Client Overview
Holy Cross School in South Bend, Indiana, established in 1929 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, is one of the state’s oldest Catholic elementary institutions. Rooted in a philosophy that harmonizes faith, culture, and life, the school emphasizes a holistic approach to education, nurturing students’ minds, bodies, and spirits. A standout feature of the school is its Spanish Immersion Program, which began with a 90/10 Spanish-to-English instructional split and gradually integrated more English instruction over time. The initiative has led to increased enrollment and reflects the community’s appreciation for bilingual education.
Challenges & Objectives
The Holy Cross School needed a marketing strategy to drive student enrollment, engage the community, and raise awareness of the unique opportunities the school offers, positioning the school as a standout option for both educational and extracurricular offerings, including:
• Presenting Holy Cross as a top choice for families seeking diversity and a bilingual education
• Highlighting the school’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence, faith-based education, and holistic child development
• Fostering parental involvement and further strengthening the school’s sense of community
• Engaging alums through targeted outreach, ensuring that their strong legacy continues to support the school’s growth through both engagement and fundraising
Solutions & Results
Holy Cross School’s marketing materials included new sales kits, brochures, posters, flyers, and original photography, all designed to highlight the school’s core values. The brand imagery emphasized the diversity of the student body, showcasing how this diversity enriches the cross-cultural learning experience for all students. The photography captured not only the joy and smiles of students but also the resources and beauty of the campus. The color palettes stayed true to the school’s colors, and the design maintained a clean, modern aesthetic that aligned with Catholic symbols, such as the cross.
Thanks to these strategic marketing efforts, Holy Cross School saw a significant increase in enrollment, particularly within its bilingual education program. This growth led to a more diverse student body, further enhancing the educational experience for everyone. Parental and community engagement flourished through events like Trivia Night, arts showcases, and athletics, fostering a strong sense of connection. Additionally, the school strengthened its alum network, securing valuable support for events and financial contributions. As a result, Holy Cross is now in a better position to reinvest in its programs, facilities, and staff, ensuring an exceptional educational experience for its students.
Academic Excellence, Student Diversity, and Bilingual Education Position Holy Cross as a Leading Choice
Below are images from the school’s beautiful campus and facilities, as well as up-close photography of their diverse student body.
Smiling Faces, Strong Faith, and a Focus on Diversity
Shown below are outer and inner spreads from one of the Holy Cross’s brochure kits. The design is created around clean lines, a diverse student body, beautiful campus imagery, and faith.
David’s outstanding work for Holy Cross has significantly contributed to spreading our message, increasing our school’s enrollment, and boosting donations for our education funding. His marketing expertise has been a tremendous gift that the entire Holy Cross community is forever grateful for.
Rev. Michael Mathews, C.S.C.
Holy Cross School