Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads

Details

Who it's for

Subjects

Topics

The application period for the 2026-2027 cohort has now closed.

• A mentorship cohort led by a current head of school.
• Career counseling, including résumé and interview preparation, to help navigate and distinguish yourself in the head search.
• Special programming during a summer institute that provides a comprehensive overview of what headship really looks like.
• A series of learning activities that support you in getting inside the work of leading a school.
• An invaluable network of colleagues and mentors who provide advice and support throughout your career.
• April 30–May 1, 2026; Washington, DCThis two-day event will kick off the program and allow you to meet your cohort of fellows.
• This two-day event will kick off the program and allow you to meet your cohort of fellows.
• July 20–July 24, 2026; Washington, DCThis weeklong summer institute will center around small-group mentorship and learning sessions to grow your understanding of independent school leadership.
• This weeklong summer institute will center around small-group mentorship and learning sessions to grow your understanding of independent school leadership.
• March 3-5, 2027; Baltimore, MDYou’ll finish your fellowship experience with special programming at Thrive, the NAIS Annual Conference. The cost of registration is included in your fellowship fees.
• You’ll finish your fellowship experience with special programming at Thrive, the NAIS Annual Conference. The cost of registration is included in your fellowship fees.
• have a master's degree or other advanced degrees or be in the process of obtaining one;
• have worked as an administrator in independent schools for three or more years;
• commit to completing all the components of the program in the fellowship year; and
• secure the backing of your school head (including financial support if applicable).

Testimonials

From learning about leadership styles to getting a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a head of school, read what recent attendees had to say about the fellowship:

"I can't say enough how impressed, inspired, and grateful I am for the experience. It totally surpassed my expectations and set a high standard for future online professional learning." "I appreciated the way that each [faculty member] poured into participants with wisdom, attention and time. I felt seen by them." "... the program surpassed by expectations and was highly impactful in the ways that mattered: forming leadership community, providing authentic and inspiring mentorship, and giving a real glimpse into the complexities of headship."

This yearlong program includes mentorship with an experienced head who will regularly share real-life problem-solving, candid conversations, engaging assignments, and lifelong relationships with a cohort of supportive educational leaders.

2026-2027 Faculty

• Angela G. Garcia, head of school, Near North Montessori School (IL)
• Ashley Harper, head of school, Wakefield School (The Plains, VA)
• Damian Jones, head of school, The Center for Early Education (CA)
• Olaf Jorgenson, head of school, Almaden Country Day School (San Jose, CA)
• Adriana Murphy, head of school, St. Elizabeth's School (CO)
• Lisa Nagel, head of school, Duke School (NC)
• Dan Seiden, head of school, Pinewood Preparatory School (Summerville, SC)
• Lisa Sun, head of school, Indian Mountain School (CT)
• Ray Wilson, head of school, The Northwest School (Seattle, WA)

Contact Us

For more information, please contact us at instituteshelp@nais.org.NAIS has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, NAIS does not discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, nation of origin, gender, or any other characteristic.