Are you ready to connect and grow as a leader? Are you frustrated by the endless stream of tactical meetings when you need a space to deeply explore the complexities of your position and leadership responsibilities? NAIS Peer Circles are your path to connected and effective leadership.
Registration for the 2025–2026 NAIS Peer Circles is now closed.
What Are NAIS Peer Circles?
NAIS Peer Circles offer a unique space for open and genuine discussions about leadership realities among peers who empathize with your challenges. 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.
Sessions will explore topics primarily determined by what each group needs. Past agendas have covered wellness in the workplace, staying grounded in reality, emerging technology and navigating change, career development and workplace dynamics, and reflection and goal-setting.
The 2025–2026 Peer Circles will meet monthly starting in September 2025 and ending in April 2026. Each meeting will be 90 minutes. If you select Tuesdays or Wednesdays, your Peer Circle will run from 4:30–6:00 PM ET. If you select Thursdays, your Peer Circle will run from 1:30–3:00 PM ET. The dates are as follows (each group will meet on one of the days each month):
- September 16, 17, or 18
- October 21, 22, or 23
- November 18, 19, or 20
- December 16, 17, or 18
- January 20, 21, or 22
- February 17, 18, or 19
- March 17, 18, or 19
- April 21, 22, or 23
Why Choose Peer Circles?
- Tailored Groupings: Your circle will be curated to align with your role and/or school characteristics, ensuring relevance and connection.
- Outside Perspectives: Tap into the power of other voices, experiences, and viewpoints.
- Expert Guidance: Each monthly 90-minute virtual session is led by an NAIS member school leader skilled in coaching and facilitation who will create the right balance of structured and unstructured time.
- Consistent Cohort: You’ll meet with your group each month from September 2025 to April 2026 The cohorts will meet during the third week of each month.
- Quality Online Experience: You'll use a virtual platform built for peer-to-peer learning.
What Attendees Are Saying
"What was most impactful for me has been the connection to resources through members of my Peer Circle. ... I believe in the power of connecting with other people doing the work—tapping into the knowledge, expertise, and experiences of others. It helped me feel connected to others in similar roles. I grew in my understanding of the independent school world, too."
"To me, Peer Circles are an opportunity to learn about other schools' practices, to reflect upon one's own practice, and have peer camaraderie through connections built over time. ... Peer Circles are a perfect way to build those connections and think through the application of new strategies, initiatives, and problem solutions."
“It was quite helpful to be with peers who are on similar journeys and carrying similar burdens. I gained some concrete advice for my own challenges, but more importantly was encouraged by the conversation and the ways people were present for each other, even though none of us knew each other outside of this experience.”
“The time spent was beneficial and provided me with a nonjudgemental space where I could be reflective and thoughtful.”
Registration Information
Registration is now closed for the 2025–2026 NAIS Peer Circles.
- Upon registering, participants will receive a survey that will help NAIS create meaningful Peer Circle groups. Registration closes August 8, 2025, and the survey must be submitted by August 15, 2025, or sooner.
- Participants will receive their specific Peer Circle group information, including their group's dates and times, on August 28, 2025.
Pricing
Pricing is for the 2025-2026 yearlong engagement.
| Registration Pricing | Early-Bird Pricing (June 1 – July 25, 2025) | Standard Pricing (July 26 – August 8, 2025) |
| Member price | $700 | $725 |
| Nonmember price* | $900 | $900 |
Are you a board chair? Learn about NAIS Board Chair Circles here.