NAIS Institute for New Heads

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July 11-17, 2026; Emory Conference Center Hotel, Atlanta, GA; followed by online programming and support through April 2027 ( registration is now open ) The NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is a program for individuals starting their first or second year of headship. Join us to build a strong peer and mentor network, acquire an understanding of the essential tasks of headship, and return to school supported by a toolkit of valuable resources. NAIS Leadership Through Partnership October 22-23,

Details

Dates

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Format

Online

Location

Atlanta, GA

Cost

$4,775

Who it's for

Heads of School

Subjects

Computer science Dance

Topics

Advancement & Fundraising Finance & Operations School Leadership & Governance

Program Overview

Guidance from expert speakers and experienced heads around critical issues such as governance, finance, leading faculty and staff, and enrollment management.
A cohort model of peers who will provide a safe space to work on the challenges of leading a school through your first year and beyond.
Resources such as planning documents, data tools, and case studies that will help you guide your board and staff through difficult decisions.
The in-person, weeklong, summer event structured around interactive large- and small-group sessions and daily processing with experts, mentors, and other new heads.
Continued virtual support and learning through April 2027.

Topics Covered

Board Relations Working with your board and board chair.
Strategy and Planning Strategic planning and design.
Community-Building Fostering an inclusive community.
Managing Your Team Building and managing your teams.
Finance Essentials Financial planning and sustainability.
Advancement Advancement and fundraising.
Enrollment Enrollment management.
Legal Issues Legal support.
Crisis Management Leading through a crisis.

2026-2027 Faculty

Laura Danforth Head of School The Masters School (NY)
Michael Gary Head of School Friends Select (PA)
Brenda Leaks Head of School Seattle Girls’ School (WA)
Jason Patera Head of School The Cooper School (SC)
Alona Scott Head of School The Buckley School (CA)
Morgan Scoville Head of School The Fay School (TX)
Cheryl Ting Head of School St. Paul’s Episcopal School (CA)