June typically marks one of the busiest, and most exciting, months for private school website launches at Finalsite. With the academic year wrapping up, schools took advantage of the moment to go live with sites that inform, inspire, and push the envelope in terms of design and creativity.

This month’s launches showcased the best of what private school websites can be with bold colors and visuals, intuitive navigation and seamless integration, as well as some thoughtful student voices and standout storytelling. Each project reflects a school’s identity and purpose, brought to life through creative design, meaningful content, and features that connect with both current and prospective families.

Find your inspiration in the latest round up!

Academy of the Holy Cross

The Academy of the Holy Cross, an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, launched its redesigned website this June and it’s a stunning reflection of its mission and community. Built with intention and care, this site now offers a more cohesive and engaging digital experience that supports the school’s story.

Right from the homepage, visitors are welcomed with a compelling slideshow of campus images paired with bold statements: Be Impactful. Be Caring. Be Resilient. Be Holy Cross. These words set the tone for a visually striking but meaningful experience,  speaking to how students are encouraged to belong, lead, and thrive.

Calls to action like “Apply” and “Give” are always accessible for prospective families and supporters to get involved. Below, the school’s mission and beliefs flow into messaging that celebrates a future shaped by courage, compassion, leadership, and scholarship—all within a supportive, faith-centered environment for young women.

The homepage continues with highlights of academic programs and differentiators, followed by testimonials from students and alumni that reinforce the strength of the school community. Social media and news posts round out the story with a lively section that proudly says: This is where girls lead the way.

Design-wise, there’s a strong and polished mix of script and block lettering that reflects both tradition and energy. The primary purple, supported by teals and soft lavender tones, gives the site a fresh, cohesive look that aligns beautifully with the school’s brand.

The content structure is equally thoughtful. Landing pages like Student Experience, Admissions, and About Us are full of engaging copy and visuals, making it easy for families to explore everything the school offers. The Building Our Future page stands out with detailed updates about the new Athletic and Wellness Center, its progress, and how it will enhance student life.

Whether visitors are looking for new family resources, ways to give back, or exploring arts and athletics, the site offers an organized, content-rich experience, and it’s support and partnership with the Finalsite Studio Advantage team is clear. It’s a complete digital representation of what makes The Academy of the Holy Cross a special place.

Congratulations to the team at Holy Cross on a website that’s beautifully designed and fully aligned with the school’s mission of empowering young women!

St. Augustine Preparatory School

St. Augustine Prep, a southern New Jersey all-boys school for grades 8–12, has launched its redesigned website, thoughtfully built to honor tradition, reflect its mission, and better serve families. Hosted at hermets.com, since its founding in 1959 the Hermit has stood as the school’s proud mascot, and this new digital space now captures that legacy and spirit more effectively than ever.

The refreshed site strikes a strong balance between usability and storytelling. From the homepage and throughout, bold imagery, structured layouts, and accessible content blocks invite visitors to go deeper into life at St. Augustine. Each section, like the academics and athletics, feels polished, intuitive, and built for families who want a closer look at what it means to be part of the Hermit Brotherhood.

Check out the dynamic calendar, seamlessly integrated with Blackbaud to pull real-time updates. Families can view events in a mobile-optimized grid or toggle to a list view, where details appear on demand. That same calendar appears on the Admissions page as well, filtered to show events specifically for prospective families, like open houses and Q&A sessions, making it easy for them to stay engaged.

The Admissions section also includes a blog packed with campus highlights, helpful matriculation insights, and celebratory content like Hall of Fame induction stories. Combined with testimonials from current families and clear answers to "Why St. Augustine?", it makes a strong, clear case for the school.

Navigating the site is simple and streamlined. A detailed pop-out menu offers an at-a-glance view of the most important areas, while a sub-navigation lets users explore in depth without extra clicks. Quick links and calls-to-action, like “Inquire,” “Apply,” and “Make a Gift,” are always within reach. And for those unsure where to start, the keyword search tool and curated list of popular pages offer helpful direction.

The new site reinforces the idea that St. Augustine Prep is a place where young men grow into scholars, athletes, leaders, and brothers. Congratulations to the St. Augustine Prep team on a beautiful new home for the Hermit community!

Bryn Mawr School

At Bryn Mawr, girls love a challenge and now, their website reflects that inspiring mindset. Bright, confident, and full of spirit, its new site is a beautiful representation of a community that encourages young women to meet every opportunity with purpose and power.

The homepage welcomes visitors with vibrant color, anchored in Bryn Mawr’s signature green and energized by thoughtful secondary colors. It’s a site that feels alive and empowering from the very first scroll.

A standout feature is the Community Voices section, where prospective families can explore a dropdown of questions answered by students through short video testimonials. It’s a fun, personal touch that brings the school’s voice front and center.

Calls to action are easy to find, thanks to bold, engaging design elements. Whether it’s summer camp registration, visiting campus, or making a gift, the navigation makes next steps easy and intuitive. The site also includes helpful shortcuts to important areas, making it simple for users to jump right into their journey.

For those learning about the school, The Bryn Mawr Experience page offers a colorful, well-organized introduction to life on campus. This section uses bright images and structured content to paint a clear picture of student life and academic offerings.

Likewise, the Why Bryn Mawr page, found in the Admissions section, goes into what it means to define your own challenge and apply yourself fully. It’s an engaging mix of narrative and practical info that helps families see what sets Bryn Mawr apart.

When they’re ready to take the next step, families can request more information or begin the application process directly through Finalsite Enrollment. With a branded, embedded inquiry form right on the site, the admissions process is simple, consistent, and aligned with the school’s overall look and feel.

The new site is packed with design enhancements that elevate the user experience, like rotating slideshows, image buttons, full-width cards, tabbed content, and a custom grid to display Posts. It’s a site built with intention, energy, and a clear sense of identity.

Congratulations to Bryn Mawr on a launch that’s as powerful as the students it celebrates!

The Joy School

The Joy School’s new website is live and it’s as vibrant, thoughtful, and mission-driven as the school itself. Designed to serve families of students with learning differences, the site beautifully illustrates how the school prepares children for a return to traditional classrooms by unlocking their full academic and social potential.

From the moment you land on the homepage, the energy is clear. Bright visuals, real voices, and personal stories create an experience filled with empathy and inspiration. Families are guided through the “who,” “how,” and—most importantly—the “why” behind The Joy School’s mission. Student success stories are front and center, including video testimonials that bring heart and authenticity to the site’s Voice of Joy storytelling approach.

One of the standout features is JoyCast, the school’s podcast. It covers relevant topics for families navigating learning differences and serves as an approachable starting point for prospective parents beginning their research. It’s informative, thoughtful, and speaks directly to the needs of the community.

The site also shines when it comes to logistics. From detailed program pages and family resources to a calendar and blog, everything is easy to find. The full-panel navigation, accessed via a clean hamburger menu, makes exploring simple, especially for users wanting specific topics like faculty directories, campus tours, or current student resources.

For families ready to connect, campus tours can be scheduled seamlessly through Finalsite Enrollment, with intuitive forms that remove barriers and create a welcoming next step.

The Joy School’s site captures what makes the school special: a deep understanding of students’ needs, clear communication with families, and a belief in what school can be.

Don’t miss these enhancements:

• 12 Keys to Success Grade-Level Summary
• Custom Faculty and Staff Directory
• Video Testimonials
• Rainbow Mission Cards and more!

Pingree School

Pingree School’s redesigned website is a striking reflection of the school’s mission to nurture students into courageous, imaginative, and authentic individuals. Built on a Signature package with custom enhancements, this site is full of storytelling and designed with both intention and heart.

From the moment visitors arrive, they’re welcomed by the message: We see you at Pingree. That phrase sets the tone for an experience focused on individual growth and possibility. As users scroll, they’re introduced to the traits students develop at Pingree, like innovative thinking, problem-solving, lifelong learning, and a commitment to advocating for others.

The homepage flows beautifully, using video testimonials to bring student voices to the forefront. These personal stories highlight Pingree’s approach: One journey, many paths. It’s a message that feels genuine and empowering, offering a clear view of how students are supported in finding their own direction.

Don't miss these highlights:

• Fast facts underscore the school’s reach and impact, like small class sizes and a student body drawn from more than 50 communities (and countless Dunkins) on the North Shore of Massachusetts. The site then pivots to a strong call to action: Your journey begins here.
   
• Every corner of this site has something meaningful to explore. A pop-out panel shares timely news and upcoming events. The Pingree Experience section highlights signature programs, academic resources, arts, and athletics, all presented through thoughtfully designed pages that make information easy to digest.
   
• Design elements play a key role in making the site both functional and inviting. The use of Pingree’s blues and greens adds vibrancy without overwhelming the content. These brand colors show up in navigation, quick links, CTAs, and icons, too, subtle touches that strengthen consistency throughout the site.
   
• On both desktop and mobile, the site offers a seamless, responsive experience as content adapts to screen size, keeping its visual appeal and functionality across all devices.

Congrats to the Pingree team on a thoughtful, beautifully executed website that captures the spirit of the school!

Aloha College

Aloha College Marbella’s new website is live, and it’s a compelling reflection of the school’s commitment to academic excellence and global community. Founded in the early ‘80s, this British international school in southern Spain has grown into one of the country’s most respected institutions, now serving more than 900 students from over 50 nationalities.

The site opens with a warm welcome from the principal and quickly answers the key question: Why Aloha College Marbella? The answer is woven throughout the site with themes of exceptional academics, outstanding care, a strong international community, and cutting-edge facilities. Every section reflects a school that holds itself to the highest standards.

Visually, the homepage is a standout, anchored by a full-width panel featuring the stunning, mountain-backed campus. Several enhancements give the site added polish and functionality:

• Social media integration helps keep the news section fresh and engaging.
• Sticky navigation tools on the right-hand side make it easy to search, reach out, or explore job opportunities from any page.
• Weglot translation allows families to seamlessly switch between English and Spanish, making the experience inclusive and accessible.
• And integration with the school’s SIS provides a smooth connection to parent and student portals.

The site balances visual appeal with practical navigation to make a space that’s welcoming, informative, and easy to explore, regardless of whether you're a current family or just starting to learn about the school.

Congratulations to Aloha College Marbella on a vibrant new site that brings its mission and community to life online!

Canterbury School

The new website of Florida's Canterbury School captures both the spirit and strength of its Fort Myers community. With a design that inspires the "heart and mind," the pages reflect the school’s values and its belief that what begins as a school becomes something much more—a second home.

The homepage introduces Canterbury’s focus on preparing students for the future through innovation, discovery, and character. It features Canterbury Voices, where students, faculty, and the head of school share firsthand insights into the impact of their experiences.

As you scroll, the site transitions smoothly into a celebration of student achievement. A powerful image of graduates fades in alongside fast facts—college acceptances, enrollment data, student-to-teacher ratios, and athletic milestones—that illustrate the outcomes of a Canterbury education.

Visitors can explore updates and stories across every division, from the arts to athletics to academic life in lower, middle, and upper school. These are all thoughtfully organized by category, tags, and an integrated search feature with the site’s Post modules, making it easy for users to explore what matters most to them.

More highlights:

• The giving section is well-structured and provides clear paths for families to support the school, too, whether through alumni, parent, or student contributions. Family testimonials speak to the real impact of giving, while a mobile-friendly layout makes it simple to engage from any device.
• The site also integrates seamlessly with its SIS, supporting portals and a detailed calendar searchable by school level and important dates for new families.
• Subtle animation in the footer, rippling blue waves, adds a thoughtful design touch, connecting the site visually to the school’s coastal Florida setting and its iconic torch logo.

Congratulations to the Canterbury team on a launch that honors tradition and welcomes the future with confidence.

Austin Preparatory School

Austin Preparatory School, an independent Augustinian Catholic school for grades 6 through 12, has launched a refreshed website that reflects its values and vibrant community. The new site serves as a powerful introduction to the school’s mission, programs, and people, and it’s filled with design and functionality enhancements that make exploring a pleasure.

From the start, users are greeted with striking image buttons featuring overlaid text, inviting more exploration into academics, arts, athletics, and campus life. Full-width panels guide visitors through Austin Prep’s story, while animated fast facts highlight the school’s impressive achievements.

A dynamic testimonial slideshow adds depth with the voices from students, alumni, faculty, and staff. These reflections offer a clear look into what it means to be part of the Austin Prep community.

The admissions process is outlined through a step-by-step timeline that breaks down each stage of the enrollment journey, making it easier for prospective families to understand what to expect and how to get started.

Visitors can also learn more from the school’s vibrant News section, where highlights from across campus—athletic stories, alumni updates, academic achievements, and more—are organized and updated regularly.

Another strong feature is the Careers page, which features job postings and more to showcase what it’s like to work at Austin Prep. Faculty spotlights, benefits information, and a clear sense of community answer the question: Why Austin Prep?

Congratulations on a launch that elevates the experience for families, faculty, and future students alike!

Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS)

The new Benjamin Franklin International School (BFIS) website is live and it’s every bit as vibrant and diverse as the international community it represents. Located in Spain and consistently ranked among the top international schools, BFIS now has a digital home that matches the spirit, energy, and excellence of its campus.

From the moment users land on the homepage, they’re met with vivid color, animation, and movement. Bright visuals, playful infographics, bold typography, and thoughtful graphic treatments come together to create an experience that’s engaging and joyful, yet easy to navigate.

The navigation draws attention to what makes BFIS different, with quick access to key pages like Who We Are, What Sets Us Apart, and Our Approach. Each landing page is thoughtfully built, offering prospective families a clear view into school life, community values, and the academic journey.

Among the standout features is the Individual Potential page, which emphasizes student agency, belonging, and differentiation, all brought to life with compelling visuals that showcase students learning, playing, and growing with confidence. Strong photography plays a big role in reinforcing the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, engaged learners.

The Careers page is another highlight. Like the rest of the site, it’s crafted with care, offering a peek into school culture while making it easy for prospective faculty to see themselves at BFIS.

Whether families are exploring university placement outcomes, the strength of its international community, or the unique culture of the school, the content is well-organized and presented with clarity and style. It’s a site built for storytelling and it tells the BFIS story beautifully.

As the footer invites visitors: Come see for yourself. This is a site that inspires curiosity and deserves a closer look!

Phew! That's a lot! Congrats to all the schools that went live in June. July is already shaping up to be just a busy!

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. At Finalsite, 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.