance, 3. curriculum development, 4. hire qualified instructors, 5. marketing and branding, 6. student recruitment and admission, 1. continuous improvement, 2. networking, 3. student support services, key takeaways, why start a vocational school.

The Philippines’ job market is constantly evolving, and there is a growing demand for skilled workers in various industries. By starting a vocational school, you can bridge the skills gap and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Vocational schools provide opportunities for individuals to pursue careers they are passionate about. Empowering students to achieve their goals can be highly rewarding.

Running a successful vocational school can yield substantial profits. As your reputation grows, so will your student enrollment, leading to increased revenue.

When is the Right Time to Start a Vocational School?

Timing is essential in any business venture, and starting a vocational school requires careful consideration. Here are some factors to evaluate:

Conduct thorough research to identify gaps in the local job market and assess the demand for specific vocational courses.

Evaluate the current economic situation in the Philippines . A stable economy with growth potential may be favorable for your venture.

Stay updated with government policies regarding education and vocational training. Compliance is vital for a smooth operation.

Where to Establish Your Vocational School?

Look for a location with a good demographic profile, where there’s a demand for vocational education. Accessibility and proximity to potential employers are also crucial factors.

Ensure your chosen location has adequate space and facilities to accommodate classrooms, workshops, and administrative offices.

In 2023, integrating technology into your vocational school can enhance the learning experience and attract tech-savvy students.

How to Start a Vocational School: Step-by-Step Guide

Outline your vision, mission, target market, course offerings, and financial projections. A well-structured business plan will serve as your roadmap to success.

Register your vocational school as a legal entity and secure the necessary permits and licenses from government agencies, such as the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Design comprehensive and industry-relevant courses that align with the needs of the job market. Collaborate with industry experts to ensure your curriculum remains up-to-date.

Recruit experienced and skilled instructors who are passionate about teaching and have practical industry knowledge.

Develop a strong online presence through a user-friendly website, social media, and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Highlight success stories and student testimonials to build credibility.

Implement an efficient enrollment process and provide excellent customer service to potential students and their parents or guardians.

Tips for Running a Successful Vocational School

Regularly evaluate and update your courses to reflect industry trends and demands.

Build relationships with local businesses and industries to facilitate internships and job placements for your students.

Offer counseling and career guidance services to support your students throughout their educational journey.

Starting a vocational school in the Philippines in 2023 can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor. By understanding the demand for specific skills, complying with regulations, and providing high-quality education, you can make a positive impact on the lives of many while running a successful business . Remember, success will require dedication, passion, and a student-focused approach. So, take the first step today and embark on this rewarding journey!

Are you ready to make a difference in people’s lives while building a thriving business ? Don’t wait any longer! Start planning your vocational school today, and remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Together, let’s shape a brighter future for aspiring professionals in the Philippines!

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What Are Career Colleges?

Find the right college for you., options for life after high school.

Do you dream of being a pastry chef? Want to build cars? If you have specific career goals, consider a college that trains you in that particular area.

To prepare for some careers, you may need to attend a specialized college, such as a culinary college. For others, especially more technical jobs, you may need to go to a vocational college.

Accredited institutions like these that prepare students for specific skill-based careers are known as career and technical colleges. These programs require 2─4 years of study, depending on the extent of training required.

Although many students choose to attend career and technical colleges, other students pursue these interests at community colleges, which often have lower tuition costs. Consider which type of college best suits your needs as you explore your options.

A Variety of Programs

Consider choosing a career college if you're pursuing a career in these fields (among others):

• Computer technology
• Radio and television broadcasting
• Business administration
• Culinary arts
• Paralegal studies
• Mechanical engineering
• Commercial art
• Firefighting
• Dental hygiene

You can find career colleges with excellent programs in about every city and region in this country. Many of these classes are taught by an adjunct professor. These professionals teach a course or two in their field to college students.

Academic Programs

At career colleges, you typically don't take general education classes in core subjects like English and math. Instead, you focus on career-related courses. And at many career colleges, you complete the program in one uninterrupted period of anywhere from 10 to 18 months of study. You receive a certificate of completion or an associate of science (AS) degree when you complete your program.

Finding the Right Program

To find an accredited career college that fits meets your specific needs and interests, visit your counselor. Use College Search .

Once you find colleges that meet your needs and interests, be sure to consider the following:

• Cost: How much does the program cost (i.e., tuition, commuting, and books)? What types of scholarships and other financial assistance does the college offer?
• Requirements: What kinds of classes, in addition to the hands-on training, do you need to earn a degree? Can any of the classes you took in high school be applied toward these requirements?
• Credentials: Is the college licensed by the state? Is it accredited? If yes, by whom?
• Faculty: What teaching approaches do they use? What are their qualifications?
• Classes: What are the classes like? How big are the classes?
• Training/internships: How much hands-on training is there? What are the internship opportunities?

Catalogs, websites, and your counselor can answer some of these questions, but you should plan a campus visit to get a feel for a college. While you're there, speak to students and faculty members. Schedule time to sit in on a class.

Placement Services

A critical aspect of any career or vocational colleges you explore will be their job placement services. You’re about to make a substantial financial investment in your future. It’s important to understand all the implications before you begin.

Ask the admissions officers how job placements are handled. Request specific job-placement statistics for the field you’re interested in. Make sure that a substantial percentage of students get placement in suitable jobs before you commit to enrolling.

Reviewing All Options

While career colleges have their benefits, remember that training in a specific field may limit your options if you decide to change careers later. You're also giving up the well-rounded education that a liberal arts program has to offer. So, before committing to a career college, be certain you're choosing a career that will keep you happy and fulfilled in the coming years.

What does it mean to be a career college?

A career college provides vocational or career-oriented training programs for particular professions or industries. These colleges prepare students for the workforce and offer programs of varying lengths. They have a practical approach to education and emphasize skills development. They have streamlined curricula focused on distinct career paths. Career colleges are beneficial for individuals who want to enter the workforce quickly or change careers.

What’s different about a career college?

Because career and technical colleges prepare students for definitive professions, they have shorter programs focused on practical skills and specialized training. They offer flexible schedules, real-world experience, and dedicated career services. Usually, they don’t offer traditional courses such as math, English , or history.

Are career colleges accredited?

Reputable career colleges have accreditation from the U.S. Department of Education and other relevant authorities. Accreditation is important because it assures the institution meets certain quality standards.

How do career colleges support job placement after graduation?

Career colleges often have dedicated career services departments that assist students with job placement and career development. Additionally, some career colleges have partnerships with local businesses and industries, which can provide networking opportunities and access to job openings.

Can you transfer credits earned at a career college to a traditional college or university ?

Although some traditional colleges and universities accept transfer credits from career schools, others have limitations or specific criteria for credit transfer. Access the website of the college you wish to attend. Consult with the college’s admissions office to determine its transfer credit policies and requirements.

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Business Plan & Budget

Documenting your vision.

A business plan is an essential part of the planning process, helping identify goals and metrics and your plan to achieve them.

• Starting with your objectives
• Business plan vs. a budget
• Business plan types
• Creating your business plan
• Creating your budget

Planning for Your New School

Your business plan and budget are important tools for two reasons:

First, before you invest your time, energy and money in opening a school, it is important that you have a plan for yourself that you can believe in. Opening any business is hard work and carries risk - schools are no exception! Having a plan can allow you to move forward with confidence.

Second, your plan can be helpful to help others understand how you expect to turn you vision from dream to reality. From recruiting staff to recruiting financial backing, a solid plan allows you to build confidence in others, too.

In this section we look at the fundamentals for school business plans and budgets, and how these are derived from your vision and objectives.

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Websites & Admissions

Starting with your objectives.

As Lewis Carroll so playfully points out: you need to first know where you want to go, and then you can build a plan to get there.

If you’ve not already started with the work outlined in the school identity section of this guide, now is a great time to review the topics on core values and mission. Once your core values and mission are clear, you can begin to set objectives by examining questions such as:

Who are the students and families you want to serve? There are any number of ways you might think about this: are you intending to provide services for an underserved population or a group with particular needs that aren’t being met in your community? Are you wanting to bring together families with a common interest or ideology, whether that is an academic focus, religious conviction, academic philosophy, or opportunity for particular experiences?

What is the ideal size for your program? Even knowing you won’t get there right away, do you ultimately want to remain a small community of 18 or 24, or does your objective require a population of 300 or 500 or 1000 students to support the diversity of programming, staff expertise and varies programs you’d like to offer?

What role do you want to create for yourself? This can be a particularly tricky question, but it is crucial to step back and consider as part of your plan. If your first love is working in the classroom, you should have a plan that allows you classroom time. That may mean splitting time between administrative tasks and a small class workload, or it could mean having a large enough enrollment to bring in a full-time administrator. If you are excited by strategy and operations, and enjoy building a team, recruiting parents, and overseeing the day-to-day running of the school, keep yourself in an administrative role. There are dozens of roles you might choose to play: why not use this opportunity to ensure you put yourself in your dream job?

Once you’ve worked through your objectives (and written them down!) you’re ready to move on and begin planning.

Business Plan vs. Budget

A common misconception is that a well-defined and detailed budget is essentially the same as a business plan. While a solid budget is an important component of a business plan, a true business plan looks beyond just the projected income and expenses to answer questions about both strategy and tactics. 

The Role of a Business Plan

Business plans can seem daunting if you’ve never had to write one before. It is a must-have document, though, as it serves as a road map for your new school. Although there are many things that are going to be a part of the business plan, it is there to explain what you hope to accomplish with your school and how you are going to accomplish it. Additionally, business plans serve as important documentation for financial institutions or investors to see whether your school is worth investing in.

The Role of a Budget

Budgets, on the other hand, are primarily internal documents you’ll use to track your income and expenses and determine where your spending should take place. If you need new textbooks or want to give someone a raise, your budget will guide you through your decisions and help you determine if you have the money to do so, or what you need to accomplish to make it happen.

Business Plan Types

Creating a business plan can take time, but the good thing is that they tend to follow a consistent format – so you can basically work from a template to create yours. There are two common approaches used today:

Traditional "Full" Business Plan

A traditional, full business plan tends to be comprehensive and detailed. Creation of a full business plan can be time consuming but going through the process will help identify areas of planning that you may not have considered, and the resulting plan should provide sufficient details to be used when talking with banks or investors. For full business plans, the US Small Business Administration has a great  step-by-step guide  that walks you through each section of your business plan, along with some examples to look at.

Start-Up "Lean" Business Plan

An alternate approach is the lean start-up plan, which is faster to write and focuses more on high-level plans and a few key elements. Lean plans can be a good place to start, with the assumption you will update and revise the plan frequently.  Particularly if soliciting funding, you may require additional time and detail later. Tim Berry, one of the leading experts on lean business plans, provides a good overview in his  What's a Lean Business Plan  article.

Creating Your Business Plan

There are lots of options for online business plan templates and most share a lot of common characteristics. There’s nothing wrong with picking one based on personal taste. Any of the following are excellent options as a starting point:

growthink (non-profit business plans)

Rocket Lawyer

My Own Business Institute

InvoiceBerry

US Small Business Administration

That there are many internet-based companies that offer business plan writing or editing, specifically. Here are just a few that you might want to check out:

Cayenne Consulting

Go Business Plans

Wise Business Plans

Many of the same companies that provide the business plan templates we highlighted are business consultants, not just business plan writers. Consultants can help you in your overall plans, particularly in areas where you may need guidance.

Professional organizations and associations for private schools, as well as your local chamber of commerce are also great resources for finding business consultants to assist you in creating your business plan and beyond.

Creating Your Budget

Understanding your costs.

The costs you’ll incur as a new school are really dependent on the choices you make in facilities and staffing. You’ll find a lot of useful information in those sections of this guide and they will help you get a clearer picture of the various expenses you’re going to face as you open up your school.

One of the great things about a budget is that, as long as you can easily read and understand it, the format isn’t going to make or break you. That said, staying organized and keeping track of everything takes a good system. One of the most popular methods is using a spreadsheet or system of spreadsheets to plan your income and expenses. Smartsheet has an excellent business budget template that you can modify to meet the needs of your school.

Once you are up and running, insight into actual income and expenses can be generated by your accounting software. Some accounting packages include budgeting tools as well, easing the work of comparing your plan to your actual numbers.

Tools to Assist With Budget Creation

Several excellent resources exist that can help you develop a budget, including:

The American Association of School Administrators has put together a  School Budgets 101  document that outlines common expenses and budgetary considerations for schools

The Guardian published  A beginner's guide to planning and managing school budgets in 2016, which explains several important budgeting principals.

Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters

Guide Quick-Nav

Introduction

We’ve developed these 10 topics to help you along the way. Take them all in at once, or start with the areas most relevant right now.

School Identity

There’s plenty you can do to develop your own brand, starting right from your personal ideals and goals for your school.

Our curriculum pages include ideas on where to go to find materials, and different associations and educational models you may want to consider.

Legal & Operating Requirements

You need to know the requirements at both the federal level and for your state. Here are the basic details for every state.

Funding & Finance

Here we share ideas for possible funding sources, and ways you might be able to start with less than you thought necessary.

Having a plan for how you’ll operate and a budget to predict and allocate funds is critical for all businesses, schools included. We’ve pulled together resources here to help with both.

What facilities are right for your school? We encourage new schools to get creative, and have compiled some considerations to take into account.

How can you find and recruit the right talent for your school? What qualifications or certifications are required?

Policies & Procedures

Thinking about more than just a student handbook and conduct code, we've included recommendations & templates to help you develop your school policies & procedures

Marketing & Online Presence

Associations