Ways Schools Are Encouraging Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is a cornerstone of student success. When schools actively encourage and facilitate meaningful family participation, the entire educational community benefits. From improved academic performance to better behavioral outcomes, the positive effects of engaged parents are undeniable. Schools and districts nationwide are finding creative ways to inspire family involvement.

The Importance of Encouraging Parental Involvement in Schools

Encouraging parental involvement in schools helps bridge the gap between the home and the educational environment, providing students with the support they need to thrive. Whether through volunteering, attending back-to-school meetings, or taking part in school decisions, parents’ engagement supports both their children and the school community.

When parents, teachers, and school leaders work together, students benefit academically and emotionally. Parents who take part in school events help build stronger communication between families and teachers. This leads to extra support for students who need it and a clearer understanding of what students need to succeed—all of which help schools improve. By actively engaging parents, schools create a more inclusive and effective educational experience.

Scroll down through the page to get an idea of how schools, districts, and organizations we work with during National School Choice Week foster parental involvement all year-round!

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Partnerships with local businesses and organizations offer additional support to both schools and families. In Maryland, Impact Humanity Inc. holds an annual Community Impact Day.

Founder Antonio Beard explains:“Our schools thrive because of the powerful partnerships we foster with families, local businesses, and organizations that share our mission of empowering students for the future. Family nights and open houses across our district provide families with opportunities to actively engage with their children’s education. From our active Parent-Teacher Organizations (P.T.O.s) at every school to the booster clubs that ensure our high school students have the resources and experiences they need, the commitment from our parents is unparalleled.”

On a district level, Queen Creek Unified School District in Arizona hosts events such as community and family engagement sessions.

Director Amanda deNight says:“These events stand as a testament to our collaborative spirit. These gatherings connect parent volunteers, faith leaders, and local business owners with our school principals, facilitating conversations that lead to school improvements and student success. Our district thrives because of the strong relationships we build with families and community members who are deeply invested in our students’ success. By fostering these partnerships, we not only enhance the educational experience but also strengthen the bonds that tie our schools to the broader Queen Creek community. Together, we’re shaping a future where every student has the support, opportunities, and encouragement needed to excel.”

Academic and Student Support Programs

Schools offer a range of programs to help parents actively support their children’s academic growth. At McKissick Academy, Whitney Moore describes how they bridge the gap between home and school:

“We offer Title I family nights, where families come into the school to participate in activities and see evidence of their child’s learning. We also host four Parent Workshops centered around literacy. Some examples of these sessions include working on phonics at home and understanding story problems. Families are also included in our Shark of the Month breakfast to celebrate their child’s success at school. We offer early literacy workshops for families in our community with children who are too young for school. During these workshops, we model early literacy skills, give families a book, and provide an activity they can complete at home.”

Similarly, Bel-Aire Elementary in Florida holds tech-focused events to help parents navigate the digital side of education.

Brittany Gibson, a school representative, shares the following:“We invited all of the Kindergarten parents to a ‘Parent Assistance’ afternoon to explain how they can access the Parent Portal. The Parent Portal has access to the student’s grades, attendance, and upcoming assignments through Schoology. We also encouraged them to become school volunteers in the school and explained the process.”

Art and Cultural Engagement

At the Arkansas Arts Academy, parents are invited to engage with their children’s creative projects through the school’s mission of arts integration.

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Allison Roberts explains: “We held a Grand Opening Ceremony for our A3 Gallery. A gallery space dedicated to highlighting the creative responses from all students K-12, open to the public, and a space where our community can experience art education and arts integration through firsthand experiences. Whether our students are making, performing, or exhibiting, we provide our students with venues for this highest level of critical thinking and creative response. “

The district also offers numerous volunteer opportunities and recognizes these contributions through an end-of-year celebration in which each volunteer receives a piece of student art as a gift.

“A.A.A. offers many opportunities for parents to volunteer. We have a school foundation- our fundraising arm, and also a very active P.T.A. and P.T.S.A. We are holding our first volunteer celebration at the end of the school year in tribute to all of our school volunteers- providing them with a piece of student art as a gift.”

Parent Engagement and Volunteering

Many schools begin the year with events designed to connect parents with the school community and with each other. For example, Holm Elementary School in Denver hosted several events to build early engagement.

According to Principal April Jones: “At our Meet and Greet, students and families had an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher, receive important information about the upcoming year, grab a popsicle, and, if needed, receive a free backpack filled with school supplies (donated by a local church). On August 29th, Holm held their first Dine Out event at Raising Cane’s. Many of our families attended this event. The proceeds from this event will help our parent group sponsor different events throughout the year, such as the end-of-the-year carnival, guest speakers, performances, and after-school clubs. Then, on September 12th, Holm hosted their Back to School Night. Over 200 families showed up to learn about what has been happening in their child’s classroom, the curriculum used, and how being a Title 1 school guarantees them certain rights. We had a lot of fun. We even had a visit from our mascot, ‘The Lil’ Husky.’ Hosting all these fun events ensures that we are always thinking of ways to feel safe and welcomed at our school.”

By creating spaces for parents to engage, from academic workshops to community events, schools foster deeper connections that benefit students and build strong, supportive school communities.