Roundhouse MediaA dedicated growth role is becoming common at schools above 200 students.
By Marcus Reyes · July 3, 2026 · 7 min read
When we started reporting on program directors, we expected a niche story. Instead we heard from owners in nearly every style and market who said it reshaped how they run their school.
A recurring theme was speed. Families make decisions quickly, and the school that responds first and clearly usually wins the enrollment.
Cost was less of a barrier than many expected. Most of the improvements came from better habits and tools the school already had, used more intentionally.
Many of the owners we spoke with use platforms like Academy Blast to handle lead follow up, reminders, and online visibility in one place, so the work happens even when the owner is teaching.
As the industry keeps maturing, program directors is likely to become a standard part of how well run schools operate. Getting ahead of it now is an advantage.
Industry data shows the average school loses nearly half of new students within six months. A small group of owners is quietly beating that number with systems, not luck.
October 14, 2026 · 6 min read
More parents are asking ChatGPT and Google AI for 'the best karate school near me.' What that shift means for how schools get found.
September 18, 2026 · 5 min read
A year of reporting points to a handful of shared habits.
September 12, 2026 · 7 min read