If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off the summer and bring a ton of new energy (and new faces) into your school, a “School’s Out” party is the way to go. We’ve run these before at our school, and they’ve always been a hit—not just with students, but with their friends, families, and future students too.
Here’s how we plan it, run it, and most importantly—how we promote it in a way that actually works (spoiler: it’s not social media posts…).
Pick a Theme That Screams “Fun!”
You don’t need anything crazy, but having a theme helps set the tone and gets kids excited. Some easy wins:
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Glow Party – black lights + glow sticks = instant fun
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Dodgeball & Pizza Night – always a crowd-pleaser
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Nerf Night – let them bring their blasters and run wild
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Board Breaking Party – every guest gets to break a board and take it home
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Water Games – perfect if you’ve got outdoor space and want to do something messy
Keep the whole event around 2–3 hours. You can do a mix of games, martial arts challenges, a quick demo, and wrap it up with snacks and prizes.
The best time to do it is right after school lets out—like the Friday or Saturday that first week of summer break. Kids are pumped, parents are looking for something to do, and you’ll be top-of-mind before families get too deep into vacation season.
Want to Fill It Fast? Here's What Actually Works…
Forget hoping for RSVPs from a Facebook post or email blast. The best way we’ve found to get kids in the door is simple:
Give your students printed invitations to hand out to their friends.
That’s it. Seriously.
We design these invites to be eye-catching and easy for kids to pass around. They include all the event info, your school’s name/logo, and even add a QR code parents can scan to sign up or learn more.
We’ve even got drawstring bags, glow wristbands, and other party swag if you want to go all out. But even just the invites alone work like crazy.
Just hand out 5–10 to each student in class and tell them to invite their friends. You can even turn it into a contest—whoever brings the most friends gets a prize or a free private lesson.
Make New Guests Feel Like VIPs
This part is huge. When new kids come through your door, make sure they feel welcomed right away:
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Learn their name immediately
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Give them a wristband, nametag, or something special
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Pair them up with a student they already know, or assign a “buddy” for the day
The goal is to make sure every guest feels like they’re part of the party, not just watching from the sidelines.
End Strong With a Special Offer
Before they leave, make sure every new guest gets a goodie bag or a flyer with an invite to join your program. You’ve already got their attention—now is the time to offer a free trial, a summer special, or a parent-friendly way to keep the momentum going.