Contacting parents...

Naomi, everything you do that is unique or interesting can be a press
release. Interesting studies, field trips, art projects, etc. can be used
to tell the local parents about what is happening at your school...
Especially if it is unique to your school or Montessori. Most papers will
print it if it is concise, well written and includes a couple of interesting
pictures. Also, coffee with the head master once a month. Be sure to
invite local realtors, bankers and the Chamber to the coffee dates so that
they can help market your school. Many realtors, banks and the Chamber put
together packets to send or give to prospective families moving into your
area and education is always high on their list of questions about the area.
If you have some hair dressers that are friends with any of your parents,
invite them... Moms always talk about their children when getting their hair
done ;-) Be sure you have a decent brochure (not expensive, just with
beautiful pictures of children peacefully working and concentrating).
Finally, go to where the families are and set up a table. If you have
different festivals (music, art, heritage, etc) where families congregate,
be sure you have a booth/table there with some of the wonderful works. We
always take the division board, the fraction circles, some botany works,
etc. Be prepared to give lessons to the visiting children and show the moms
how engaged the children are. We ask the parents to rotate through on the
day of the event with their children. I would highly recommend letting the
children give the visiting children the lessons. Hope this helps!

Trish