5 School Website Features Every Parent Wants

What’s good, y’all — John D. Saunders here. 👋🏾 You know the vibes. I wanted to take a moment to dive into something that’s critical for any school or educational institution out there trying to connect with parents: your website.

We’ve had the chance to collect feedback from real families and use that insight to build school websites that actually deliver. So let’s get into the five key features every parent is looking for when they land on your site — whether it's for middle school, high school, or even higher ed.

1. Accessibility is Non-Negotiable

Let’s start with the foundation: your site has to be accessible.

That means having the ability to switch between multiple languages, offering accessibility profiles for users who are blind, dyslexic, colorblind, or motor impaired, and even giving folks the power to adjust contrast or text size based on their needs. It also has to be mobile-friendly — full stop. Whether someone’s browsing on a laptop or from their phone in the car line, the experience should feel seamless.

2. Clear, At-a-Glance Information

Parents don’t want to dig for information. They want a bird’s-eye view of programs and offerings right away.

We built a section for the Pathways Initiative that gives just enough detail without overwhelming. Each pathway is easy to scan, visually represented with custom illustrations, and has a direct link to deeper information if someone wants to learn more. We even included a quick explainer video and a simple three-step process so parents can browse, choose a program, and apply.

3. Showcasing Social Proof + Partners

Above the fold on the homepage, we highlight employer and education partners in progress. That kind of social proof builds instant trust.

Seeing real partnerships — not just logos, but connections that support a student’s success — helps parents feel like they’re making a smart, future-focused decision. It anchors the program and gives your site credibility out the gate.

4. Interactive Exploration Tools

We added a feature that allows parents and students to explore available schools and programs interactively.

They can filter by interest, browse different educational tracks, and instantly view the details they care about most. Instead of just reading through static content, they’re actively navigating the site based on what fits their needs. It’s intuitive, smooth, and keeps them engaged all the way to that “Apply Now” button.

5. Custom Illustrations That Simplify the Journey

One of my favorite features we implemented was a fully custom visual timeline that maps out the student journey from 9th through 12th grade.

Each grade level includes key milestones: advising sessions, work-based learning, early college credits, and credentials earned. It’s all designed to be digestible at a glance. And the best part? It’s built directly into the site — not just an image — which means it helps boost SEO and keeps the content accessible for all users.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, parents are trying to make one of the most important decisions for their child’s future. Your school website needs to reflect that — with clarity, intention, and a smooth user experience from start to finish.

If your site isn’t doing that, it’s probably time for a refresh. And if you’re ready to make that move, tap in — we’d love to help!

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