3 minute read
Influx of New Students
Laguna Admissions “Bursting at the Seams”
Our community is undergoing an admissions boom. With the student body, faculty, and campus all expanding, Laguna is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth.
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WORDS by FRANCES CARLSON and MADELEINE NICKS PHOTOS by BRAD ELLIOTT
Laguna Blanca has found itself in a position that it has not been in for decades: admissions are “bursting at the seams.”
After enduring two years that were drastically altered by the effects of COVID-19, the community not only emerged stronger—but larger.
Classes are full across each school division. This year’s freshman class has 52 students, compared to the 2021 graduating class with 32 students. The seventh grade holds the highest enrollment with 61 students.
“Our attrition rate is 8%, so we retained 92% of our students. The National Association of Independent Schools averages 12%,” Director of Admissions Joyce Balak.
“By November [or] December, I had a pretty good idea that this was going to be much different. The volume of people inquiring and the number of applications dramatically increased,” Balak said.
“This year, already, I know it’s going to be another big one. Applications are three times, maybe four times, larger than previous years.”
While many schools, colleges, and businesses across the country were during COVID-19, Balak believes that it was Laguna’s ability to stay in-person that made the largest impact on enrollment.
Without the ability to hold in-person events, the admissions department shifted its focus onto virtual events and email communication.
This posed a new convenience for families, which was clearly reflected through high attendance rates.
“For our middle-school open house, I think we had around 150 people on Zoom. Typically, when we do them on campus, we have maybe 40 families. The difference was huge,” Balak said.
“Last year, we had very few in person opportunities. I think our prospective families and applicant families relished the fact that we stepped forward and did so many virtual events,” Balak said.
“Without exception, they said that we knocked it out of the park in terms of staying in close communication. Lessons learned, this is not going to go away.”
This increase has rippled out to affect campus life and can be seen in larger sports teams, attendance at dances, and fuller student clubs.
The student body increased along with faculty, staff, and administration. Laguna welcomed Ron Cino, as the new Head of School and welcomed 16 new faculty members across all three divisions.
In September, we officially unveiled the new Center for Science and Innovation.
The $6.5 million project allowed for not only improvements to previous spaces but also the building of two additional classrooms, all of which play a vital role in supporting the increasingly popular STEM programs, which range from chemistry to robotics.
And yet, as Laguna continues to evolve and enlarge, an emphasis remains on maintaining the culture of the school.
“I think the biggest question and concern for me was impacting the culture of the school,” Balak said.
“I wouldn’t want to change the dynamics of who we are. I think that Laguna offers such a rich program— what you experience from the faculty is just amazing—it is the reason why we have such great outcomes.”
“And, it isn’t about the outcome of this kid going to this college, but instead the character of who you are,” Balak said.
“I’m really proud of all of our students. The best thing about Laguna are the students, and that comes from the fabulous teachers.”
