A number of Christian schools nationwide have introduced a new paradigm for re-enrollment: “continuous enrollment.” Similar to the process used by colleges and universities, the initial enrollment contract remains in effect until graduation or withdrawal.

Most schools have a 85% or higher annual re-enrollment. Why make parents go through the hassle every year? Think of all the staff hours spent on processing paperwork or online re-enrollment processes. Why not continuous enrollment until such time as voluntary or involuntary withdrawal?

Here are four schools to check out:

• Northshore Christian Academy, Everett, WA
• Grace Christian School, Anchorage, AK
• Bethlehem Christian School, Bethlehem, GA
• Eastern Christian School, Midland Park, NJ

Schools using continuous enrollment commonly do the following:

• send a letter to families, usually in January announcing tuition changes for the new year
• distribute high-quality Annual Reports of the previous year or other PR pieces to remind families of the advantages of attending the school
• establish a withdrawal deadline
• charge one semester tuition or some other substantial amount for withdrawals after the deadline
• charge no penalty for moving out of the geographic area or due to catastrophic illness
• have an initial enrollment contract containing a description of the process.