It may be a new concept for schools that prefer to keep the “private” in private education, but many school campuses are home to spaces that make ideal locations for community and public events.

The benefits of making your campus space and facilities available for rent are multifold:

• It welcomes families onto campus and helps build relationships with your local community
• It helps build brand awareness and encourages prospective families to visit your campus
• The rental fees help support revenue goals for your school

There’s a logistical pragmatism, too — making your campus available during off hours helps keep your campus active during summer and winter break schedules; and schools already have the infrastructure in place needed for large gatherings, such as handicap accessibility, seating for musical and theater performances, ceremonies for places of worship, locker room and restroom facilities, and audio/visual equipment for presentations.

We’re not suggesting your school signs up with AirBnB, but here are some creative ways to showcase your campus through your school website so you can build stronger community relationships with all the amazing event space you have to offer.

Welcoming new groups on campus

We all know how challenging it can be to get parents and families to campus — sometimes just physically being on campus can break down barriers and introduce prospective families to your school in a more casual setting — without the pressure of signing up for a formal tour. Summer camps, after-school clubs, and opening up your school for community events and local gatherings welcome audiences who may not otherwise step foot on your campus.

And for schools that are just outside city limits, they also offer a great option for gatherings close to transportation hubs — without the hefty price tag.

Not thirty minutes north of Boston, St. John's Prep’s 175-acre campus blends contemporary facilities and state-of-the-art technology with beautiful architecture and spacious grounds. Its chapel is available to alumni for weddings and can accommodate 300 guests, while its theater with its high-quality sound and lighting equipment can comfortably seat up to 400. Just stepping on campus  — for any reason — is impactful and with the power of word-of-mouth marketing, the campus is certainly something to talk about.

On St. John’s campus map and directions page, a slideshow displays scenic areas on campus alongside facility rental information, a self-guided virtual tour, and callouts for special areas like its Peace Labyrinth and Sculpture Series.

Put your school up on the silver screen

Lights, camera, action! Think of all our favorite movies set at schools — they all needed to be filmed somewhere, right? The film “Eighth Grade'' was shot at Suffern Middle School in NY, while the exterior of Glenbrook 255 in IL was used in some of the most iconic scenes from “Ferris Buller’s Day Off.'' And let’s not forget about the masterpiece that is “High School Musical,” which featured scenes filmed at East High in UT (We’re all in this togetherrrr…)

Production units would be thrilled to know that there are authentic shooting locations equipped to accommodate vendors, feed large film units, and offer ample parking for all the crew and gear.

Providence High School would love to have you rent space across its campus —  the classrooms, theaters, quad, and hallways are all available as filming locations; and while the campus is located in Burbank, CA Hollywood is just 20 minutes down the road. And yes, you’re right — Providence High School does look familiar. It was apparently used as a filming location for the 1978 Battered Teachers episode of the 70’s TV show, “Police Women.”

Put the “party” in bridal party

If your school has a chapel, consider making it available for small wedding ceremonies or baptisms. Just a few miles north of Detroit near the shores of Lake St. Clair, Grosse Pointe Academy is a stunning setting for weddings. With a 20-acre property and outdoor tented options for reception, the school can easily transform into the perfect location for any couple’s dream wedding and memorable after-party.

With the average cost of a U.S. wedding venue in the $6,000 range, this might be a cost-saving opportunity for couples, and a creative way to welcome alumni back to campus to celebrate where their relationship bloomed. Can’t you just feel the love?

A new hangout

Chambers of commerce, board meetings, local musicians, and event speakers — there are a variety of community groups and professionals looking for a new space or venue — just like your auditorium.

A performing arts center, a nature center — even a beautiful waterfront — Bloomfield Hills Schools' campus could be the perfect setting for someone's upcoming event. The school’s site has an entire section showcasing the areas on campus available to rent, complete with information about rental insurance and a request form for anyone who’s interested.

Home field advantage

To bring in extra revenue when your campus isn’t in use, consider renting out athletic venues for community leagues, youth sports programs, and summer camps.

Does your campus offer "state-of-the-art" sporting facilities? Consider providing after-hour access to these spaces for a membership or reservation fee. You'll be providing prospective students’ families and community members a glimpse into your athletic programs.

Whether it's a dip in the swimming pool or some time on the hockey rink, access to a professional athletic venue at St. George's School is within reach. An online booking tool makes reserving time at its athletic facilities a breeze.

What should a rental facility page include?

Whether it’s a film scouting agent considering your campus from across the country, or there’s a community organizer looking for a new gathering space for their next meeting, showcasing your campus space through your school website can help seal the deal.

Make sure you’re including the following on any pages designed to highlight your spaces across campus:

• Forms for reservation inquiries and easy tour scheduling
• Photo slideshows, videos, and campus maps of key areas
• Information about seating capacity and audio/visual capabilities
• A virtual tour of your spaces
• Directions to your campus (locally, but also in relation to major cities or highways)
• Your campus’s proximity to hotels, landmarks, and other amenities
• Price ranges for different facilities (Save time and list the price range so folks can determine if it’s in their budget.)

Key takeaway

With a school as remarkable as yours, why not share it with others? Opening up your facilities and event space for rental opportunities not only engages a wider local audience, but can help offset operational costs, build stronger community relationships, and introduce new families to your campus. Presenting your spaces online and making requesting information easy can help establish your campus as the ultimate destination.

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.