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2026 Small Schools Summit

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT) to Friday, June 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

Hilton Charlotte University Place

8629 JM Keynes Dr
Charlotte, NC

Small schools thrive on close community, shared leadership, and mission-driven work, but they also face distinct challenges that require focused strategy and collaboration.

The Small Schools Summit is designed for leaders from small independent schools. This event provides a tailored experience that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of small school leadership, with three dynamic keynotes: Small by Design: Community & Building Your Unique Value Proposition; Sustainable Funding Models for Small Schools; and Governance, Growth & Moving Forward.

Be empowered with learning pathways built around three key challenges: financial sustainability, strategy & systems, and people & team. 

What You'll Learn:

•    Targeted resources aligned to your school’s most pressing priorities
•    A peer network facing similar realities
•    Practical next steps you can implement immediately

Join us to learn strategies that can move the needle and make a difference while connecting with a network of peers facing similar challenges.

This event targets the particular needs of schools with enrollments of 500 students or fewer, annual budget of $6 million or less, or schools serving students in PK-grade 8, but attendees from independent schools of any size are welcome to attend.

Registration: 

  • By February 27: Members $695 | Non-Members $829 
  • By April 10: Members $795 | Non-Members $929 
  • By June 5: Members $895 | Non-Members $1,029 
  • By June 17: Members $995 | Non-Members $1,129 
  • After June 17: Members $1,095 | Non-Members $1,329 
Sadie Albertyn
Sadie Albertyn Organizational Effectiveness Strategist Mission & Data
Lori Bacon
Lori Bacon Head of School Kenston Forest School
Chris Bertha
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Chris Bertha Head of School Hancock Day School
Trey Boden
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Trey Boden Founder & Principal Roar
Misty Cameron
Misty Cameron Assistant Head of School All Saints' Episcopal School-TN
Adam Coleman
Adam Coleman Chief Financial Officer Trinity Episcopal School-NC
Rebecca Duke
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Rebecca Duke Head of School Montessori School of Huntsville
Jill Goodman
Jill Goodman Owner/Founder Jill Goodman Consulting
Stephanie Griffin
Stephanie Griffin Assistant Head of School for Academics Trinity Episcopal School-NC
Megan Heinzkill
Megan Heinzkill Academic Division Director PreK to 1st Grade Ashley Academy
Angelle High
Angelle High Director of Admissions The Brighton School
Julianne Hurst
Julianne Hurst Director of Enrollment & Advancement Ashley Academy
Katie Keels
Katie Keels Chief Advancement Officer Trinity Episcopal School-NC
Lisa Kelly
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Lisa Kelly Head of School Intown Community School
Doug Norry
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Doug Norry Head of School Triangle Day School
Cheryl Ollmann
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Cheryl Ollmann Executive Director The Brighton School
Tracy Onze
Tracy Onze Head of Middle School Trinity Episcopal School-NC
Lindsey Peery
Lindsey Peery Head Chaplain Trinity Episcopal School-NC
Tracye Purchase
Tracye Purchase Assistant Principal Porter Academy
Angela Rimington
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Angela Rimington Head of School Veritas Christian Academy of Houston
Sarah Ringley
Sarah Ringley Assistant Head of School All Saints' Episcopal School-TN
Lynn Schoeneck
Lynn Schoeneck Head of School Porter Academy
Steven D. Sorrell
Steven D. Sorrell Head of School All Saints' Episcopal School-TN
Marvin Thomas
Marvin Thomas Board Chair Kenston Forest School

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Hilton Charlotte University Place | 8629 JM Keynes Drive | Charlotte, NC 28262  

  • Group rate: $179
  • Cut-off date: May 22 or when the block is full (whichever comes first)
  • Reservation link here.

The hotel block is now open. If you receive an error message or if the block is full, please contact info@sais.org.

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.

Event Policies & Acknowledgments

Review Event FAQs at this link.
  • 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.