NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH)

  • Leadership
  • Heads of School
  • Professional, Staff, and Team Development
NAIS Institute for New Heads

About the Event

The NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is a program for individuals starting their first or second year of headship. You’ll 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. 

The Institute for New Heads is part of the Leading for Influence track of the NAIS Leadership Academy. 

Register Now
Date / Time
July 11-17, 2026
Location

Emory Conference Center (Atlanta, GA)

Program Overview

This highly regarded program gives you the knowledge of seasoned heads, the understanding and support of fellow new heads, and the tools to thrive as a leader. Unique in its national perspective, expert resources and faculty, and cohort-building approach, INH has prepared hundreds of heads of school to succeed in their new role. Join this special program to reap the benefits of a week of deep learning and transformation followed by a lifelong community of supportive heads and actionable insights. 

Participation in INH includes:

  • 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

  • Working with your board and board chair.

  • Strategic planning and design.

  • Fostering an inclusive community.

  • Building and managing your teams.

  • Financial planning and sustainability.

  • Advancement and fundraising.

  • Enrollment management.

  • Legal support.

  • Leading through a crisis.

Audience

INH is designed for individuals who are about to start or have just completed their first or second year as head of school. 

2026-2027 Faculty

  • Laura Danforth

    Head of School
    he 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)
  • Testimonial

    What Attendees Are Saying

    INH was the best investment of time and energy leading into my headship. It allowed me to hit the ground running with an outstanding cohort and faculty to lean on and learn from. 
    INH Attendee
  • Testimonial

    What Attendees Are Saying

    I had high expectations going into INH based on feedback from others, but I was still blown away by the experience.
    INH Attendee
  • Testimonial

    What Attendees Are Saying

    INH is an absolute must for any incoming head! It will not only build your network, but most importantly will build your confidence as you embark on the daunting work of headship.
    INH Attendee

Registration Information

Registration prices include room and board and all meals. Programming includes one summer weeklong in-person program followed by continuing online education and services through April 2027.

*Contact us for more information about the benefits of NAIS membership, including discounted event pricing.  

Registration Type
Early-Bird Pricing (Through 4/1/26)
Standard Pricing (On or After 4/2/26)
Member Price*
$4,775
$5,500
Nonmember Price
$6,200
$6,925
  • Registration Type
    Member Price*
  • Early-Bird Pricing (Through 4/1/26)
    $4,775
  • Standard Pricing (On or After 4/2/26)
    $5,500
  • Registration Type
    Nonmember Price
  • Early-Bird Pricing (Through 4/1/26)
    $6,200
  • Standard Pricing (On or After 4/2/26)
    $6,925

Hotel Accommodations

Your registration fee includes the cost of your hotel room during the event. NAIS will reserve your hotel room at the Emory Conference Center Hotel, located at 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, for arrival on July 11, and departure on July 17. Please plan your travel accordingly. The check-in time is 4:00 PM ET and check-out time is 12:00 PM ET. 

This event is a residential program, and you are expected to stay at the conference hotel and participate in the entire program. If you require accommodation before or after these dates, please contact inh@nais.org. Additional fees may apply. 

Schedule

Watch for a more detailed schedule coming soon. The program begins the evening of Saturday, July 11, and ends the night of Thursday, July 16. Plan your travel to leave Atlanta on July 17. Remember, your hotel reservation is included in your registration fee, with check-in on July 11 and check-out on July 17.

Please be mindful that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be taking place in Atlanta at the same time as INH, with major games scheduled for July 7 and July 15. We encourage you to book your travel as soon as possible.  

Contact Information and Cancellation Policy

Please contact institutes@nais.org or 202-973-9700 with any questions.  

Cancellations must be received in writing at institutes@nais.org. Cancellations received up to 30 days (June 11, 2026) before the program's start date will be fully refunded, less a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations received fewer than 30 days prior to the program will not be refunded.