Education Market Research

Charter Oak Research is passionate about Christian education. We believe in it. We support it in our own families. Through our work we hope to strengthen the institution as a whole by enabling individual schools and universities to thrive.

Using advanced marketing research techniques Charter Oak can deliver qualitative results and valuable data. Opposed to other forms of educational research and consulting, Charter Oak strategically keys in on, and isolates, valuable data points that provide a concrete foundation for our consultation and planning. With this strong statistical background and know-how coupled with David Urban’s years of experience as Vice-President of Enrollment at Eastern University, your school is sure to receive valuable and effective consultation from Charter Oak and the resources needed to make data informed decisions.

Charter Oak Research delivers market research solutions to an array of education clients. Our research services provide clients with quantitative solutions, designed to provide actionable insights at every stage of a school’s development.

Our Education Offerings

Custom Research​​

Charter Oak Research enables Christian schools to conduct custom market research programs to address priority messaging and service needs with parents within the community.

  • School Profile Testing
  • Market Entry Analysis
  • Concept Testing
  • Ad Testing
  • Pre-Launch Awareness
  • Demographic Awareness
  • Positioning Research
  • Segmentation Research
  • Message Testing
  • School Visit Survey and Analysis
  • Enrolled Family Satisfaction Analysis
  • Message / Admissions Team Effectiveness Tracking

Online Capabilities

Charter Oak has access to robust databases that allows access to virtually any local demographic in the world.  This lets us know your target market and gain direct insights from potential new and unreached families.

Our strong research background, on both the client and supplier side, makes us ideally suited to offer the right research solution and recommendations.

Additional research capabilities include: qualitative interviews, focus groups, and consulting services.

In-House Expertise

Charter Oak Research distinguishes itself with a dedicated, client-focused research team.

The Charter Oak team features:

  • Client Side Perspective
  • 15 Years of Experience within Christian Education Admissions
  • Board Membership and Leadership Experience
  • Project Leadership
  • Skilled Methodologists
  • Seasoned Moderators
  • Fielding / Recruiting Specialists
  • Programming / Data Processing
  • Dedicated Analysts

Additional Services

In addition to a full array of market research services, Charter Oak Research supplies clients with several other services.  The following are examples of select offerings of Charter Oak:

Demographic Research

The first portion of the research will involve desk research with the goal of providing marketing research intelligence to Charter Oak Research in preparing to serve the school.  Basic demographics data for mission appropriate families within the area will be gathered to aid in identifying the potential market size, trends within this market, etc.  This information is essential to more effectively reaching out to the general population as well as better offering consulting on best practices and achievable results. This research should be complete within 60 days from the beginning of the contract.

General Population Survey

For this part of the research, an online survey will be conducted with parents of school aged children within a 20-mile radius of the school (or a more appropriate distance based on our demographic research and your current understanding of your market).  The objective of this research will be to identify the position of the school to the general population in the region and brand recognition, as well as to understand overall awareness and perceptions of the school and the perceived value of private/Christian education. We will also be able to identify potential differences of perception of families that attend church regularly and those who do not. This research should be complete in 60-90 days.

Admissions Database Survey

A similar online survey will be conducted with parents of current students (8th to 9th grade) as well as parents of students who have transferred to understand retention issues.  The objective here will be to identify the perceived quality of the school and to identify factors and trends of why parents choose to transfer their children. This section of the research should be completed in 60-90 days as well.

Enrollment & Marketing Audit

The final aspect of this project will be to assist the school with the enhancement of an admissions approach to ensure best practices and understanding of trends with family decision making on enrollment. Included in this will be the identification of best practices in admissions and communication model to increase yields throughout the admissions funnel. Emphasis will be placed on how to promote the school effectively to a competitive market by developing a cohesive message. The main focus will be to move the enrollment process from reactive to proactive thus driving enrollment for the upcoming year and beyond. Initially, this would be a session on the campus of the school as we develop the programs. Then periodic coaching and monitoring via phone and school visits as needed. We will provide continual feedback to you and your team as requested and needed.

Enrollment & Brand Messaging Consulting

The aspect of this research will be to assist the school with the enhancement of an Admissions model to meet the financial needs of the school. Included in this will be the identification of best practices in admissions and communication model to increase yields throughout the admissions funnel. Emphasis will be placed on how to promote the school effectively to a competitive market by developing a cohesive message. The main focus will be to move the enrolment process from reactive to proactive thus driving enrolment for the upcoming year and beyond. This consulting and coaching would be through the school year. Initially, this would be a session on the campus of the school as we develop the programs. Then periodic coaching and monitoring via phone and school visits as needed. We will provide continual feedback to you and your team as requested and needed.

Organizational Audit & Consulting

Key resources, both human and structural, when developed and effectively used are a major contributor to the success of a plan for the school’s future.  We will work with you to effectively lead in this area as well as to uncover areas warranting attention and focus.  Included in this will be an analysis of the school’s organizational structures in order to support school leadership in the development of a more efficient and effective organization for a more sustainable and healthy future.  Emphasis will be placed on how the organization is structured to support dynamic interaction throughout its many parts.  The main focus will be to understand the history of the school, the current status of the organization, and the needs of the school leadership in their attempt to uncover inefficiencies and opportunities to create structures and practices that will allow the school to become a more healthy and sustainable academic institution.  We will provide continual feedback to you and your team as requested and needed.

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