From 134 to Nearly 200 Students: The Power of Getting the Fundamentals Right

What if meaningful enrollment growth comes from getting the fundamentals right, week after week, rather than from a sweeping overhaul? Pete Moore, Head of School at Oak Hill School in Eugene, Oregon, joins me to talk about how his team grew from 134 students to nearly 200 over three years. Pete describes it as compound decision-making: small, thoughtful choices made consistently until they start to add up. We talk about how that played out across parent communication, the look and feel of campus, and the standard operating procedures that now carry much of the school's daily work. What stood out to me is how much of this began with listening. Pete and his team listened closely to what families and staff were telling them, found where friction kept showing up, and built simple checklists and routines to address it. Over time, that steady attention to detail built trust across the community, and that trust became the foundation for financial stability, community pride, and a better experience for students. For heads, trustees, and senior administrators who are stretched thin and wary of quick fixes, this conversation offers a practical, encouraging model for lasting growth. Top 5 Takeaways 1. The Power of Compound Decisions: Sustainable institutional growth relies on small, consistent, and thoughtful operational improvements made over time rather than a single major initiative. 2. Trust Drives Retention: Small operational friction points, such as disorganized communication or chaotic event logistics, erode parent trust, making fundamentals the true foundation of enrollment. 3. Standard Operating Procedures as Institutional Assets: Building comprehensive checklists and conducting post-event reviews ensure seamless execution, reduce administrative burnout, and preserve institutional memory. 4. Enrollment Is a Lagging Indicator: Compounding efforts require patience; noticeable enrollment gains often follow two or three years of disciplined, behind-the-scenes operational refinement. 5. Proactive Positive Communication: Structured outreach programs, such as intentional, frequent positive updates to families, strengthen community connection and turn parents into active advocates.