NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH)

NAIS Institute for New Heads


Registration for the 2024 NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is now closed.


2024 NAIS Institute for New Heads
July 13–19, 2024
Emory Conference Center, Atlanta, GA
Followed by online programming through June 2025 


This highly regarded program will bring 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 benefit not only from a week of deep learning and transformation but also 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 in addition to our signature weeklong curriculum.

Participation in INH will include:

  • 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, which will be structured around interactive large- and small-group sessions and daily processing with experts, mentors, and other new heads.
  • Continued virtual support and learning through July 2025.

Audience

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

Topics Covered

Led by an esteemed faculty, INH will focus on the following key topics:

  • Working with your board and board chair,
  • Strategic planning and design,
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership,
  • Building and managing your teams,
  • Financial planning and sustainability,
  • Advancement and fundraising,
  • Enrollment management,
  • Legal support,
  • Leading through a crisis,
  • …and more!

Registration Information 

Registration for the 2024 NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is now closed.

Registration prices include room and board and all meals. Programming includes one weeklong, in-person program and continuing online education and services through July 2025. 

Registration Pricing Early Bird Pricing
(Through 3/27)
Standard Pricing
(On or After 3/28)
Member price $4,625 $5,325
Nonmember price* $6,025 $6,700

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

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 and Hotel, located at 1615 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329. Reservations will be made with an arrival of July 13 and a departure of July 19; 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 dates other than what is covered, please contact [email protected]. Additional fees may apply.

Schedule

  • Watch for a more detailed schedule coming soon. The program will begin the evening of Saturday, July 13, and end the night of Thursday, July 18. Participants should plan to leave Atlanta on July 19. 

INH Sponsors

Thank you to our 2024 INH sponsors!

SILVER Sponsor Crane + Peters Crane + Peters
SILVER Sponsor First Rodeo Coaching First Rodeo Coaching
BRONZE Sponsor The Glasgow Group The Glasgow Group
BRONZE Sponsor Joy-Raising Joy-Raising

2024-25 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

Cancellations must be received in writing at this email address: [email protected]. Cancellations received up to 30 days (June 15) before the program's start date will be fully refunded, less a $75 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the program will not be refunded.

Contact Information

Please contact [email protected] or (202) 973-9700 if you have any questions.