NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH)

Registration for the 2025 NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is now open.

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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!

Audience

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

Registration Information 

Registration for the 2025 NAIS Institute for New Heads (INH) is now open.

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 July 2026.

NEW! Maximize your impact from year one! New INH registrants can secure a strong, collaborative board chair/head relationship through our Leadership Through Partnership (LTP) workshop. Register for both INH and LTP now, and your board chair attends at no cost. This limited-time offer is available to the first 60 participants.

Registration Pricing Early Bird Pricing
(Through 4/22)		 Standard Pricing
(On or After 4/23)
INH member price* $4,775 $5,550
INH nonmember price $6,200 $6,925
LTP Add-On**
LTP member price for INH registrants $1,850 $1,850
LTP nonmember price for INH registrants  $2,400 $2,400

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

**The LTP event includes one ticket for the head of school and one ticket for a trustee.

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 12, and departure on July 18. 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 [email protected]. Additional fees may apply. 

Schedule

  • Watch for a more detailed schedule coming soon. The program begins the evening of Saturday, July 12, and ends the night of Thursday, July 17. Plan your travel to leave Atlanta on July 18. Remember, your hotel reservation is included in your registration fee, with check-in on July 12, and check-out on July 18. 

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

Cancellations must be received in writing at [email protected]. Cancellations received up to 30 days before the program's start date (June 12) 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 us at [email protected] or 202-973-9700 with any questions.