This NAIS initiative celebrates independent and international schools spearheading some of the world’s most thought-provoking education innovation in teaching, learning, and technology integration.
NAIS member and subscriber schools located in the U.S. and in other countries are creatively transforming education through cutting-edge programs and practices. The unique offerings equip students with the necessary experiences, knowledge, and skills to flourish and succeed in an ever-changing and interconnected world where technology is rapidly advancing and jobs are evolving from traditional norms. These model programs will spur new ideas and innovations for educators and leaders at schools worldwide to provide students with opportunities for future success in their education, careers, and beyond.
You can also learn about some of these stories firsthand at Thrive, the NAIS annual conference, through the Idea Exchange program and multiple workshops.
The stories cover the following topics:
- Enrollment and Admissions (new in 2026): recruiting domestic or international students; current and emerging international markets; working with international recruitment agents; domestic markets; supporting and retaining students; AI and admission; and more.
- Leadership and Governance (new in 2026): head or leadership development and support; governance development and support; and more.
- Teaching and Learning: global, experiential, environmental, and outdoor education; mind-brain education; curriculum development; vocational training; sports; entrepreneurship; sustainability; and more.
- Technology Integration: artificial intelligence (AI); virtual reality (VR); wearable tech; public blockchains; robotics; gamification; hybrid learning; and more.
- The Workforce (new in 2026): recruiting teachers and/or staff; supporting and retaining teachers and/or staff; onboarding; professional development; and more.
Submit Your Innovation Stories by April 24
We are currently accepting new submissions for the 2026-2027 brochure. If your school is interested in submitting a profile and being considered for next year’s brochure, please fill out this form by April 24.
Schools in the U.S. and those outside of the U.S. are welcome to submit stories; however, not all submissions will be accepted this year. NAIS will select one to two stories per school, depending on available space in the brochure. If your submission is not accepted for this year’s brochure, you can opt to remain in the pool for the following year.
Download the Booklet
Please join us in celebrating these exceptional programs at independent and international schools around the world. View and download the 2025-2026 Education Innovations from Around the World resources:
- Full PDF booklet (2025-2026)
- Postcard
The following is a list of school programs featured in the 2025-2026 brochure.
U.S. SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- Atlanta International School (GA): AISx: Learning Without Limits
- Deerfield Academy (MA): 21st Century Stewardship: Infusing Environmental Stewardship Education with Global Citizenship
- Harpeth Hall School (TN): How NeuroTeach Transformed Our Teaching and Learning
- Saddle River Day School (NJ): The Student-Led Global AI Learning Initiative
- Synapse School (CA): Exploring Universal Design Through American Ninja Warrior
- University School of Nashville (TN) and Ransom Everglades School (FL): Digital Humanities and Game Design: Centering the Student Experience
- Windham Woods School (NH): Animal-Assisted Learning: Engaging All Students
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- Bayview Glen Independent School (Canada): The Collaborative Cubing for Sustainability
- International School of Bangkok (Thailand): Co-Curriculars Reimagined: Learning Through Collaboration
- Leysin American School (Switzerland): Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship: Changemakers @ LAS
- The American School in Japan (Japan): Deep Learning Signature Program
- The American School of Lima (Peru): Students Leading in the Ethical Use of Generative AI, Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt
- The Rockhampton Grammar School (Australia): The Rockhampton Grammar School Agriculture Programme
If your school is interested in submitting a profile for next year’s brochure, please contact NAIS Senior Director of Global Initiatives Ioana Wheeler at wheeler@nais.org and fill out this form.
If you are interested in the NAIS Thrive Idea Exchange program, please contact NAIS Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Jacqueline Wolking at wolking@nais.org.