NAIS Peer Circles

Leadership can be isolating—but it doesn’t have to be. NAIS Peer Circles offer a trusted, confidential space to reflect, problem-solve, and grow alongside peers who truly understand the complexity of school leadership roles. 

Each circle brings together a small cohort in a thoughtfully curated group—ensuring meaningful connection for 75 minutes to engage in candid dialogue, and cover practical insights for immediate applicability in your school. Past participants consistently describe the experience as one of the most valuable and sustaining forms of professional learning they engage in.  

2026-2027 Peer Circles

For the 2026–2027 school year, we’ve refined the Peer Circles experience to better serve heads of school and board chairs. When you register, you will select the group best aligned to your role and experience. This ensures conversations are immediately relevant while still allowing for diverse perspectives within each circle.  

For Heads

Being a head of school demands sound judgment, resilience, and perspective—but you shouldn’t have to navigate it alone. Head Circles provide the rare opportunity to step out of the day-to-day, engage deeply with trusted peers, and return to your work with renewed clarity and confidence. We continue to thoughtfully place participants into consistent small groups of heads who are not in the same competitive market—creating a space for open, honest dialogue and sustained connection.

Newly Transitioned Head Circles

You are starting at a new school this year (as of July 1) and want support navigating your first year of leadership in a new context. You may be a first-time head or you may be an experienced head in your first year at a new school.

Experienced Head Circles

You are established in your role at your school and looking for ongoing growth, honest peer dialogue, and space to think more deeply about your leadership.

For Board Chairs

Board Chair Circles 

Board Chair Circles bring together small groups of board chairs from across the country. Each circle is thoughtfully composed of six to eight individuals outside your geographic location and chosen based on your preferences and role, ensuring a supportive environment where you can freely share and confide with confidence and confidentiality. 

Participants in this group coaching experience will benefit from learning in the supportive context of a community of practice with fellow board chairs, led by governance experts and coaches Brooke Carroll and Mike Hanas. This yearlong experience will help: 

• Fortify your working relationship with your head of school 
• Nurture the full and appropriate engagement of fellow trustees 
• Ensure trustees know their roles and responsibilities and focus on important, strategic topics 
• Make visible the norms/guidelines of your board to support a healthy, respectful, and inclusive culture 
• Create effective onboarding, mentoring, and development of trustees 
• Facilitate effective, efficient, and productive meetings 
• Hold accountable/course-correct a fellow trustee operating outside of the board’s lane 
• Tend to succession planning

What to Expect

• Small, consistent cohorts of your peers
• Confidential, facilitated conversations that balance structure with flexibility 
• A trusted space to explore real challenges, test ideas, and gain perspective 
• A sustained network of peers who support one another throughout the year