This NAIS initiative highlights independent and international schools whose programs demonstrate innovative thinking in areas such as enrollment and admissions, leadership and governance, student support and well-being, teaching and learning, technology integration, and the workforce.
Across the United States and around the world, NAIS member and subscriber schools are reimagining education through forward-thinking programs and practices. These efforts provide students with the experiences, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing, interconnected world shaped by advancing technology and evolving careers.
These model programs will inspire educators and school leaders globally to pursue new ideas and expand opportunities that prepare students for success in school, in their careers, and beyond.
The stories cover some of the following topics:
- Enrollment and admissions encompasses domestic or international student recruitment and markets, working with international recruitment agents or consultants, financial aid, and more.
- Leadership and governance includes head or leadership development and support, board development and support, fundraising, and more.
- Student support and well-being highlights student support and retention, health and well-being, college counseling, and more.
- Teaching and learning involves teacher or student leadership development, global, experiential, environmental, and outdoor education, mind-brain education, curriculum development, vocational training, sports, entrepreneurship, sustainability, assessment development, and more.
- Technology integration features artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, or school operations, virtual reality, wearable tech, robotics, gamification, hybrid or online learning, and more.
- The workforce includes recruiting teachers and staff, supporting and retaining teachers and staff, leadership transitions, onboarding, professional development, and more.
Please join us in celebrating these exceptional programs at independent and international schools around the world.
Download the 2026-2027 Booklet
View and download the 2026-2027 Education Innovations from Around the World:
The following is a list of school programs featured in the 2026-2027 brochure.
U.S. SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- Cheshire Academy (CT): The Roxbury Center for Learning and Leadership
- Jewish Leadership Academy (FL): Beyond the Lab: Be the Scientist You Never Knew Existed
- Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School (GA): Show What You Know: Showcasing Student Growth With Digital Portfolios
- Marymount School of New York (NY): Certificate in Design, Innovation, and Impact
- Oak Meadow Montessori School (MA): Guided by Experience: How Targeted Mentorship Strengthens Novice Teacher Support
- Rye Country Day School (NY): Design Thinking, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
- The Elisabeth Morrow School (NJ): Social Entrepreneurs: Student Leadership Symposium
- The Kehillah School (CA): Student Grant Council: Increasing Student Agency Through Peer-to-Peer Support Programs
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- American Community School of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates): A Powerful Arabic Language Education Model
- Appleby College (Canada): Global and Experiential Education
- CUAM Mexico City / Anglo-Mexican High School (Mexico): Life Skills for the Digital Era
- International School of Luxembourg (Luxembourg): Nature-Based Learning
- King’s Academy (Jordan): Build, Don't Buy: Creating Custom Software With AI
- King’s Academy (Jordan): King's Scholars: Nurturing a New Talent-Based Tribe
- The American School in London (United Kingdom): Fostering Global Citizenship Through Local Community Action
Download the 2025-2026 Booklet
View and download the 2025-2026 Education Innovations from Around the World:
Submit Your Innovation Stories
We are currently accepting submissions for the 2027-2028 brochure. If your school would like to be considered, please complete this form.
Schools in the United States and abroad are invited to submit stories or case studies. Please note that not all submissions will be included. NAIS will select one to two stories per school, depending on available space in the brochure. If your submission is not selected for next year’s brochure, you may choose to remain in the pool for consideration next year. You can also indicate your interest in having your story featured through other channels.
For more information, contact NAIS Senior Director of Global Initiatives Ioana Wheeler at global@nais.org.