As a system leader who has had the privilege of working alongside exceptional school communities, I’ve seen firsthand that running a great school is never the result of a single person’s efforts. It is a collective endeavor - an intricate dance of leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose. While every school is unique in its culture and context, the common threads that tie successful schools together are clear: strong leadership, dedicated staff, a supportive parent community, and empowered students. But there’s more.

To truly understand what it takes for a school to run efficiently and thrive, we must take a deeper look at the foundational components:

1. Strong, Visionary Leadership

Effective principals and vice-principals are more than just managers; they are vision-setters, culture-builders, and catalysts for instructional excellence. A school leader who fosters trust, models integrity, communicates clearly, and makes data-informed decisions creates an environment where staff and students can flourish. Leadership also means empowering others - distributing responsibility and nurturing emerging leaders at all levels of the school.

2. A Competent and Caring School Secretary

Often described as the heartbeat of the school, the school secretary ensures that the day-to-day operations run smoothly. From managing attendance and organizing communication with families to supporting staff and welcoming visitors, the school secretary’s organizational skills and interpersonal warmth are invaluable. Their role in maintaining both order and a welcoming atmosphere cannot be overstated.

3. Dedicated Teaching Staff

At the core of any school are the educators. Teachers who are passionate, reflective, and committed to continuous learning make all the difference. When teachers collaborate, use research-based instructional strategies, and cultivate safe and inclusive classrooms, student outcomes improve. Great schools provide time, trust, and professional learning to support their teachers in being their best.

4. Support Staff Who Go Above and Beyond

Educational assistants, early childhood educators, library technicians, and lunchroom supervisors are the unsung heroes who contribute to every child’s success. These team members play vital roles in supporting student well-being, reinforcing academic learning, and maintaining order and care throughout the school day.

5. A Reliable and Respectful Custodial Team

A clean, safe, and well-maintained building is not just a matter of aesthetics - it speaks volumes about a school's culture of care. A professional custodial team ensures that students and staff learn in an environment that promotes health, comfort, and pride. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, quietly but powerfully shaping the daily experience of school life.

6. Engaged and Supportive Parent and Guardian Community

Schools thrive when families are partners in education. A supportive parent community that values learning, respects school policies, and engages in meaningful collaboration with staff creates a shared investment in student success. When families and schools work as a team - through communication, volunteerism, and parent council involvement - the ripple effects are transformative.

7. Empowered, Respectful Students

Students are not just the reason schools exist; they are also contributors to a positive school culture. When students are taught to lead with kindness, take responsibility, and have a voice in their learning, they help shape a respectful and productive school community. Fostering student leadership and promoting character development are essential components of a well-functioning school.

Additional Cornerstones of a Great School

While the roles above are critical, other factors also play a key role in operational excellence:

Effective Communication Systems
Clear, timely communication - both internal and external - is crucial. Whether through newsletters, parent portals, staff memos, or emergency procedures, consistent messaging ensures alignment and reduces confusion.

Strategic Use of Data and Technology
Schools that utilize data to drive instruction, track student progress, and plan interventions operate more efficiently and meet student needs more effectively. Technology, when used purposefully, supports teaching, learning, and administrative efficiency.

Professional Learning Culture
A school committed to continuous improvement fosters a learning environment for both staff and students. Ongoing professional development, mentoring, and collaboration fuel innovation and reflective practice.

Wellness and Equity Lens
Efficient schools recognize the whole child and the whole educator. Mental health support, equitable access to resources, culturally responsive pedagogy, and safe spaces for dialogue are vital in creating an inclusive and healthy environment.

Crisis Preparedness and Responsiveness
From medical emergencies to mental health crises or safety drills, schools must have plans in place and ensure staff are trained to respond with care, confidence, and clarity.

An efficiently run school is not about perfection - it’s about intention, alignment, and a shared belief in the power of education to uplift lives. When each part of the school ecosystem functions with purpose and heart, we create spaces where children thrive and educators feel fulfilled. As system leaders, our job is to support, resource, and elevate this collaborative work - so that every school, no matter its size or location, becomes a place where excellence is not only possible but expected.

Citation:

"Factors that create great schools" prompt. ChatGPT, 31 June. version, OpenAI, 31 June. 2025, chat.openai.com/chat.