The best school websites share a few common characteristics: stunning imagery, intuitive navigation, and a personalized user experience that captures the school's mission.

But having a “good" website is no longer enough to truly stand out. A school’s site needs to be captivating, engaging, and reflective of its character—functional and informative.

And while we’ve launched hundreds of sites this year, some truly stop us in our tracks, or rather, scrolling. These are the websites that go above and beyond, pushing the boundaries and giving users fresh perspectives and approaches to design and content.

What sets these independent websites apart?

When it comes to the best private school websites of 2024, a few key features have a big impact. These not only make the site more appealing and user-friendly, but they also play a crucial role in a school's marketing and communication strategies:

• Clean and Professional Design: The best private school websites have a clean and professional look. They use colors and fonts that reflect the school's brand, along with high-quality images that showcase the school's environment, students, and activities.
   
• Mobile-Friendly Navigation: Most people use their phones to browse the Internet. Your site should look good and be easy to use on smaller screens. Menus should be simple to navigate, and information should be easy to find with just a few taps.
   
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigation should be intuitive, whether it's information about enrollment, academic programs, or upcoming events.
   
• Engaging Enrollment Experiences: The enrollment section should be engaging and informative, providing prospective students and parents with all the information they need: details about the application process, tuition, financial aid, and any unique programs or offerings.
   
• Integrations: Integrating your school's website with various data systems can streamline operations and enhance the user experience, too.
   
• Amazing Content: Of course, your website's content should be well-written and informative! It should accurately represent your school's values, programs, and achievements through regular updates, news, events, and blog posts.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next redesign, these school websites are (in no particular order) some of our favorite independent school sites that raise the bar to a new standard for school web design.

Carroll School

The Carroll School, a private school in Massachusetts specializing in language-based learning differences, launched its new website in July and it's one that truly stands out. It's creative, engaging, and perfectly reflects the school's commitment to celebrating different ways of thinking and learning.

Here's what makes it special:

• Creative and Engaging Design: This site is bursting with creativity. Animated elements like flower petals and rotating bursts of light add a sense of vibrancy and interactivity, while interconnected panels guide users through the school's mission and values. To add to that, as users scroll down the page, a parallax design presents fast facts about the school, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
   
• Playful Touches: Rotating design elements, such as stars, flower petals, and colorful shapes, draw attention to calls to action (CTAs) and encourage users to explore further. Even the navigation menu expands with a bright gradient, adding to the site's playful feel.
   
• Unique Positioning: The site effectively conveys Carroll's core values, focusing on its role as a place where students can build confidence and feel part of a supportive network. It’s welcoming and creative and captures the school's dedication to supporting students' unique needs.
   
• Easy-to-Explore Content: The school's grid layout and text-based design make it easy for users to learn more about its approach, teaching staff, program benefits, and support systems.
   
• Valuable Resources: A collection of resources helps educate prospective families about language-based learning differences and the school's specialized offerings.

Ancillae-Assumpta Academy

Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, a private Catholic school in Pennsylvania, has a new website that's as unique and loving as its community. A refreshing layout, strong brand, and heartfelt messaging make this modest design package look and feel like so much more.

Why we “love” it:

• Unique and Refreshing: The website breaks the mold with its unconventional layout. CTAs on the bottom left, a centered navigation, and a search bar and menu in opposite corners bring a unique and refreshing user experience.
   
• Vibrant and Engaging: Bold reds and blues pop against a clean white background, making the content even more visually engaging.
   
• Love is the Message: The site effectively communicates the school's nurturing environment, making it the perfect fit for its Pre-K through 8th-grade students. The site is filled with expressions of love–"We love our students," "We love learning," "We love our community," and "We are beloved"–all carrying the passion and dedication that define the school.
   
• Streamlined Admissions: For families ready to apply, Finalsite Enrollment makes the process simple and straightforward. An embedded inquiry form streamlines inquiries, open house registrations, and requests for more information.
   
• Partnership and Support: The school partnered with Finalsite Advantage to bring its vision to life, and it shows! The extra level of care, attention, and support provided by Finalsite Advantage is evident in the website's thoughtful design and user-friendly features.

The Peck School

The Peck School, a K-8 private school, launched a new site this year, and it's a must-see for those interested in a school that prioritizes community, innovation, and student success.

Here's what makes this website stand out:

• Engaging Storytelling: The site does a wonderful job of telling the school's story, explaining the success of its K-8 program. It starts with a professionally produced video showcasing the school's community, diverse programs, and the voices of students who share why they love being a part of Peck. An engaging horizontal scroll highlights the school's core values–childhood, leadership, and horizons–while beautifully blending tradition with innovation.
   
• Community at the Heart: Testimonials from students, faculty, parents, and alumni are presented in dynamic panels that zoom in and out for a captivating user experience that emphasizes the importance of community and belonging.
   
• Seamless Navigation: The navigation menu expands into a full-page panel with quicklinks, login information, and popular resources, making it incredibly easy for users to find what they need.
   
• Enhanced Features and Branding: The site incorporates custom enhancements like video and testimonial slideshows, as well as stylized backgrounds. These elements, along with the school's unique patterns, really pull the brand experience together effectively.
   
• Strategic Support: Once again, the partnership with Finalsite Advantage gave the Peck School team a creative and strategic edge in combining the site’s branding, content, and UX for an amazing experience. Wonderful job!

Francis Parker School

Francis Parker School’s site features creative text treatments, bold colors, and a focus on community—a breath of fresh air! And just like the school itself, this website is anything but “boring!”

Here's what makes it extra *extra*:

• Unique Design Elements: The site features eye-catching text treatments that go beyond the ordinary. Right from the header, you'll notice the typography choices that blend seamlessly with the school's values and differentiators. It sets the tone for a unique experience with fresh and engaging language, avoiding the typical clichés found on many other school websites. Phrases like "no boring days" and "future-forward learning" reflect the school's innovative spirit.
   
• Understanding its Audience: FPS understands its families and community well. The navigation menu highlights resources for health and wellness, future-forward learning (technology, college counseling, and thought leadership), and the impact of funds gifted to the school.
   
• Engaging Admissions Experience: The main admissions page is well-structured and user-friendly, too, guiding families through the process with ease. It includes a warm invitation to "start their journey," a clear navigational menu for different school levels, and details on tuition and affordability.
   
  • Supported by Finalsite Enrollment, the admissions page introduces the admissions team, adding a personal touch and building trust with prospective families. It also includes links to explore life at FPS, giving families a glimpse into the school's community. The inquiry form gathers important information about prospective students and their families, allowing the admissions team to personalize their interactions and provide relevant support. 

Fort Bend Christian Academy

Fort Bend’s website is a testament to the school's dedication to excellence in every aspect. It’s a great example of how design, branding, and user-centric features can come together to create an exceptional online experience and embody its core values: excellence, learning, traditions, community, faith—and so much more! 

Here's what sets it apart:

• Dynamic Visual Experience: The site blends design elements with captivating imagery. Panels and text subtly dissolve into full-width image backgrounds, creating a dynamic and engaging journey with different shades of green that reinforce the school's branding and create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the site.
   
• Engaging Content: Fast facts about student success highlight the school's achievements, while prominently featured news stories keep the content fresh and relevant. CTAs encourage visitors to explore further, visit the campus, or apply.
   
• Enhanced User Experience: The site's interior pages are full of enhancements that improve user experience, too. Custom tab and image button sliders, as well as interactive circle graphics, keep visitors engaged and exploring.
   
• Community Focus: A custom constituent directory and student profile spotlight showcase the people who make up the Fort Bend community. The news section also allows users to search archives and filter content for stories and profiles easily.
   
• Streamlined Admissions: The revamped admissions section is a standout feature, too. Dynamic slideshows, testimonials, and a warm welcome from the admissions team create a personalized and engaging experience for prospective families.
   
  • The admissions pages also provide detailed information about the enrollment process, tuition and financial aid, and resources to help families make informed decisions. An embedded inquiry form and a user-friendly events calendar make it easy for families to connect with the school.
     
  • Plus, a dedicated area for accepted students simplifies onboarding, providing essential information about uniforms, technology, key contacts, and more!

Foxcroft School

Foxcroft School, a private boarding and day school for girls nestled in the Virginia countryside, unveiled a stunning new site this year. Over the summer, I remember scrolling this site while at the beach on vacation, wishing I was there visiting campus...

Nevertheless, here's what makes it special:

• Custom Touches: The website is brimming with custom elements that enhance the user experience and reinforce the school's new visual brand identity, supported by Finalsite Advantage. Resource pop-ups provide easy access to important information, animated duo content cards present information in an engaging way, and filtered Post grids showcase the Foxcroft community.
   
• Creative Design and Functionality: The website blends custom image buttons with standard elements like Post slideshows, timelines, infographics, and statistics, while full-width container panels highlight key aspects of the Foxcroft experience. There's a lot of creative language on this site, too: “Are you a Foxcroft Girl? We are the Foxes. We are the Hounds. And together, we run. Run With Us.” Love it!
   
• Showcasing the Foxcroft Experience: The site effectively tells the Foxcroft story, painting a vivid portrait of a graduate and the school's commitment to preparing students for college and beyond.

Metairie Park Country Day School

From the moment you land on Metairie Park Country Day School’s homepage, you're invited to embark on a journey of learning and growth. The site opens with a vibrant video montage showcasing the school's campus and using action words like "connect," "find," "open," "explore," and "stretch." It immediately grabs your attention and sets the tone for a school that values curiosity and encourages students to carve their own paths.

Just some of the highlights include:

• Value-Driven Storytelling: The site highlights the school's core values—citizenship, character, and critical thinking—through compelling video testimonials and impactful quotes from students. It emphasizes how students discover their passions, whether in athletics, arts, or academics.
   
• Embracing Exploration: The website reinforces the theme of exploration and discovery throughout. Even the call to action is phrased as "Make It Your Day," inviting visitors to imagine themselves as part of the Metairie Park community.
   
• Vibrant Community: The Community page showcases the school's spirit with images of its red and blue teams and highlights student life with a focus on inclusivity, clubs, and exploring passions. Powerful testimonials and links to the Parents' Association and Dads Club further support the school's strong bonds within the community.
   
• Unique Touches: "Cajun Stories" provide a glimpse into campus life and connect the school to its Louisiana roots. News highlights and integrated social media feeds keep visitors informed and engaged. Subtle background images of the campus add a creative flair to content blocks and the footer.
   
• Inspiring Calls to Action: Throughout the website, CTAs encourage users to consider their future at Metairie Park, asking, "What will you do at Country Day?" This approach keeps the audience engaged and inspires them to think about the possibilities that await them.

Woodlynde School

Woodlynde School, a private school dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students, launched a creative site that goes above and beyond to provide families with a welcoming and informative experience. Their admissions process, in particular, reflects a deep understanding of the unique needs and questions that families may have.

Here's what makes their website special:

• Empathy and Understanding: The "Where to Begin" page sets the tone for a compassionate and supportive admissions journey. The school acknowledges the challenges families face and assures them that they’re not alone. With over 50 years of experience, Woodlynde demonstrates a genuine empathy that resonates with prospective families, with language that reflects transformation and positive change.
   
• Clear and Informative: The admissions pages provide clear and thoughtful information about the types of students the school serves and the learning differences they accommodate, ensuring families feel welcomed, supported, and well-informed.
   
• Streamlined Processes: Thanks to Finalsite Enrollment, Woodlynde has streamlined its internal processes, making it easier for families and the admissions office to manage inquiries and applications and stay connected.
   
• Resourceful and Supportive: The website features a comprehensive Resource Hub with helpful articles and a custom "Day in the Life" interactive tool. This tool allows parents to explore how the school can support their child's specific learning differences, providing valuable information and reassurance.

Catherine Cook School

Chicago’s Catherine Cook School launched a vibrant new website that's as dynamic and engaging as the city itself. With its signature Kelly Green colors and a focus on educating the whole child, this website captures the school's focus on curiosity and inspiring compassionate leaders.

Here's what makes it special:

• Immersive Experience: Full-width video panels and strategically placed inline videos create an immersive experience that draws visitors in and encourages them to explore further and longer.
   
• Focus on Whole-Child Education: The site effectively communicates Cook's approach to both academics and social-emotional learning.
   
• Engaging Calls to Action: Rotating circular buttons and expandable sections highlight key calls to action, such as scheduling a tour, connecting with admissions, and exploring recent Instagram posts and upcoming events.
   
• Beyond the Classroom: A dedicated "Beyond the Classroom" section showcases opportunities outside of academics, including after-school programs, signature trips, service learning, and guest speakers. Video testimonials from faculty and students also provide some authentic insights into the school community.
   
• Eye-Catching CTAs: Large and prominent CTAs guide prospective families through the admissions process, prompting them to submit an inquiry, visit the campus, or start an application.
   
• Visually Appealing: Well-crafted imagery brings the student experience to life, and subtle design elements, like the Chicago cityscape and the school's Cougar mascot paw prints, add a touch of personality and guide visitors through the site.

Kent Denver School

Kent Denver School's new site is an invitation to "Experience Extraordinary," and it certainly lives up to that promise. Assisted by Finalsite Advantage, its stunning visuals, dynamic content, and seamless functionality all add up to a stunning site.

Here's what else makes it stand out:

• Visual and Interactive Design: The site is a visual masterpiece, utilizing a palette of complementary colors that blend seamlessly. Panels featuring student and teacher profiles, bold typography, and full-width video panels create a captivating experience. Colorful animated elements add a touch of whimsy and guide users as they explore the site.
   
• Dynamic and Engaging Content: The website captures the energy of KDS through compelling stories, school news, and videos showcasing student activities. The footer, featuring the majestic mountains of Colorado, evokes a sense of adventure that's a big part of the school's identity.
   
• Enhanced Navigation and Functionality: Custom navigation with integrated images enhances the user experience. The simplified top-level navigation expands to reveal different areas of the site, while quick links provide easy access to directories, career pages, campus maps, and curriculum information.
   
• Streamlined Application Process: Finalsite Enrollment simplifies the application process, allowing families to easily submit detailed information about their students. A dedicated section for summer programs provides information and carries that consistent branding forward.
   
• Mobile Optimization: The website is fully optimized for mobile devices, so it offers a seamless experience on any screen. A “scrolling” strategy keeps users engaged, and custom features like image slideshows, image buttons, a campus map, a directory, timelines, and pop-up notifications certainly keep things interesting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connor has spent the last decade within the field of marketing and communications, working with independent schools and colleges throughout New England. As Finalsite’s Senior Content Marketing Manager, Connor plans and executes marketing strategies and digital content across the web. A former photojournalist, he has a passion for digital media, storytelling, coffee, and creating content that connects.