7 Tips for Boosting Family Engagement in Schools

Effective family engagement can make a big difference in school success. When families are involved in their child’s education, it boosts student achievement and strengthens the whole school community. Research shows that strong family involvement leads to better academic outcomes, improved behavior, and increased student confidence.

However, many schools struggle to engage families, especially in today’s fast-paced, tech-heavy world. To help, we’ve gathered seven simple strategies to strengthen school-family connections, no matter the challenges your district faces.

Why is Family Engagement Important?

Family involvement is one of the most important factors for student success. When families are engaged, students tend to:

• Perform better academically
• Complete homework more regularly
• Build self-esteem and display positive social behaviors
• Feel more comfortable bridging cultural differences between home and school
• Stay on track for graduation and avoid special education placement

The good news is that the digital age offers a wide variety of tools to allow families to connect with your school and teachers. Using today’s digital communications channels—and some old-school ones—can increase parental involvement:

1. Use Video Tutorials for Parent Support

Share helpful video tutorials on your school’s website to guide families on how to support their child’s learning. These videos can cover homework help or explain school processes. Teachers can also demonstrate useful study techniques, making it easier for families to assist at home.

2. Keep an Updated Online Calendar

One major reason families feel disconnected is a lack of information. Make sure your school’s website has an up-to-date calendar of events. Sync this calendar with your school app and social media channels to keep families informed without them needing to search for updates.

3. Engage Families on Social Media

Many families are active on social media. Schools can connect by using platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share news, celebrate achievements, and provide event reminders. Be sure to link these posts back to the school’s website or app for more detailed information. Examine your school’s social media policy and begin planning to communicate on an ongoing basis. Social media provides excellent ways to connect families to your school’s website and begin engaging them.

4. Schedule In-Person Meetings

While digital communication is useful, face-to-face interactions are powerful. Host regular parent-teacher conferences or even home visits to build stronger connections. These meetings foster trust and demonstrate a shared commitment to student success.

5. Host Family-Centered Events

Organizing informal events like family nights or open houses allows families to see the school environment up close. These relaxed settings encourage conversations without the pressure of formal meetings, helping families feel more connected and involved.

6. Offer Flexible Volunteer Opportunities

Schools that provide flexible volunteer options give families a chance to engage on their own terms. Whether it’s helping at an event or joining the parent advisory council, offering a variety of roles makes it easier for busy families to get involved.

7. Use a School Mobile App

In today’s mobile-first world, having a school app is essential. Make sure your app integrates with your website, calendar, and communication tools. A user-friendly app with real-time updates helps families stay engaged, no matter how busy they are.

A Hub for Communication

To ensure everything runs smoothly, schools should have a well-maintained website. This site should serve as a communication hub, offering calendars, blogs, volunteer sign-ups, and video resources. When combined with a mobile app and social media, your communication strategy will ensure no family is left in the dark.

For more information on how to improve parent engagement, check out the School Communications Planning Guide.