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Why Residential Life Should Have a Seat at the Admissions Table
There is a moment that happens long before a student walks into their first class. It doesn’t happen during Orientation. It isn’t at Convocation. It isn’t when they unpack their belongings in the dorm. It happens during the admissions process. As schools, we spend countless hours helping prospective families understand our academic offerings. We proudly…
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The Hidden Academic Crisis of February: Why Struggling Students Stop Asking for Help
February is one of the quietest months in schools. It is also one of the most dangerous. By the time February arrives, the energy of the fall is long gone, the excitement of January has faded, and the pressure of the spring has not yet begun. Students are stuck in the middle. That middle is…
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The Power of Choice: Why Student Autonomy Strengthens Retention
One of the persistent misconceptions in boarding schools is that student autonomy is a threat. Some believe that giving students too much choice will weaken discipline, erode traditions, or challenge authority. My experience has shown the opposite. When autonomy is cultivated with guidance, it becomes one of the strongest tools for building belonging, engagement, and…
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Honoring Momma G: How One Mom Became Family for a Whole Generation of Brehm Boarders
At Beyond the Bell, we believe education extends beyond classrooms and titles. Sometimes the people who shape us most are not teachers or administrators, but those who simply show up, care, and hold us accountable when we need it most. To begin September, our first article of the month honors one of those people: Gerhonda “Momma…
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Daring to Be Different in Boarding School Admissions: A Conversation with Clayton Johnston
In the world of boarding school, there are people you read about, people you listen to, and every once in a while, people you genuinely look up to. Clayton Johnston is one of those people for me. Clayton is the Director of Admissions at Brentwood College School, located on the breathtaking coastline of Vancouver Island…
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Welcoming Jacqueline Danielle to Beyond the Bell!
I am beyond excited to welcome Jacqueline Danielle to Beyond the Bell Blog & Consulting as our new Director of Strategic Partnerships. Jacqueline’s expertise in education consulting, leadership development, and student success will be a key asset to our team as we continue to grow and support schools, educators, and students. This moment is especially…
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From Follows to Enrollments: Social Media That Speaks to Students
In today’s digital-first world, social media isn’t just a tool for reaching parents during the school selection process. It’s also the first point of contact for many potential students themselves. For independent boarding schools, understanding and leveraging this reality can create a powerful marketing edge. Here’s how to craft social media campaigns that resonate with…
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The Power of Involvement (Part 2): Michael Ayalon’s Guide to Growth and Leadership
In life, certain individuals profoundly influence your journey, and Michael Ayalon is one of those people for me. Michael is more than a mentor; he is a trusted friend and a true inspiration. His dedication to empowering students and fostering leadership has left a lasting impact on countless lives, including mine. As the CEO of…
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Beyond the Curriculum: The Lifelong Lessons of Residential Life
Let me start by wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! With the holiday break upon us, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the people and roles that make boarding schools truly special. Ask anyone in a boarding school community what the hardest role is, and you’ll get all kinds of answers because every…
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Beyond the Brochure: The Power of Building Community in Boarding School Marketing
When it comes to marketing a boarding school, the glossy brochure or polished website is just the beginning. To truly capture the hearts and minds of prospective families, an effective marketing strategy has to tell the school’s story through the people who live and breathe it every day: current students, parents, staff, alumni, and even…