Starting a private school in Ghana

Starting a private school in Ghana.
Ghana National Council For private school (GNACOPS)
 (Obenfo Gyetuah kwasi Enoch)

Starting a private school is a challenging process and generally takes no less than 2 years. Private schools often have high academic standards, low teacher-student ratios, availability of non-core subjects such as art and music and an emphasis on discipline, safety, community service, and values. Private schools can be proprietary (for-profit), however most are incorporated non-profit entities. The following steps will help guide you in starting a private school in Ghana 

1.Determine the grade levels for your private school
How many and which grades will you start with and how many will you eventually grow to include
Many private schools start with fewer and lower grade levels and add upper grades overtime.

2.Write a mission statement for the school to focus your reasons for starting a private school.
This statement will be the driving philosophy for your educational plans and a way together community support
The mission statement should include a  rationale for starting your school, your   school values, the educational approach, the curriculum focus and goals and planned out comes for students. The  vision statements will be the mechanisms and approaches that will be setup to help you achieve your mission or dream.

3.Assemble a private school committee.
The committee will eventually become   the core members of your board of  directors. Committee members should be experts in different areas, including education, legal,accounting, business and construction.

4.Research your state's educational requirements for private schools.
In some states, private schools are overseen by a division of the Department of Education. Other states such as Ghana have individual accrediting agencies for private schools,  while still others have no private school   regulations.

5.Create the business entity.
Determine if your private school will be proprietary (for-profit) or non-profit and register as such.
Most private schools incorporate can apply for tax- exempt status. File the appropriate paper work with your registrar general department,Ghana  and the IRS. Your founding committee
attorney should handle this step 

6.Write a business plan for your private school. 
Create 5 year business plan, including operational plans (such as financial and marketing) and educational plans (such as educational focus, curriculum, implementation and assessment).

7.Determine your budget and secure  your funding.
The budget should include capital expenses Your committee accountant or financial specialist should help with the budget,  or you should seek expert advice.
If you are operating as a non-profit, solicit contributions by asking for donations from foundations, applying for grants and establishing donations from private donors.

8.Find a location for your private school.
Locate a current facility or develop plans to build one.

9.Interview and hire critical staff members
The first 2 staff members you should hire are the headmaster and a business manager. This should be done approximately 18 months prior to the start the school so you will have experienced professionals to help implement the final steps to starting your private school.
The headmaster/administrator will be able to help you handle the educational and staffing aspects of the school plan, while the business manager will work with you on duties such as enrollment and purchasing

10.Promote your private school to prospective parents and students.
Advertise for students through community, church and service groups. You can also advertise through local newspapers and magazines and submit your school to online and private school directories.
Design a website that will provide admissions and enrollment information

11.Open your business office.
Begin the admissions process for students. Order your curriculum materials, furniture and educational 
supplies.

12.Interview and hire faculty.
It is extremely important to find highly-qualified teachers and staff, so be competitive in your compensation.
States vary in requirements for private 
school teacher qualifications.
Provide faculty training sessions several months before the start of school to familiarize the teachers and staff with the school,
policies, procedures, expectations, curriculum and your vision for the school.

13 .Open your private school
Plan your opening for when other schools in the area are starting. This is usually in the early  of September to begin the academic year.

You can seek further clarifications to help  plan and design perfect beautification outlooks for  your schools
Thank you for your attention.
Long live #OBENFOGYETUAHENOCH#
#GNACOPS#