NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH)

Registration for the 2025 NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is now closed. For more information on the 2026 program, please email inh@nais.org.

2025 NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH)
July 12–18, 2025
Emory Conference Center, Atlanta, GA
Followed by online programming through April 2026 

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.

Here’s what past participants say about INH.

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

NAIS’s premier program for incoming and second-year heads of school has grown to include expanded small-group time, learning and practice with experts and mentors, and useful tools and data to make your day-to-day work life easier, enhancing our signature weeklong curriculum.

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 2026.

Topics Covered

Led by an esteemed faculty, INH focuses on these key topics: 

• 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,
• …and more!

2025 Faculty

• Karen Eshoo, head of school, Mid-Peninsula High School (CA)
• Laura Danforth, head of school, The 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, Chicago Academy for the Arts (IL)
• Allison Gaines Pell, head of school, The Wheeler School (RI)
• Morgan Scoville, head of school, The Fay School (TX)

Cancellation Policy