2026 Independent School Leadership Forum
Hilton Charlotte University Place
8629 JM Keynes DrCharlotte, NC
Building Capacity & Expanding Influence
The Independent School Leadership Forum is a dynamic conference designed specifically for mid-level leaders in independent schools—division leaders, deans, associate heads, department chairs, admissions and advancement professionals, inclusion & belonging practitioners, and other key administrators.
What sets this experience apart? You’ll learn directly from heads of school, former heads, and senior leaders.
Our speaker lineup features accomplished leaders who will share candid insights, practical strategies, and real-world lessons. This is a rare opportunity to
- Learn how heads think about leadership and decision-making.
- Ask questions in an open, strategic setting.
- Build connections with mentor-level leaders beyond your own institution.
- Expand your professional network with peers who understand your role.
Choose Your Learning Pathway
Tailor your experience based on the leadership challenges you’re navigating or mix and match sessions to chart your own course.
- The People Path: How do I develop individuals in a way that benefits the school?
Strengthen your ability to coach, grow, and lead people effectively. - The Change Path: How do I lead effectively when the challenge is complex and unclear?
Build confidence in navigating ambiguity and driving meaningful progress. - The Systems Path: How do I build the systems and clarity my team needs to perform well?
Create structures that empower your team and improve performance.
This forum offers more than inspiration—it provides a strategic space for professional growth, equipping you with the skills, perspective, and relationships needed to lead with confidence and clarity.
Join fellow independent school leaders who are ready to elevate their practice and expand their influence.
Registration:
By February 27: Members $695 | Non-Members $829By April 10: Members $795 | Non-Members $929- By June 5: Members $895 | Non-Members $1,029
- By June 17: Members $1,095 | Non-Members $1,229
- After June 17: Members $1,295 | Non-Members $1,429
The single greatest driver of a school’s success is the effectiveness of its leadership.
Today’s school leaders carry extraordinary responsibility: shaping culture, driving teacher performance, aligning teams, and delivering on mission, strategy, and outcomes. Yet the most impactful leaders don’t just work harder; they lead from a deep understanding of their natural strengths.
Research from Gallup shows that leaders account for at least 70% of the variance in team engagement. In schools, that translates directly to teacher retention, student outcomes, and overall school culture.
The most effective leaders Gallup has studied share a common trait: they invest intentionally in understanding and developing their strengths, and they lead with purpose because of it.
This session is designed to help you do exactly that.
You will be introduced to CliftonStrengths, a powerful, research-based framework used by high-performing leaders worldwide. More importantly, you’ll begin translating your unique strengths profile into a practical leadership strategy to maximize your natural talents and elevate your team. In this interactive session, participants will walk through their strengths report with facilitated discussion and activities guided by a Gallup Strengths certified coach.
What you’ll gain:
- A clear understanding of your unique leadership strengths
- Insight into how your strengths shape your leadership style
- Practical strategies to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and impact
- Tools to better engage and develop your team
Add the pre-conference session during your Independent School Leadership Forum registration.
HOTEL: Hilton Charlotte University Place | 8629 JM Keynes Drive | Charlotte, NC 28262
The hotel block is now closed. Rooms may be available at the conference hotel at prevailing rates.
NOTE: SAIS does not utilize the services of a housing vendor for any events. Neither SAIS nor the hotel will call you to make reservations over the phone. Occasionally unauthorized third parties may attempt to coordinate your reservations. Please use only the above hotel links to secure your reservation directly with the hotel.
Sponsors
Event Policies & Acknowledgments
- For questions about event registration or special accommodations, contact info@sais.org.
- For questions about speakers and sessions, contact elizabeth@sais.org.
- For questions about exhibiting, contact anna@sais.org.