Private School Strategic Planning

Who Is Driving Your School's Direction? Can You Shrink Your Way to Success? Hello Doug,   I hope you're winding down another successful school year and preparing for a well-deserved summer break. There's no rest here at HEG as we've a number of projects underway around the globe, including market study and business plans for K-12 international schools in Canada, GCC, USA, and Asia. Along, with this, we're actively representing the sale of a dozen schools globally, and two school evaluations this Fall. As shared in past eNewsletters, our team has been involved in numerous projects the regarding start-up of new private schools and those in the midst of roll out. All of which require an experienced hand to ensure the are operated and managed effectively. As they say, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. One of the critical blunders we see time-and-again with start-ups is that fact that founders haven't developed a detailed enough strategic business plan from pre-formation to operation over a five to seven year timeline to adequately determine whether: (1). The school is feasible in that particular market based on its program/operation/finance benchmarks; and (2) They've adequate capital to cover the initial cash-flow shortfall in the first two to three years of operation until they reach their break-even point. Our rule of thumb when establishing a school is: it needs to break-even within 24-30 months; it should be able to pay down its debt within eight to ten years, and IRR (depending on location) should range upwards to 25 to 35%. Nevertheless, the fact is that schools don't break even right away. There's just too much overhead that extends costs before you reach an enrollment point whereby you break even. However, when you reach that point, then it's clear sailing, along as you ensure that you continue to deliver on the program quality you committed to the at the beginning. You can't cut corners here! For those schools, be it established or new, that do not adequately prepare a strategic financial plan and budget, they end up in a cash crunch, and in most cases, start cutting back on program resources and staffing and/or dip into next year's tuition to cover this year's shortfall. This is a slippery slope to get on and it becomes more a matter of "when" not "if" the school shuts down. I've seen it too many times now. There can be fine balance between delivering on program quality and achieving your mission and being financially responsible. But that's what planning is about. Measure twice...cut once. But who is the driver of ensuring you achieve your strategic priorities? Who drives the decision making for your school? Is it the accounting office, Head of School, or the Board? Is it the 'bean counter' or the educational CEO of your school's vision. Don't get me wrong, there has to be financial accountability, but who ultimately makes the decision on the bottom line? And what's your bottom line and how do you measure it? In today's eNewsletter I want to talk more about who drives your school's decisions regarding short- and long-term strategic priorities and how to align your school's planning to ensure your institution is sustainable and directed towards your goals within a financially responsible process. In simple terms, this is what strategic planning is about, and something no successful school (be it for-profit or non-profit, new or established) can do without in today's every changing world. One thing is for sure, you can't shrink your way to success. To your success, Douglas Halladay President Halladay Education Group P.S. Don't forget to go to our secure Online Store to invest in our Strategic Planning or Start-A-School Toolkits.They're affordable and practical.           Today's Article:  Who Is Driving Your School's Priorities? Can You Shrink Your Way to Success? I read an article (Monday Morning Memo) a few months back that shared a story about a cafe owner who was famous for their soup, who was told by their accountant they could improve profits considerably if they added 5% more water to their recipe. The accountant was right. Water was added and no one noticed. Months later, the cafe added 5% more water and still no one noticed. Later, more water was added. And then a little more, but never more than 5% since they'd demonstrated that customers couldn't detect just 5% more water was added. As you guessed, the cafe owner didn't lose customers incrementally, but all-at-once. "The soup here just isn't as good as it used to be." It proves that operators have a blind spot to the all-at-once backlash that comes from watering down the soup. Businesses expect to see incremental declines when they're incrementally abusive, but that's not how it works. When clients pack up to leave, they take their business (your students) with them and leave all at once. The key principle for cost-cutters is that profits go up when costs are lowered. On paper, this makes sense since a cost-cutter's forecast doesn't project a decline in business. In the short-term, cost-cutters look brilliant. Later, when clients quit buying soup (enrolling students at your school) and the business begins to crumble, the cost-cutter becomes an even bigger champion: "See, I told you? If I hadn't cut expenses, we'd really be in trouble now. But with our new, lower overhead, we're still profitable. I've saved the school." Don't shake your head. I've watched it happen at many schools and it makes me want to scream. My question is, who determines your school's priorities, and do you develop a short- and long-term plan to enable you to responsibly align your resources to achieve your goals, allowing you to ride out the dips in start-up and operations? I'm not implying that all accountants are meddling. Someone has to ensure you live within your means. In fact, it's easier to raise revenues than slash costs. However, when you're a new school, you cannot shrink your way to profitability (and sustainability). You need to ensure that you've the capital in place beforehand to cover your initial short-fall; not "cut" your way through it. In fact, in during your initial start-up years, you should develop an accountable business plan that allows you to grow your school's program quality rather than shrink it. I'll finish off with one more pearl from the article to drive home the concept that you can't 'shrink' or shrivel' your school to success... A cost-cutter buys grapes and makes raisins. An entrepreneur buys grapes and makes wine. You'll never see a person arrive to a celebration carrying a box of raisins. NEXT STEP If you would like to find out more about strategic planning or school formation services, or advise on the review and implementation of your current plan, please contact HEG to find out more by sending an email to info@halladayeducationgroup.com or calling directly at +1-604-868-0002.

Private For-Profit PreK-8 School With I-20 Visas For Sale

Hello Douglas,   I hope you had a restful weekend. HEG works with school owners from across the USA, Canada, and internationally in regards to the sale of private schools. We work with an extensive list of qualified buyers seeking to purchase schools in variety of markets. These include corporate buyers seeking platforms or add-on acquisitions, high net-worth individuals, private equity firms, and other qualified parties interested in acquiring private schools. Our team has a strong track record assisting school owners to find qualified buyers and supporting them with the sale of their institution. Our approach is handled with the strictest of confidentiality and minimum intrusion in your school's operation. We work with a range of schools internationally - from small prep schools to larger language schools, colleges and universities. We have a constant flow of potential buyers due to our extensive networking and reputation.     Today I'm pleased to share with you our newest listing -- a successful private PreK to Gr. 8 preparatory school in Southern California with I-20 visas. It's an exceptional opportunity in one of the most favored destinations for international students in the United States and a great opportunity for any buyer seeking to own a prestigious school.     California-Based Accredited Private For-Profit PreK-8 School   With I-20 Visas For Sale (School No. 1067)      Our Client is selling their thriving fully-accredited Private For-Profit Preschool to Gr. 8 Prep School in the highly coveted S. California market. With a unique integration of technology, global curriculum, and values-based learning model, this school stands out as an outstanding institution. The school operates in updated, purpose-built facilities with all the amenities. It has I-20 visa approval through SEVIS and current facilities handle up to 500 students. There is enough room to add a high school and dorms. Our client recently reinvested in the campus resulting in immediate growth in enrollment and profits. Overall, the school is in extra-ordinary shape for short-, medium-, and long-term growth at+10% or more per annum. Highlights include:  Accredited For-Profit PreK-Gr.8 Private Prep School in prime Southern California market. I-20 visa approval provides outstanding opportunity to recruit international students. Offers a rigorous academic accredited curriculum and accelerated learning with an advanced math and science program.   Facilities updated and can handle up to 500 students. Space available to add a high school and dormitories. Strong growth in revenue with EBITDA increasing by +10% year-on-year. Major campus upgrades over the last 20 months. Unique opportunity in sought after California market for international students and great opportunity to own a premier private school with maximum growth potential.   NEXT STEP Everything is in place for new ownership to take the school to the next level and benefit from a premium turn-key operation in prime Californian market. Do not hesitate to contact HEG if you'd like to know more about this school. This one will sell quickly. This is a highly unique and limited opportunity in a popular SoCal region that seldom comes on the market. Refer to School No. 1067 in your communication with HEG. If you'd like more information or if you're considering the sale of your school(s), be it for-profit or non-profit, or other services HEG provides,  please contact our firm directly by email to info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call HEG at +1-604-868-0002.    To your success, Douglas Halladay President Halladay Education Group P: 604-868-0002 E: info@halladayeducationgroup.com www.halladayeducationgroup.com  P.S. Don't forget to check out our secure Online Store to invest in our Strategic Planning or Start-A-School Toolkits.They're affordable and practical.           Full Overview of HEG's Schools For Sale  Language Schools: Group of Growing Canadian Language Schools based in two key Canadian cities with EBITDA of approximately +$750,000. (School No. 1037) - SOLD Highly Regarded Canadian Language School & Career College with a popular Work/Study Program in British Columbia with EBITDA of +$400,000. (School No. 1031) - SOLD  Successful Canadian Language School & Training College with EBITDA of +$80,000. (Sch No. 1097) - SOLD  Profitable Canadian Language School Group in prime markets with earnings close to $3 million who are the recognized leader in its market. (School No. 1078)  Award-Winning Canadian Language School & Training/Testing Centre. Over the last 3 decades it's been recognized as one of Canada's most distinguished language training, teacher-training, and proficiency testing centres. (School No. 1088) Profitable Multi-Campus North American Language School & Career College Group, and one of the few remaining on the market. 35% increase in enrollment over last 36 months and 20% projected growth over the next 24. Annual revenue grown nearly 300% over last 36 months and projected to grow by another 40% over the next 24. (School No. 1099)  - SOLD K-12 Private Schools: Growing K-12 International School of 450 student located in USA with EBITDA of around $1 million. (School No. 1011)    Prestigious Boarding High School near Manhattan on 130 picturesque acres that currently accommodates 550 students with expansion for up to 2,000 students and I-20 Visas to recruit international students (School No. 1055) - Currently Off The Market    Thriving K-12 Private International School of 450 students in Vietnam with EBITDA of +$1.5 million. (School No. 1034) Fully Accredited K-8 Private School In S.E. USA with I-20 Visa structure and enrollment of approximately 180 students on an 18 acre dedicated campus. ( School No. 10734) Exceptional California-based PreK to Gr.8 preparatory school with highly coveted I-20 visa program to recruit international students (School No. 1067).  Career Colleges: Successful Canadian Career College in the Hospitality/Culinary Industry with EBITDA of +$1.5 million and full-year waiting list. Tremendous growth potential in growing market (School No. 1055) - Currently Off The Market British Columbia-Based PCTIA Accredited Holistic Health College with student loan designation offering a range of certified courses in counselling and holistic health. (School No. 1072) - Currently Off The Market Provincially Accredited Career College based in British Columbia with EBITDA of +$165,000 and broad offering of courses in Business, Health Sciences, IT, and Hospitality and Tourism. Students eligible for financial aid. (School No. 1063) - Signed LOI  Provincially Accredited Cosmetology School offering certificates and diplomas in professional beauty care. Students eligible for financial aid. New owner benefits from immediate access to career college market and can add other programs (School No. 1066)    Contact HEG by email if you'd like a full list of schools, on the market .    About Halladay Education Group  HEG is an experienced private school consulting firm specializing in private school development with services in school start-up, improved management & operation & mergers/acquisitions/sales of established private schools globally. Here are a few links providing additional info on our firm's school development services: http://db.tt/pd6y4pk6 and http://db.tt/ySODYP2H, & a link to our firm's recent work with clients: http://bit.ly/2ptow7.  Our services include: * Mergers, Sales, & Acquisitions  * Private School Formation * Market Feasibility Studies & Business Plans * Strategic Planning * Institutional Assessments & Audits * Board Governance Workshops & Leadership Development  * Financial Improvement * Government Education Regulatory Relations * School Management Services * Head Evaluation & Executive Coaching * Executive & Faculty Searches * Policy, Handbook, & Bylaw Development * Climate & Faculty Culture Improvement * Crisis & Change Management

Language School For Sale - Announcement

ANNOUNCING THE SALE OF SOL SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL    HEG is pleased to announce the sale of Sol Schools International to Australia-based Holmes Group. Sol Schools engaged  HEG to support them with the sale of their schools and advise them throughout the selling process. Located in Canada and USA, Sol Schools International owns and operates four distinguished language schools in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Miami Beach; and a career college in Toronto, and has between 500-800 students per week across all four locations. Since 1996, SSI has become one of North America's leading boutique language school groups and teacher training centres, and provides the highest quality of programs and services by qualified staff. As Canada's premiere ESL school, it offers full-time English courses, TOEFL and TOEIC preparation, Business English Diploma Program, TESL and CELTA Diploma Program, and all-inclusive Junior Programs.   Holmes Group also owns Oxford House Colleges, Oxford English College and Richmond Language Training in the UK, and offers English language courses at 14 locations in all four of the major English speaking markets. Holmes Group is a private provider of VET, higher education and ESL currently catering to some 5,000 students at five Holmes Institute locations around Australia and one in Hong Kong. It also operates four English language centres around the UK with more than 2,000 annual enrollments. Sol will maintain its name but will be added as a member of the Oxford House College Group. HEG works with school owners from across the USA, Canada, and internationally in regards to the sale of private K-12 schools, language schools, and colleges. We work with an extensive list of qualified buyers seeking to purchase schools in variety of markets. These include corporate buyers seeking platforms or add-on acquisitions, high net-worth individuals, private equity firms, and other qualified parties interested in acquiring private schools. Our team has a strong track record assisting school owners to find qualified buyers and supporting them with the sale of their institution. Our approach is handled with the strictest of confidentiality and minimum intrusion in your school's operation. We work with a range of schools internationally - from small prep schools to larger language schools, colleges and universities. We have a constant flow of potential buyers due to our extensive networking and reputation. To find out more about buying, selling, or merging K-12 private schools, post secondary institutions, colleges, language schools, or other educational business, or finding out what your school is worth in today's marketplace, please contact HEG to find out more about our services. You can set this up by sending an email to info@halladayeducationgroup.com or calling directly at +1-604-868-0002. To your success, Douglas Halladay President Halladay Education Group P: 604-868-0002 E: info@halladayeducationgroup.com www.halladayeducationgroup.com  P.S. Don't forget to check out our secure Online Store to invest in our Strategic Planning or Start-A-School Toolkits.They're affordable and practical.

Full Overview of HEG's Schools For Sale  Language Schools: Group of Growing Canadian Language Schools based in two key Canadian cities with EBITDA of approximately +$750,000. (School No. 1037) - SOLD Highly Regarded Canadian Language School & Career College with a popular Work/Study Program in British Columbia with EBITDA of +$400,000. (School No. 1031) - SOLD  Successful Canadian Language School & Training College with EBITDA of +$80,000. (Sch No. 1097) - SOLD  Profitable Canadian Language School Group in prime markets with earnings close to $3 million who are the recognized leader in its market. (School No. 1078)  Award-Winning Canadian Language School & Training/Testing Centre. Over the last 3 decades it's been recognized as one of Canada's most distinguished language training, teacher-training, and proficiency testing centres. (School No. 1088) Profitable Multi-Campus North American Language School & Career College Group, and one of the few remaining on the market. 35% increase in enrollment over last 36 months and 20% projected growth over the next 24. Annual revenue grown nearly 300% over last 36 months and projected to grow by another 40% over the next 24. (School No. 1099)  - SOLD K-12 Private Schools: Growing K-12 International School of 450 student located in USA with EBITDA of around $1 million. (School No. 1011)    Prestigious Boarding High School near Manhattan on 130 picturesque acres that currently accommodates 550 students with expansion for up to 2,000 students and I-20 Visas to recruit international students (School No. 1055) - Currently Off The Market    Thriving K-12 Private International School of 450 students in Vietnam with EBITDA of +$1.5 million. (School No. 1034) Fully Accredited K-8 Private School In S.E. USA with I-20 Visa structure and enrollment of approximately 180 students on an 18 acre dedicated campus. ( School No. 10734) Exceptional California-based PreK to Gr.8 preparatory school with highly coveted I-20 visa program to recruit international students (School No. 1067).  Career Colleges: Successful Canadian Career College in the Hospitality/Culinary Industry with EBITDA of +$1.5 million and full-year waiting list. Tremendous growth potential in growing market (School No. 1055) - Currently Off The Market British Columbia-Based PCTIA Accredited Holistic Health College with student loan designation offering a range of certified courses in counselling and holistic health. (School No. 1072) - Currently Off The Market Provincially Accredited Career College based in British Columbia with EBITDA of +$165,000 and broad offering of courses in Business, Health Sciences, IT, and Hospitality and Tourism. Students eligible for financial aid. (School No. 1063) - Signed LOI  Provincially Accredited Cosmetology School offering certificates and diplomas in professional beauty care. Students eligible for financial aid. New owner benefits from immediate access to career college market and can add other programs (School No. 1066)    Contact HEG by email if you'd like a full list of schools, on the market .

About Halladay Education Group  HEG is an experienced private school consulting firm specializing in private school development with services in school start-up, improved management & operation & mergers/acquisitions/sales of established private schools globally. Here are a few links providing additional info on our firm's school development services: http://db.tt/pd6y4pk6 and http://db.tt/ySODYP2H, & a link to our firm's recent work with clients: http://bit.ly/2ptow7.  Our services include: * Mergers, Sales, & Acquisitions  * Private School Formation * Market Feasibility Studies & Business Plans * Strategic Planning * Institutional Assessments & Audits * Board Governance Workshops & Leadership Development  * Financial Improvement * Government Education Regulatory Relations * School Management Services * Head Evaluation & Executive Coaching * Executive & Faculty Searches * Policy, Handbook, & Bylaw Development * Climate & Faculty Culture Improvement * Crisis & Change Management