Too often, school websites are designed with a single user in mind: the busy parent. But another audience matters deeply—grandparents. They play an active role in supporting, cheering on, and sometimes even financially sustaining a classical school. Tapping into their perspective can unlock deeper engagement, multi-generational loyalty, and increased word-of-mouth. A website that considers grandparents isn’t just inclusive—it’s strategic.

1. Grandparents Reinforce School Culture and Values

Grandparents bring a long view. They understand why virtue formation matters. They’re often the parents of parents who sought a classical education decades ago. When they feel welcomed on your site, they reinforce the ethos at home. Consider adding an “Our Heritage” or “Generations of Formation” section on key pages to speak to this legacy mindset.

During admissions season, grandparents often research the school too. They’re the ones saying, “My granddaughter needs a school that teaches courage and policy.” A site that includes them signals respect for their perspective.

2. Practical Access: Think Visually & Technically Inclusive

Grandparents need clarity and ease. Use:

• Readable fonts (16+ px) with high contrast
• Simple navigation without layered menus
• Large buttons for scheduling visits or sending gifts
• Clear photos of campus life, chapel, arts—and even facilities maps

Include step-by-step guides rather than brief links. While parents navigate easily, grandparents appreciate straightforward instructions—especially for event sign-ups or virtual chapel services.

3. Highlight Grandparent-Specific Opportunities

Many classical schools host grandparent events—read-aloud mornings, alumni banquets, chapel open houses. Create a section labeled “Grandparent Events & Involvement.” List them clearly, with calendar integration and RSVP functionality. Make sure they’re easy to find—this sends a message that they matter.

Link to any annual events or registration pages directly from the homepage during Grandparent Month or invitation season.

4. Showcase Multi-Generational Stories

Nothing connects more than lived experience. Use testimonials from grandparents like:

“In chapel today, I remembered praying the same Psalm three decades ago for my son. It moved me to tears.” – Jane M.

Embed these on your “About” or “Heritage” page alongside alumni parent stories. These narratives build emotional trust and lend depth to your school’s legacy.

5. Offer Content That Interests Them

Blogs and newsletters often speak only to parents. But grandparents want meaningful connection, not logistics. Consider:

• Short features on long-standing faculty relationships
• Reflections on virtue from older generations
• Photo galleries from chapel, musical performances, house competitions

Curated content helps grandparents feel included—and invites them to share with their networks. Consider an evergreen “Grandparents Corner” section on your blog.

6. Make Giving and Engagement Easy

Grandparents often want to support the school financially or with service. Include a dedicated callout or mini-CTA on your giving page or main navigation: “Support Future Generations.”

Offer a quiet giving experience—one that honors legacy and impact without aggressive fundraising language. Connecting it to virtues like generosity or legacy resonates deeply.

7. Include Virtual Touchpoints

Not every grandparent can attend in person. Offer virtual options:

• Live stream chapel or recitals
• Video recordings available for download
• Zoom coffee hours with head of school or faculty during peak events

An embedded “Watch Our Chapel Live” link on your homepage or events page signals openness and inclusivity.

8. Create a Dedicated Grandparent Resources Page

This could be an evergreen subpage titled “For Grandparents.” Include:

• Event calendar
• Photo galleries
• Grandparent involvement form
• Links to livestreams and archives
• Simple FAQs (“Can I drop off a lunch?” “Where do I park?”)

Link to this page from family login sections, newsletters, and the hero section during key seasons. This level of care differentiates your community.

9. Link Emotional Content Strategically

When you publish a blog post about chapel traditions or virtue formation, include a note: “Read this reflection from our grandparents’ Spring Gathering” with a link to your grandparents page. Use internal linking strategically to connect emotional content across pages. If you’re curious about strategic linking, our guide on building a website for grandparents, too covers best practices.

10. Don’t Overwhelm—Be Intentional

Grandparents don’t need to see parent login portals, traditional school blogs, or application pages first. They need two things: feeling welcome and knowing how to connect. Keep the focus narrow. Offer enough to feel valued without confusing them.

Bringing It All Together in Your Schedule

1. Audit your site: Do you have legacy-focused content?
2. Design phase: Use high contrast, accessible fonts, clear CTAs.
3. Content gathering: Collect grandparent testimonials, stories, event photos.
4. Launch a “For Grandparents” page: Organize calendar, give options, livestream links.
5. Promote: Feature during Grandparents Day, alumni weekend, newsletter highlights.

This isn’t a token acknowledgment—it’s a strategic embrace. Grandparents hold deep emotional stakes in your mission and can amplify family trust for generations.

When grandparents feel seen online, they don’t just visit—they share, support, and advocate. They become anchors for your school’s story, whispered across dinner tables and shared through calls.