This NAIS initiative highlights independent and international schools whose programs demonstrate innovative thinking in areas such as enrollment and admissions, leadership and governance, teaching and learning, technology integration, and workforce development.
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 the following topics:
- Enrollment and Admissions (new in 2026): AI in admissions; recruiting domestic or international students; current and emerging international markets; working with international recruitment agents; domestic markets; supporting and retaining students; 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; student well-being and support; and more.
- Technology Integration: artificial intelligence (AI); virtual reality (VR); wearable tech; public blockchains; robotics; gamification; blended or hybrid learning; and more.
- The Workforce (new in 2026): recruiting teachers and/or staff; supporting and retaining domestic and international teachers and/or staff; onboarding; professional development; and more.
Submit Your Innovation Stories
We are currently accepting submissions for the 2026 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 this 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.
Download the Booklet
Please join us in celebrating these exceptional programs at independent and international schools around the world. View and download the 2025 Education Innovations from Around the World:
- Full PDF booklet (2025)
- Postcard
The following is a list of school programs featured in the 2025 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, please contact NAIS Senior Director of Global Initiatives Ioana Wheeler at global@nais.org and fill out this form.