Most classical schools treat testimonials as decoration. A rotating quote on the homepage. A few kind words buried on the admissions page. It’s well-intentioned—but wildly underutilized.

Testimonials are one of the most powerful trust-builders on your website. But only if you use them with purpose, not as an afterthought. This post will show you how to make your testimonials work harder—by placing them strategically, shaping them intentionally, and aligning them with what families care about most.

Why Testimonials Matter (and Why Most Don’t)

Parents considering a classical school are often new to the model, skeptical of the unknown, and concerned about academic outcomes, culture, and spiritual formation. Your testimonials can speak to all of that—if they’re clear, specific, and placed where it counts.

The problem? Most school testimonials sound like this:

“We love this school so much. The teachers are amazing.”

It’s nice. But it’s vague. And it doesn’t answer the real questions prospective families are asking.

Use Testimonials to Answer Doubts and Reinforce Decisions

The best testimonials do two things:

• Reinforce key selling points (“The classical model has helped our son become a better thinker and communicator.”)
• Answer common objections (“We weren’t sure about the rigor, but our daughter has truly flourished here.”)

Think of testimonials as parent-to-parent reassurance. What would a current parent say over coffee to someone touring for the first time? That’s the voice you want.

Where to Place Testimonials for Maximum Impact

Random quote carousels rarely get read. Strategic placement drives conversion. Here’s where to use testimonials for real effect:

1. Admissions Page

Use testimonials that speak directly to the application process, tour experience, or decision to enroll. Example: “The admissions process was so personal—we felt known before we even joined.”

2. Homepage

Instead of a vague quote, try this: right below your primary CTA (“Schedule a Tour”), add a testimonial that reinforces action. “We scheduled a tour thinking we’d just explore. We walked out knowing it was the right place.”

3. Tuition Page

This is where cost anxiety spikes. Use testimonials to show value: “We sacrificed to make this happen—but it’s been the most worthwhile investment for our family.”

4. Theology or Statement of Faith Page

Use quotes that show alignment without sounding preachy. “This school’s commitment to truth and formation has shaped our entire family.”

5. New Family Resource Page

Reassure new families with testimonials like: “Everyone welcomed us from day one—it really does feel like a community here.”

How to Get Testimonials That Don’t Sound Generic

You don’t need dozens of testimonials. You need 5–7 really strong ones that hit the right notes. Here’s how to get them:

• Send a short, focused survey to recent enrollees with questions like:
  • What made you choose our school?
  • What concerns did you have before enrolling?
  • What’s surprised you most since joining?
• Use specific prompts instead of “Can you write a testimonial?”
• Get permission to lightly edit for clarity and impact.

Video vs. Text: Which Works Better?

Video builds trust faster—but it also requires more effort. Use short, informal video clips from real parents if you can. Text testimonials still work well, especially when paired with a name, photo, or grade level (e.g., “Sarah B., parent of a 7th grader”).

Pro Tip: Match Testimonials to Stage of the Funnel

Different testimonials work best at different points:

• Homepage: “Why we booked a tour.”
• Admissions page: “Why we enrolled.”
• Academics/Curriculum page: “What our child has learned.”
• Theology page: “How the school shapes faith.”

The more aligned your testimonials are to page intent, the more persuasive they become.

Don’t Just Tell—Prove

Your mission, values, and outcomes matter. But anyone can claim them. Testimonials prove them. Used well, they can quiet doubts, build trust, and nudge a parent from “maybe” to “let’s apply.”

If your site isn’t using testimonials strategically, you’re leaving trust on the table.