Your budgetary decisions and priorities should be determined by their ability to support your educational plan and mission. At this point in the school development process, you have already defined questions such as

• Who are we?
• Who are the students we're serving?
• Why are we serving them?
• How will we serve them?

For budgeting purposes start with enrollment and basic demographics.

Which grades will you serve? How many students per grade?

This is about more than just total enrollment. Research similar schools (both within and outside of your area) to make a baseline estimate of Average Daily Attendance.

What type of students will attend your school?

Language Demographics will help you gauge the number of English Language Learners you'll serve. An understanding of the socio-economic status of your potential students will help you estimate the percentage who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch.